Sedum Rubrotinctum

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: This succulent thrives in at least 6 hours of direct sun to maintain its signature jelly bean appearance. While it tolerates partial shade, the iconic reddish-bronze tips only develop with high light exposure; too much shade results in a solid green, stretched-out plant.
• Soil: Use a gritty, fast draining soil mix to prevent "wet feet" and root rot. If you have heavy clay, plant in a raised bed or incorporate perlite and coarse sand to ensure water moves through the root zone quickly.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water whenever the top inch of soil feels completely dry to help the roots settle. Once established, this Sedum is highly drought tolerant and prefers a "soak and dry" method where you water deeply and then wait for the soil to dry out entirely. Inconsistent overwatering causes the leaves to swell and fall off easily, while extreme underwatering leads to shriveled, puckered foliage.

Pruning Tips

Sedum rubrotinctum grows on new wood and generally requires very little maintenance other than removing spent flower stalks in spring. If the stems become leggy or "floppy" over time, simply snip the tops off to encourage a bushier, tighter habit. Think of this like a haircut that redirects the plant's energy into side growth rather than long, weak reaching stems.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, water soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength once in early spring as new growth appears. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this forces soft, tender growth that is easily damaged by cold temperatures. A light touch is best because over-fertilizing can actually weaken the stems and dull the vibrant leaf colors.