Sedum dendroideum or Tree stonecrop

Care of the succulent plant Sedum dendroideum or Tree stonecrop

The genus Sedum, family Crassulaceae, comprises 350 species of succulent plants distributed in cold and temperate regions of almost the entire planet. Some species are: Sedum dendroideum, Sedum confusum, Sedum album, Sedum pachyphyllum, Sedum moranense, Sedum clavatum, Sedum rubrotinctum, Sedum acre, Sedum morganianum, Sedum sieboldii, Sedum dasyphyllum, Sedum palmeri, Sedum spurium, Sedum spectabile.

Common names: Tree stonecrop, False hens-and-chickens. This species is native to Mexico.

They are succulent perennials with a branched stem and compact bearing that reach 75 cm (29.5") in height. The bright leaves are arranged in a rosette at the end of the stems, have a spatulate shape (curved towards the tip) and can acquire shades of bronze color if they receive a lot of sun. The decorative yellow flowers appear in tall panicles. They bloom from mid-winter to early spring.

Tree stonecrop is used as cover plants, in rockeries, in beds and borders (they combine well with Rosmarinus, Diplopappus, Phylica) and in pots and planters for patios, terraces and balconies. It's ideal for gardens by the sea and for cities as it resists salinity and atmospheric pollution.

Sedum dendroideum needs full or semi-shade exposure and high temperatures. It resists occasional frosts.

False hens-and-chickens can grow in any type of well-drained soil, even limestone soils.

During spring and summer water once a week; reduce watering in autumn and winter water only once a month. Sedum dendroideum resists drought very well.

Fertilize in the fall with organic fertilizer such as compost, humus or manure.

Prune lightly in mid-spring to maintain a compact demeanor.

Sedum dendroideum is an easy to grow plant that does not usually present pest or disease problems; It's a sensitive plant to excess humidity.

Tree stonecrop is propagated from cuttings in mid spring.