Phedimus Spurius

Description

Phedimus Spurius, also known as Dragon’s Blood Stonecrop or Two-Row Stonecrop, is a hardy succulent that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. Native to East Asia, it grows well in rocky and sandy areas, and it is often used in rock gardens or as ground cover. Phedimus Spurius is a low-growing perennial that can reach up to 15 cm in height and 30 cm in width. Its leaves are fleshy, green, and oval-shaped, with a reddish tinge on the margins. In the summer, it produces clusters of star-shaped flowers that range in color from pink to red.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Phedimus Spurius is a low-growing succulent with fleshy, green, and oval-shaped leaves that can reach up to 15 cm in length and 3 cm in width. The leaves have a reddish tinge on the margins, which becomes more pronounced in full sun. In the summer, it produces clusters of star-shaped flowers that range in color from pink to red. The flowers are about 1 cm in diameter and appear on the tips of long stems that rise above the foliage.

Care Guide

Phedimus Spurius is a tough and reliable succulent that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you grow it successfully:- Water: This succulent prefers well-draining soil and does not like to be overwatered. Water it sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry. In summer, water it once a week, and in winter, reduce watering to once a month.- Fertilization: Phedimus Spurius does not require frequent fertilization. You can feed it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: This succulent prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a cactus mix or add perlite or sand to regular potting soil to improve drainage.- Sunlight: Phedimus Spurius prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not flower as well.- Hardiness Zones: This succulent is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9, which means it can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) and as high as 120°F (49°C).

Common Pests & Diseases

Phedimus Spurius is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be affected by mealybugs, aphids, or spider mites. You can control these pests by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap or using a neem oil spray. Overwatering can lead to root rot or fungal diseases, so make sure to water your plant sparingly and avoid getting water on the leaves.

Habitat

Phedimus Spurius is native to East Asia, where it grows in rocky and sandy areas. It can tolerate harsh conditions and is often used in rock gardens or as ground cover. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

Question and Answer

Q: How often should I water my Phedimus Spurius?

A: Water your Phedimus Spurius sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry. In summer, water it once a week, and in winter, reduce watering to once a month.

Q: Can I grow Phedimus Spurius indoors?

A: Yes, you can grow Phedimus Spurius indoors if you provide it with enough sunlight and well-draining soil. It prefers full sun to partial shade.

Q: How do I propagate Phedimus Spurius?

A: You can propagate Phedimus Spurius by stem or leaf cuttings. Cut off a stem or leaf from the parent plant and let it dry for a day or two. Then, plant it in well-draining soil and water sparingly. It should root in a few weeks.

Q: Can Phedimus Spurius tolerate frost?

A: Yes, Phedimus Spurius is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9, which means it can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C).

Related Plants

– Phedimus kamtschaticus- Phedimus middendorffianus- Phedimus stoloniferus- Sedum acre- Sedum hispanicum- Sedum reflexum

References

– “Phedimus spurius.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281201.- “Phedimus spurius.” Plant Care Today, plantcaretoday.com/phedimus-spurius.html.- “Phedimus spurius.” Plant Delights Nursery, www.plantdelights.com/products/phedimus-spurius.- “Phedimus spurius.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/209170/i-phedimus-spurius-i/details.