How to care for Sedum clavatum? Only by mastering the cultivation methods can it grow well
Sedum clavatum, also known as Yiji Mudan, Yinu Mudan, Xiagu Jingtian, etc., is a perennial herbaceous succulent plant of the genus Sedum in the Crassulaceae family. It has two different forms: one with relatively narrow and long leaves, and the other with wider leaves. Laoru is the Korean translated name of this variety and not a separate variety, and it is commonly used for the broad-leaf form. Let us take a look below at how to grow Sedum clavatum well!
Growth habits of Sedum clavatum
Sedum clavatum is a perennial subshrub that often produces new shoots from the lower part of the stem to form clusters. In the wild it is mostly distributed in Mexico, growing on rock walls or andesite, and it is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world. It prefers a cool, dry, sunny environment and well-drained sandy soil. Under conditions of sufficient light and large temperature differences, beautiful and lovely small red dots appear at the leaf tips, and the leaf color turns jelly-like light green or yellow-green, just like frozen, translucent jade fat that seems ready to burst at a touch.
Propagation methods of Sedum clavatum
1. Leaf cuttings: Lay a complete mature leaf flat on moist sandy soil, with the leaf surface facing up and the back facing down. There is no need to cover it with soil. Place it in a shady place, and after about 10 days small leaf clusters and new roots can grow from the base of the leaf. Bury the root system into the soil. After roots appear, water appropriately and expose to light (avoid strong sunlight), and gradually a robust new plant will grow.
2. Stem cuttings: For stem cuttings, tiller shoots or top shoots can be used. There is no limit to the length of the cuttings taken, but after the cut surface has dried, remove the lower leaves and insert into a sand bed to avoid excessive water evaporation. After insertion, roots generally form in about 20 days. Once rooted, watering can begin. Before rooting, it is normal for the lower leaves to dry up and shrivel. Once the root system is well developed and water absorption is sufficient, they will naturally recover. The soil must not be too wet, otherwise the cut surface is prone to yellowing and rotting. When the roots are 2 to 3 cm long, the plant can be repotted. Division is best carried out in spring.
How to grow Sedum clavatum well
1. Soil: Sedum clavatum is best cultivated in sandy soil with good drainage and aeration, so as to facilitate the removal of excess water and the growth of the plant's roots. It can be prepared with 1/3 leaf mold, 1/3 sandy soil and 1/3 garden soil. Repot once every 1 to 2 years in spring, and the dead old roots can be cut off.
2. Light: The more sufficient the light and the greater the temperature difference between day and night, the more vivid the leaf color of Sedum clavatum. 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 grows leggy, with the whole plant appearing light green or dark green, leaves becoming sparse and internodes elongating, accelerating upward growth, seriously affecting its ornamental value, and it may even die because the plant's photosynthesis is hindered.
3. Water: Because Sedum clavatum has a high internal water content, Purple Pearl rots easily in an overly humid environment, so never water too much. To avoid water accumulating at the roots, it is best to choose a pot with drainage holes at the bottom. Beginners can use a red clay pot with good aeration. Glass containers absorb heat and have poor aeration, so use them with caution. Water about once every 10 days, and just water thoroughly each time. The watering frequency can be increased or decreased as appropriate according to climate differences in different regions and seasons.
4. Temperature: Below 5 degrees Celsius, Sedum clavatum stops growing or suffers mild frost damage; at 0 degrees Celsius and below, the water in the leaves freezes and the cells die. When temperatures in winter and summer are too high (above 35 degrees Celsius) or too low (below 5 degrees Celsius), the plant stops growing. At this time, watering should be temporarily reduced or stopped, and the watering frequency resumed when the temperature is suitable. In summer when temperatures are high, pay attention to ventilation and prevent prolonged exposure to strong sunlight to avoid sunburn.
5. Pruning: Sedum clavatum usually needs to have dry old leaves removed promptly to prevent accumulation that leads to bacterial growth. When the plant grows leggy or too tall, the top branches and leaves can be pruned to shape it and control plant height, so as to maintain a graceful plant form. The cut top portion can, after the wound dries, be inserted into slightly moist sandy potting soil to take root and become a new plant. The stem and branches and leaves at the bottom can sprout more side buds.
6. Fertilizer: Sedum clavatum should not be fertilized too much, especially with nitrogen fertilizer. If too much fertilizer is applied, it easily causes leggy growth and the leaf color does not turn red. Apply a dilute fertilizer mainly of phosphorus and potassium once a month, but during its growing period the fertilization frequency should be higher, generally once about every 20 days.
7. Pests: The main pest of Sedum clavatum is scale insects. More than 80% of plants bought from flower markets and similar places have scale insects on their roots. In the early stage, the pests are commonly found on the roots or in the center of the plant. After discovering the pests, immediately isolate it from other plants and cut off the roots where scale insects have bred. You can spray Huahuashen on the affected areas or drench the roots to kill them. Completely eliminating scale insects may require several cycles. For prevention, a small amount of carbofuran or Tuchongdan can be mixed into the soil mix.
8. Diseases: The common disease of Sedum clavatum is mainly black rot of the plant, which occurs mostly in summer. After discovery, it must be quickly isolated from other plants. In the early stage, the rotted parts can be thoroughly cut off, and a small amount of fungicide (chlorothalonil, carbendazim, etc.) can be applied to the cut surface. After the cut surface dries, insert it into loose sandy soil and it can re-root. If black rot has already spread to the plant's growing point, it can be regarded as dead, and it should be discarded as soon as possible to prevent infection. Other diseases (such as sooty mold) can be treated by spraying diluted fungicides such as chlorothalonil and carbendazim. For prevention, a small amount of fungicides such as chlorothalonil and carbendazim can be mixed into the soil mix.