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Description
Sedum Cepaea, also known as the Red-leaved Stonecrop, is a perennial succulent plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is native to Europe and can grow up to 6 inches in height and 12 inches in width. The plant has fleshy, red-tinged leaves that form a rosette shape, and it produces small, star-shaped yellow flowers in the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Sedum |
Appearance
Sedum Cepaea is a visually striking plant that can add interest to any garden. The leaves are thick and fleshy, with a red tinge that becomes more pronounced in full sun. The plant grows in a rosette shape, with the leaves arranged in a spiral pattern. In the summer, the plant produces small, star-shaped yellow flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Sedum Cepaea is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Sedum Cepaea is drought-tolerant and prefers to be watered sparingly. Water only when the soil is completely dry.
- Fertilization: Sedum Cepaea does not require fertilization, but you can sprinkle a slow-release fertilizer around the base of the plant in the spring if you want to encourage growth.
- Soil: Sedum Cepaea prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. You can add sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Sedum Cepaea thrives in full sun but can also tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Sedum Cepaea is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sedum Cepaea is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:
- Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil.
- Sedum Leaf Miner: A small fly that lays eggs on the leaves, causing brown spots and blisters.
- Sedum Gall Midge: A small fly that causes galls to form on the leaves.
Habitat
Sedum Cepaea is native to Europe and can be found growing in rocky areas, meadows, and open woodlands. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun, but can also tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Sedum Cepaea be grown indoors?
A: While Sedum Cepaea can technically be grown indoors, it prefers full sun and well-draining soil. If you want to grow it indoors, make sure to place it in a sunny window and use a well-draining potting mix.
Q: How often should I water Sedum Cepaea?
A: Sedum Cepaea is drought-tolerant and prefers to be watered sparingly. Water only when the soil is completely dry.
Q: Can Sedum Cepaea be propagated?
A: Yes, Sedum Cepaea can be propagated by stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Simply take a cutting and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist until the cutting takes root.
Q: Is Sedum Cepaea toxic to pets?
A: Sedum Cepaea is not considered toxic to pets, but it is always a good idea to keep plants out of reach of pets to avoid any potential issues.
Related Plants
- Sedum kamtschaticum
- Sedum acre
- Sedum spurium
- Sedum album
References
- “Sedum cepaea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 17, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=255904&isprofile=0&basic=red%20leaved%20stonecrop.
- “Sedum cepaea.” PlantFiles. Accessed September 17, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/143352/.
- “Sedum cepaea (Red-leaved Stonecrop).” Gardenia. Accessed September 17, 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/sedum-cepaea-red-leaved-stonecrop.
