The
scientific name of Stonecrop is Sedum and the plant is a flowering perennial
plant in the succulent family. The creeping Stonecrop is often used as ground
cover in garden areas, while clumping Stonecrop grows taller. Where does
Stonecrop grow best? The stonecrop normally grown in the ground, the plant can
be easily grown in containers. The stonecrop plants need very little care and the
plant can withstand heat and dry conditions. The plant has thick waxy leaves that
store water for extended periods of time, making it perfect for container
growing. The stonecrop plants thrive in full sun and also in well drained soil
that is dry. The stonecrop plants is a perfect potted plant for decks, patios,
and rooftop garden areas, the plant has roots that are very shallow. The stonecrop
plants can be grown in any size or shaped pot as long as the container has
drainage holes. The stonecrop plants look lovely in smaller containers, such as
bowl planters.
Growing Sedum in Containers
When
planting stonecrop in a pot, it is very vital to use well draining soil.
Allowing the stonecrop plant to sit in saturated soil will cause root rot
resulting in the plant turning to mush. If you can, try and choose a container
that have drainage holes. If you choose a shallow pot specifically for
succulents, it will not have drainage holes. Take extra care to water the plant
sparingly.
Selecting a container
that is the right size is very vital. A container that has an inch or 2 of extra
space around the sides is perfect. Containers are made of many different types
of material. The stonecrop plants grow best in terracotta or ceramic pots. Both
of these materials are porous, which help with water drainage.
The outdoor
potted stonecrop plants should be planted in early spring, just after the last
frost. Staged in full sun, the stonecrop plants will flourish well into winter.
The Indoor potted stonecrop plants can be planted anytime of the year. For best
growth, place the potted stonecrop plants in a warm room that gets plenty of
full sun.
Best Soil
For Stonecrop Plants in Pots
The stonecrop
plants are hardy and can grow in less than desirable conditions. The stonecrop
plants will grow in sandy, rocky, shallow, or poor soil. The stonecrop plants
will not grow in waterlogged soil. It is very vital that the soil you choose for
planting is well draining. The stonecrop plants like a soil with a neutral to
slightly alkaline pH.
Growing
sedum in Containers
The
stonecrop plant thrives in well drained, dry soil. The best thing to remember
when working with stonecrop is to plant them in soil that is well draining. A
healthy plant will need to sit above the rim of the container. Soil that sits
below the rim of the container can allow water to pool, resulting in the leaves
rotting. Quick drying soil is also good for the stonecrop plants. Allowing
space between the stonecrop plants helps with air flow and drying out.
Watering Stonecrop
Plants in Pots
A dry stonecrop
plants makes for a happy stonecrop plants. Less water is better. It is much
easier to revive a dried out Sedum versus trying to repair a soggy plant. Check
the soil every few days. Water the stonecrop plants only when the soil feels
dry. Give the plant enough moisture until the soil is saturated. If you house
the container outdoors, and it is exposed to rainy conditions, be sure the container
has drainage holes.
Fertilizing Stonecrop
Plants in Pots
When first
planting stonecrop plants, it is a fine idea to mix a slow release fertilizer
into the soil. Throughout the stonecrop plants growing season, supplemental
feedings are not actually needed. Excess fertilizer can make the stonecrop
plants too leggy. If it seems like the stonecrop plants are not blooming well,
you can fertilize the plant during the growing season. Actually a diluted
15-15-15 liquid fertilizer will work (¼ tsp of fertilizer per gallon of water).
Sedum in
Pots Winter
The
stonecrop plants are a very hardy plant that can tolerate cold weather. The
stonecrop plant grows from spring well into winter. Depending on the material
of your pot, you can leave the stonecrop plants outdoors during winter and the
plant will be ok. Ceramic or terracotta pots will crack. Place the container in
a sheltered area near a building for the winter. It is best for the stonecrop plant
to stay frozen and dormant during the cold and re-bloom in the spring.
You can also
bring your container stonecrop plants indoors for the winter. The stonecrop plants
can sense when the weather changes. It is best to bring the stonecrop plants indoors
during the fall, before the first freeze. Place the plant near a south facing
window or under grow lights. The stonecrop plants will need at least six hours
of sun a day. During the winter months you can water the stonecrop plants sparingly.
How to Grow
Stonecrop in Pots Indoors
The stonecrop
plants are quickly becoming a popular indoor plant. Even in the poorest of
conditions the plant will tolerate an indoor environment. A bit of extra care
can help the stonecrop plants to thrive indoors. The stonecrop plants needs
full sun and warmth to grow very well. Plenty of sun will bring out the colors
in its foliage. Make sure you stay away from a north facing window, as the stonecrop
plants will need at least six hours of sun each day. The Stonecrop plants will
thrive in a container that has drainage holes allowing the soil to drain well
and dry out. A sunny and warm room is actually the best area for the stonecrop
plants.
