How to Grow Round-Leaf Stonecrop and an Introduction to Its Varieties

Round-leaf stonecrop is an ornamental flower. Round-leaf stonecrop grows in a creeping form, with opposite leaves and bluntly rounded tips. Under full-light conditions, the leaves turn red in autumn, and the petals are yellow or white. It likes sunny and relatively dry environments, and growing round-leaf stonecrop requires certain skills. Let us take a look together at how to grow round-leaf stonecrop and what varieties there are.

I.How to grow round-leaf stonecrop?

1. Soil

The cultivation soil for round-leaf stonecrop requires good drainage and no pests or diseases, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.0. River sand or peat soil can be used as a mix, with a sand-to-peat ratio of 1:1. To reduce costs, construction leftovers containing crushed brick can also be used. Flower pots or plug trays can be used as containers.

2. Temperature

Because round-leaf stonecrop originated in plateau regions, it has strong cold resistance and can usually tolerate extreme low temperatures (short periods of freezing) and very dry weather, but it is not tolerant of high summer temperatures. The suitable temperature for nighttime growth is 15°C to 18°C, and the suitable temperature for daytime growth is 24°C to 26°C.

3. Fertilizing

Round-leaf stonecrop is extremely tolerant of poor soil and generally does not need fertilizing. If fertilizing is truly needed for care, fertilizer can be applied 1 to 2 times during the growing season, and the concentration must be low, mainly organic nitrogen fertilizer. In early spring, when new buds are just beginning to sprout, organic fertilizer can be spread on the soil surface, but be sure to use only a small amount.

4. Light

Round-leaf stonecrop likes an environment with sufficient light, but it is also slightly shade-tolerant. Growth generally requires direct sunlight, as this ensures robust growth and healthy leaf color. When placing them, leave a certain spacing to prevent leggy growth, deciding according to different plant sizes.

5. Watering

Round-leaf stonecrop must never be overwatered. Within the first 10 to 14 days after potting, spray an appropriate amount of water, but do not make the soil soaked. Follow the principle of “water when dry, stop when wet” when spraying, and reduce the time the soil stays soaked, otherwise it will cause root rot. In winter, try not to water, and water only if the plant wilts due to lack of water. In summer, if there is no rainwater irrigation, water once a week.

6. Repotting

In spring, repot round-leaf stonecrop according to the plant's growth condition, being careful not to damage the leaves. A relatively shallow flat tray or hanging pot can be used as the container. A flower pot with a diameter of 15 to 20 cm is enough for later growth. Coarse sand can be mixed into the substrate to ensure sufficient air permeability.

II. Variety Classification of Round-Leaf Stonecrop

1. Stringy Stonecrop

A perennial succulent herb, with a plant height of 10-20 cm. The stems are slender, creeping or slanting, and the whole plant is smooth and hairless. Roots form at the stem nodes near the cultivation substrate.

2. Variegated Hanging Stonecrop

The stems and leaves are juicy. The stems are yellow-green, relatively soft, and hanging. The leaves are broadly ovate, 1-2 cm wide and 1.5-2.5 cm long, green around the edges, with slightly wavy teeth on the margins and bright yellow in the center. Each node bears 3-4 clustered leaves, resembling petals. The branches are initially upright, then hang down, reaching 30-40 cm.