Sedum (Stonecrop) is a flowering perennial plant in the succulent family. Creeping sedum is often used as ground cover in garden areas, while clumping sedum grows taller. Normally grown in the ground, stonecrop can be easily grown in containers. Sedum plants need very little care and can withstand heat and dry conditions. Its thick waxy leaves store water for extended periods of time which is perfect for container growing.
Thriving in full sun and well drained soil that is dry, sedum is a perfect potted plant for decks, patios, and rooftop garden areas, Sedum has roots that are very shallow. It can be grown in any size or shaped pot as long as it has drainage holes.
Succulents look lovely in smaller containers, such as our bowl planters.
Planting Sedum in Pots
When planting sedum in a container, it is important to use well draining soil. Allowing the plant to sit in saturated soil will cause root rot resulting in the plant turning to mush. If you can, choose a pot that has drainage holes. If you choose a shallow container specifically for succulents, it will not have drainage holes. Take extra care to water it sparingly.
Selecting a pot that is the right size is important. A pot that has an inch or two of extra space around the sides is good. Pots are made of many different types of material. Sedums grow best in terracotta or ceramic pots. Both of these materials are porous, which help with water drainage. For larger arrangements, our resin pots are a better choice as they are lighter and easier to move around.
Outdoor potted sedum should be planted in early spring, just after the last frost. Staged in full sun, the plant will flourish well into winter. Indoor potted stonecrop can be planted anytime of the year. For best growth, place the container in a warm room that gets plenty of full sun.
Best Soil For Sedum in Pots
Sedums are hardy and can grow in less than desirable conditions. They will grow in sandy, rocky, shallow, or poor soil. Sedum will not grow in waterlogged soil. It is important that the soil you choose is well draining. Sedum like a soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Caring For Sedum in Planters
Sedum thrives in well drained, dry soil. The best thing to remember when working with sedum is to plant it in soil that is well draining. A healthy plant will need to sit above the rim of the pot. Soil that sits below the rim of the pot can allow water to pool, resulting in the leaves rotting. Quick drying soil is also good for sedum. Allowing space between plants helps with air flow and drying out.
Watering Sedum in Pots
A dry sedum makes for a happy sedum. Less water is better. It is much easier to revive a dried out stonecrop versus trying to repair a soggy plant. Check the soil every few days. Water the plant only when the soil feels dry. Give it just enough moisture until the soil is saturated. If you house the pot outdoors, and it is exposed to rainy conditions, be sure the pot has drainage holes.
Fertilizing Sedum in Pots
When first planting sedum, it is a good idea to mix a slow release fertilizer into the soil. Throughout the growing season, supplemental feedings are not needed. Excess fertilizer can make the plant too leggy. If it seems like the sedum is not blooming well, you can fertilize it during the growing season. A diluted 15-15-15 liquid fertilizer will work (¼ tsp of fertilizer per gallon of water).
Winter Care For Sedum in Pots
Sedum is a very hardy plant that can tolerate cold weather. It grows from spring well into winter. Depending on the material of your container, you can leave the sedum outdoors during winter and they will be ok. Ceramic or terracotta pots will crack, so we recommend our resin containers. Place the pot in a sheltered area near a building for the winter. It is best for the plant to stay frozen and dormant during the cold and rebloom in the spring.
You can also bring your container sedum indoors for the winter. Plants can sense when the weather changes. It is best to bring the sedum indoors during the fall, before the first freeze. Place it near a south facing window or under grow lights. Sedum will need at least 6 hours of sun a day. During the winter months, water the sedum sparingly.
Can Sedum Be Grown Indoors?
Sedum is quickly becoming a popular indoor plant. Even in the poorest of conditions, stonecrop will tolerate an indoor environment. A bit of extra care can help the sedum to thrive indoors. Sedum needs full sun and warmth to grow well. Plenty of sun will bring out the colors in its foliage.
Stay away from a north facing window, as the plant will need at least 6 hours of sun each day. Stonecrop will thrive in a pot that has drainage holes allowing the soil to drain well and dry out. A sunny and warm room is the best area for the sedum.
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Author Chris Link - Published 01-27-2021 |