How to grow Sedum rubrotinctum? A detailed guide to cultivation methods
Sedum rubrotinctum, also known as Christmas Cheer, Earring Plant, etc., is a perennial succulent herbaceous plant of the genus Sedum in the family Crassulaceae. Its place of origin is Mexico. It grows relatively fast, with spring and summer being the main growing seasons. In summer, shade is needed at a high temperature of 35°C, and in winter it can safely overwinter as long as the temperature is kept above 5°C. Now let us take a look at the cultivation methods for Sedum rubrotinctum!
Growth habits of Sedum rubrotinctum
Sedum rubrotinctum is cold-resistant and is not afraid of intense sunlight. The more it is exposed to sunlight, the redder its leaf color becomes, so there is no need for shading in midsummer, while plants grown in partial shade have bright green, glossy leaves. Sometimes, because of differences in the intensity and duration of sunlight exposure, the leaves of a pot of Sedum rubrotinctum will be partly red and partly green. Because new leaves receive light for a shorter time, their tips are often red while the rest remains green. It likes a warm environment and one with an obvious difference between day and night temperatures. It has strong adaptability to temperature and can grow well between 10°C and 28°C.
Propagation methods for Sedum rubrotinctum
1. Stem cuttings: For stem cuttings of Sedum rubrotinctum, you can use branches cut off during pruning, cut them into stem segments 5 cm long, and it is best to let them dry in a cool place for 3 to 5 days. After the cut surface is slightly dry, insert them into the seedling bed.
2. Cuttings: Leave a few pairs of leaves at the lower end, and cut off a section of the upper plant. Place it in a cool place to dry. It can be inserted into moist soil (it must not be waterlogged, otherwise it will rot) and wait for it to root. During the process, the lower leaves may shrivel and die off to provide nutrients needed for rooting. For cuttings, you can also wait in the air for aerial roots to appear before inserting them into the soil.
3. Leaf cuttings: Leaf cuttings means removing some small leaves and laying them flat on dry soil. Before long, small fleshy growths and some red fibrous aerial roots will appear. At this point, bury the roots in the soil. They will slowly grow larger. This method has a high propagation rate and is suitable for mass propagation, but the plants take shape relatively slowly.
Cultivation methods for Sedum rubrotinctum
1. Soil: Plant Sedum rubrotinctum in loose, fertile, well-drained and airy soil. A mix of humus soil, garden soil and sandy soil can be used.
2. Watering: Sedum rubrotinctum has a relatively low water requirement. Basically, watering 1 to 2 times a week is enough. For Sedum rubrotinctum, follow the principle of not watering until dry and watering thoroughly when you do water. When the temperature is relatively low, reduce the amount of watering appropriately.
3. Light: Sedum rubrotinctum likes a warm environment and has a relatively high demand for light. It likes an environment with strong sunlight, so the plant can be placed in a bright living room or grown on a balcony.
4. Temperature: Sedum rubrotinctum has relatively strong adaptability to temperature, and a large difference between day and night temperatures is also beneficial to its growth. It grows more luxuriantly between 10°C and 28°C.
5. Fertilizing: Sedum rubrotinctum has an average water requirement. Basically, apply organic liquid fertilizer once a month. When fertilizing, avoid the branches and leaves as much as possible to prevent them from rotting.
What should you do if Sedum rubrotinctum drops its leaves?
1. Watering: Sedum rubrotinctum grows slowly and is drought-tolerant, so it should not be given too much fertilizer or water. If you keep watering it, it will definitely drop leaves and rot at the roots.
2. Light: Sedum rubrotinctum likes warmth, and it should be given sufficient light throughout the growing period. However, exposure to intense sunlight in summer can cause sunburn on the leaves.
3. Ventilation: Sedum rubrotinctum has relatively few diseases, but if ventilation is poor and air humidity is relatively high, stem rot and leaf spot disease may occasionally occur.