How to grow Sedum pachyphyllum well? A detailed guide to the latest cultivation methods

Sedum pachyphyllum is native to Mexico and is a perennial succulent plant in the genus Sedum of the family Crassulaceae. It likes a warm, dry and sunny environment and has high ornamental value. Many enthusiasts love to make Sedum pachyphyllum into small hanging bonsai, or combine it with other cacti and succulents into mixed bonsai. Whether placed in a room or decorating a hall, it is extremely elegant. Now let us take a look at how to grow Sedum pachyphyllum well!

How does Sedum pachyphyllum propagate?

1. Preparation: Before propagating, confirm that the Sedum pachyphyllum is growing well, has no pests or diseases, and has relatively thick leaves. Prepare a glass container suitable for Sedum pachyphyllum. A prettier one is fine, but do not make it too large. If you really cannot find one, just prepare a somewhat attractive ceramic flower pot.

2. Cuttings: The propagation method of Sedum pachyphyllum is relatively simple. Cuttings are enough, divided into stem cuttings and leaf cuttings, and the two can be done at the same time. Choose a mother plant with better growth, cut off the top as cutting material, and pull off leaves to prepare for leaf cuttings. Just insert the pulled-off leaves directly into the soil. It is simple and direct, rough and easy to grow. Put the cut-off top into a glass container to root. You do not need to do anything; just let it grow on its own. It can root in about 10 days.

How is Sedum pachyphyllum cultivated?

1. Light: The more sufficient the light and the greater the temperature difference between day and night, the brighter and more lustrous the leaf color of Sedum pachyphyllum. When temperature permits, it is best to place it outdoors for care to ensure sufficient light. When light is insufficient or soil moisture is excessive, it will become leggy, the whole plant will be dull in color, the leaves will be sparse and the internodes will elongate, accelerating upward growth, seriously affecting its ornamental value, and it may even die because the plant's photosynthesis is blocked.

2. Water: Because Sedum pachyphyllum has a high internal moisture content, it is prone to rot in an overly humid environment. Never water too much. To avoid water accumulating at the roots, it is best to choose a pot with drainage holes at the bottom. When cultivating in humid areas, red clay pots with good air permeability can be chosen. Glass containers absorb heat and have poor air permeability, so use them with caution. The reference watering amount is about once every 10 days, and each time just water thoroughly. The watering frequency can be increased or decreased as appropriate according to climate differences in different regions and seasons.

3. Soil: Sedum pachyphyllum is suitable for cultivation in sandy soil with good drainage and air permeability, so as to facilitate the discharge of excess water and the growth of plant roots. It can be prepared with 1 part pine needle soil, 1 part vermiculite, 1 part leaf mold, and 1 part sandy soil. Repot once every 1 to 2 years in spring, and the dead old roots can be cut off.

4. Temperature: Under general conditions, Sedum pachyphyllum stops growing or suffers mild frost damage below 5°C, and at 0°C and below, the water in the leaves freezes and the cells die. When the temperature is too high or too low in winter and summer, the plant stops growing. At this time, watering should be temporarily reduced or stopped, and the watering frequency should be resumed when the temperature becomes suitable. In summer high temperatures, pay attention to ventilation and prevent long periods of direct sun exposure to avoid sunburn.

5. Pruning: Sedum pachyphyllum usually needs dry and withered old leaves removed in time to prevent accumulation from causing bacterial growth. When the plant becomes leggy or grows too tall, the top branches and leaves can be pruned to shape it and control plant height, so as to maintain a graceful plant shape. The cut-off top part can be dried at the wound and then inserted into slightly moist sandy potting soil to root and become a new plant. The stems and branches at the bottom can sprout more side buds.

The difference between Sedum pachyphyllum and Sedum rubrotinctum

1. The most important difference between Sedum pachyphyllum and Sedum rubrotinctum is the stem. Whether the head is large or small, whether it is powdery or not, none of these are as obvious as looking at the stem. No matter how Sedum rubrotinctum grows, it still has a fleshy stem, while Sedum pachyphyllum has a prominent woody stem, and the texture on the stem is very obvious. Moreover, the stem of Sedum rubrotinctum is tender and green, while the stem of Sedum pachyphyllum is old and yellow, as if it had bark.

2. Sedum pachyphyllum and Sedum rubrotinctum can also be clearly distinguished from newly sprouted small plants. A small Sedum rubrotinctum plant typically has leaves with a large head and a small tail, and the color is on the bluish side. Even a newly sprouted small Sedum pachyphyllum plant has a woody stem, and its leaves have a small head and a large tail, with a yellowish color.

3. The leaf curvature of Sedum pachyphyllum and Sedum rubrotinctum is different. This is relatively hard to describe; experience it yourself. The leaf shape of Sedum rubrotinctum is like a banana, while the leaf shape of Sedum pachyphyllum is like a cucumber. Moreover, the leaves of Sedum rubrotinctum are on the blue-green side and turn red when exposed to sun, while the leaves of Sedum pachyphyllum are on the yellow-green side and turn yellow, or slightly orange-yellow, when exposed to sun.

4. Sedum pachyphyllum basically does not produce many offsets, and the side buds that come out are basically green. Sedum rubrotinctum readily produces side buds and easily has many small pups. The side buds are pinkish white when they first grow out.

5. Sedum pachyphyllum is independent, and its stem is always very upright, perfectly straight, not clustering, and rarely producing side buds. Sedum rubrotinctum likes to cluster and often grows in clusters filling pot after pot.

6. The leaves of Sedum pachyphyllum are smooth and without powder, while the leaves of Sedum rubrotinctum are covered with a thin layer of waxy white frost-like powder.