Hong Zhi Yu (Sedum rubrotinctum) is a succulent in the Crassulaceae family

Common names of Hong Zhi Yu

Hong Zhi Yu is commonly known as Christmas Cheer and Earring Grass.

Habits of Hong Zhi Yu

Hong Zhi Yu is a succulent of the genus Sedum in the Crassulaceae family, and spring and summer are its vigorous growth periods.

Hong Zhi Yu originates from Mexico and likes a warm environment with plenty of sunlight; the most suitable temperature is 13~18°C. It is cold-tolerant, and can safely overwinter when the winter temperature stays above 5°C.

Hong Zhi Yu is drought-tolerant and afraid of excessive moisture; during the growing period, water once every 2 weeks and keep the potting soil slightly moist.

Hong Zhi Yu is a full-sun plant and can take appropriate direct sunlight. In sunlight the leaves are green with pale red tips, and they turn red-brown when the sunlight is stronger.

Common propagation methods for Hong Zhi Yu: seeding and cuttings.

Care tips for Hong Zhi Yu

Spring: every spring is the best time to repot Hong Zhi Yu; use a mix of fertile garden soil and coarse sand, adding a small amount of leaf mold and bone meal. While repotting, prune the plant. Hong Zhi Yu drops its leaves very easily, so be gentle during repotting, but the fallen leaves can be placed directly in the pot and will soon grow into new plants.

Summer: summer has high temperatures and strong light, so appropriate shading is needed; the fleshy leaves will turn from green to red-brown. However, shading should not last too long, otherwise the stems and leaves become tender and prone to lodging.

Autumn: keep Hong Zhi Yu in a spot with plenty of sunlight, control the temperature within the suitable range, and provide frequent ventilation.

Winter: keep the room temperature above 5°C, with 10°C being best, reduce watering, and keep the potting soil slightly dry.

Propagation methods for Hong Zhi Yu

Seeding: from 2~5 month, choose mature seeds and sow them indoors in pots, keeping the room temperature at 18~21°C; they will sprout in 12~15 days whether sown thinly or thickly.

Cuttings: can be done throughout the year and root very easily, with spring and autumn being the most suitable. Cut the top leaves or compact short branches for cuttings, and leaves that drop off normally can also be used directly for cuttings.

Suggested planting combinations: Crassula ovata 'Hobbit', Firecracker Plant (Crassula capitella 'Campfire').