How to Propagate Golden Sedum (Sedum japonicum 'Tokyo Sun') from Cuttings? A Detailed Guide to Propagation Methods
Gardeners who love succulents surely know Golden Sedum! Golden Sedum is a very popular type of succulent, and especially under sunlight, its color becomes even more brilliant and eye-catching. So how do you grow Golden Sedum? Let's find out together below!
How to Propagate Golden Sedum from Cuttings
1. Soil. Golden Sedum has low soil requirements; generally, sandy soil is enough for it to survive, and it is quite tolerant of poor soil.
2. Propagation. Golden Sedum can be propagated by cuttings; because it grows and multiplies easily, it quickly fills a pot.
3. Watering. Golden Sedum does not like waterlogged soil; it only needs the soil to be moist. Therefore, during the summer rainy season, be sure to move it indoors to avoid too much soil moisture causing the plant to rot. In addition, when watering, if the soil is not particularly dry, do not water it. In winter, it can be placed in a spot with fairly ample light so that the soil does not freeze.
4. Temperature. Golden Sedum likes to grow in a warm environment and has relatively high temperature requirements. If the temperature is below 5 degrees or above 30 degrees, it will have a certain impact on growth, so its growing environment should be adjusted appropriately according to temperature changes.
5. Light. Golden Sedum's growing environment requires sufficient sunlight, which is what ensures the golden-yellow color of the leaves. Therefore, placing it outdoors in a spot with ample light in summer is not a problem, even in direct sun; as long as the light is good, the stems and leaves will be more compact and dense. On the contrary, if light is insufficient for a long time, it is prone to leaf rot disease, causing the plant to rot and die.
6. Pruning. During the growing period, Golden Sedum may shed some leaves; at this time, you can prune so that the branches continue to grow. Of course, if you cut off stems, you can also insert them into other potting soil to grow.
7. Repotting. Golden Sedum's growth capacity is astonishing, and it grows relatively quickly; when it fills the pot, it is especially spectacular. During this period, also pay attention to trimming the branches and leaves to maintain an attractive plant shape. In addition, be careful when repotting to avoid breaking the stems and leaves, which would affect the ornamental effect.
Golden Sedum Propagation Methods
1. Stem Cutting Propagation Method
Golden Sedum has strong propagation ability. Stem cutting propagation is the simplest method, but it takes a relatively long time.
In spring or autumn, select healthy Golden Sedum stems, cut them off directly, and place them on the surface of breathable soil. No watering is needed. After 3~5 days, the cut ends will basically heal. At this point, you can mist the surface of the potting soil to keep the soil surface slightly moist, which is more conducive to rooting.
After the stems have rooted, you can provide sufficient water, and they will slowly enter a growth state. From rooting to normal growth takes 1~2 months.
2. Division Propagation
Division is generally carried out when the plant is first bought and about to be planted, or when repotting and changing the soil. A reminder to gardeners: do not divide the plant just for the sake of dividing it, so as to avoid excessive disturbance that causes the mother plant to die.
The division method is relatively simple. After taking the plant out of the pot, directly pull apart the clustered plant by hand and plant the sections separately. Be careful that the planting depth is not too deep. As for the number of plants in each section, you can decide flexibly; there is no limit. A small clump of Golden Sedum will quickly fill a pot.
Precautions for Golden Sedum
1. Do not expose it to cold wind: Golden Sedum likes a warm environment and can grow well between 5 and 30°C, but in winter it is best not to place it by a window. Even a closed window lets in drafts sometimes. If you accidentally open the window, your Golden Sedum could suffer!
2. Provide appropriate shade: When the summer temperature rises above 35 degrees, it should be appropriately shaded, ventilation should be increased, and watering should be controlled. When the winter temperature is below 5°C, watering should be controlled; if it is even lower, consider moving it indoors to overwinter, and choose an indoor spot facing the sun as much as possible.
3. Loose soil: Golden Sedum has low soil requirements. Sandy loam or ordinary potting soil is fine, and it is fairly tolerant of poor soil. Of course, peat can also be used. Usually, when watering, let the soil dry out as much as possible and then water thoroughly; do not let water accumulate. If the soil is slightly moist, growth will be relatively fast, but be careful about leggy growth. That said, although beginners understand all of this, their execution always falls a little short. You should know that if the soil is not chosen well, Golden Sedum will die very quickly.
Golden Sedum's Growth Habits
Golden Sedum likes an environment with sufficient sunlight. During the growing season, it needs plenty of sunlight; the more sun it gets, the more dazzling its golden-yellow color will be.
In summer care, pay attention to shading and ventilation, and water according to the principle of “do not water until dry, and water thoroughly when you do.” When the temperature is below 5°C or above 30°C, pay attention to controlling water to prevent root rot caused by water accumulation in the potting soil.
Golden Sedum is very easy to propagate from cuttings; cuttings and division are both fine, and it easily fills a pot.
Through the above content, I believe everyone has gained some understanding of Golden Sedum's growing techniques! In fact, Golden Sedum is very simple to grow, but later on it still needs good care, otherwise leaf drop or withering can easily occur!