How to Care for a Sedum Rubrotinctum Plant

Sedum rubrotinctum, more commonly called pork and beans plant or jelly bean plant, is native to Mexico.This sedum requires a lot of sun but does not tolerate heat well. Considered a cactus and succulent, it does very well as an indoor houseplant but can withstand outside temperatures as low as 25 degrees. The plant is grown as ground cover in suitable climates. The sedum rubrotinctum requires a sandy soil mix or cactus mix. It is very sturdy and requires minimal maintenance.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cactus mix
• 2-7-7 fertilizer

1. Water the sedum rubrotinctum thoroughly during the spring and summer and, if potted, let the sedum drain completely. Do not allow the container to sit in a pool of water. Let the soil dry completely between waterings. Over-watering will cause the bright red tips on the leaves to fade, a good indication of too-frequent waterings.

2. Fertilize the sedum rubrotinctum monthly through the spring and summer with a 2-7-7 cactus fertilizer, a special mix with minimal nutrients formulated especially for desert plants. Follow the instructions on the packaging.

3. Move the sedum rubrotinctum to a cooler, darker location from November to March if it is potted. Plants in very sunny locations outdoors will fare better if covered. Water only sparingly. In the spring, return a potted sedum to its sunny location or uncover the outdoor plants. The plants produce yellow flowers in late winter or early spring.

Tips & Warnings

• Take care when moving or handling the sedum rubrotinctum. The leaves break off quite easily. Place the broken ends of the beans into the soil. They will root to form new plants.

References

• houseplants.net
• the succulent garden.com
• desert tropicals.com