Phedimus kamtschaticus, the orange stonecrop, is a species of flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae. It is native to China, Korea, Japan and the Russian Far East north to Chukotka, and has been introduced to the state of New York, Norway, Germany, Austria, and the Baltic States.Under its synonym Sedum kamtschaticum it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. In addition, the putative variety Sedum kamtschaticum var. ellacombeanum and the 'Variegatum' cultivar have also gained the award.
Orange Stonecrop has moderate resistance to disease but is more prone to problems from high humidity and excessive watering. It also becomes more vulnerable to illness if it does not receive enough light and is overwatered. Regarding care, Orange Stonecrop is drought-tolerant and can endure extended periods without water. It requires little fertilizer and only occasional pruning. As a result, it suits gardeners of any experience level, especially those who prefer to spend less time on plant care and who may be away from home for extended periods. It is a good option for people who do not want to invest much time in maintenance yet still want an easy-to-care-for plant.
How to keep Phedimus Kamtschaticus.
Light
Orange Stonecrop grows best in bright, direct sunlight all day. Its natural habitat is usually exposed to constant sun, which encourages healthy growth. If it doesn't get enough sunlight, its growth and health may be affected. However, too much light generally does not significantly harm the plant.
Water
Orange Stonecrop is well-suited to rocky environments due to its high drought tolerance and minimal moisture requirements. Its succulent leaves are excellent at storing water, allowing it to need irrigation only once every two weeks. This outdoor plant flourishes in rock gardens, adapting to rainfall patterns and maintaining vibrant foliage without the need for frequent watering.
Temperature
Orange Stonecrop does well in its native habitats when temperatures range from 41 to 95 °F (5 to 35 ℃). Moderate temperatures promote its best growth. Seasonal adjustments may be required to maintain this range.
Fertilizer
For Orange Stonecrop, light fertilizer applications 1-2 times a year during the growing season are adequate. Do not fertilize in winter or in summer when the plant is dormant. Use less fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing promotes healthy growth and encourages blooms.
Pruning
For optimal growth, prune the orange stonecrop between late winter and early spring. Remove any dead stems and lightly trim the plant to shape it. This will encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess. Additionally, regularly clear away debris and use sharp, clean tools to promote good airflow, light penetration, and prevent disease.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Phedimus
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 4-9
- Mature Height
- 8 cm to 15 cm
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer
- Native Area
- Russia, Japan, Koppen, South Korea, China
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Orange Stonecrop?
To ensure the health of your Orange Stonecrop, follow these watering guidelines: 1. Use filtered water at room temperature or slightly warmer. Tap water may have harmful particles. 2. The Orange Stonecrop prefers a warm environment, so avoid using cold water. 3. Do not water the plant from overhead to prevent foliage issues. 4. Instead, apply your filtered room temperature water directly to the soil until it is completely soaked. 5. Soaking the soil is beneficial as it keeps the roots moist and helps them spread and absorb nutrients.
Why is it important to add fertilizer to my Orange Stonecrop?
Fertilization is crucial for the Orange Stonecrop and other plants because it supplies essential nutrients for both above and below-ground growth. However, the Orange Stonecrop's fertilization requirements are typically low and it can sometimes survive without fertilization. Nonetheless, annual fertilization can greatly benefit the Orange Stonecrop by promoting its longevity and improving flower quality. Therefore, for those wanting their Orange Stonecrop to thrive, consistent annual fertilization is recommended.
What are the sunlight requirements for Orange Stonecrop?
Orange Stonecrop, botanically known as Phedimus kamtschaticus, thrives best under strong and unfiltered sunlight throughout the day, requiring above 6 hours of sunlight. Its optimal growth and health depend significantly on sufficient exposure to continuous sun, as seen in its native habitat. However, it's important to observe the movement of sunlight through your garden to find spots that offer a perfect balance of light and shade, ensuring the plant's well-being. Even though a surplus of light doesn’t tend to significantly harm the plant, the right amount of sunlight is crucial for its development.
What is the ideal temperature range for Orange Stonecrop to thrive?
Orange Stonecrop, also known as Phedimus kamtschaticus, thrives best in temperatures ranging from 41 to 95 °F (5 to 35 °C). Its growth is optimal in moderate temperatures, and seasonal adjustments may be necessary to maintain this temperature range. The plant exhibits strong cold resistance, making special frost protection measures unnecessary in most winter conditions. However, in extremely cold winters where temperatures are expected to drop below -30°C, it's crucial to protect the plant against the cold by covering it with materials like soil or straw and ensuring the soil remains moist before the first freeze, to prevent drought and water scarcity during winter and early spring.
What should I do if I give too much or too little water to my Orange Stonecrop?
Overwatering can be damaging to your Orange Stonecrop, causing wilting, yellowing leaves, and potentially deadly diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew. Underwatering is less likely, but can result in brittle and brown leaves. It is crucial to identify signs of overwatering early and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. If the soil drains poorly, replace it with a loose, well-draining potting mix. If your Orange Stonecrop receives too little water, simply increase your watering frequency until the signs disappear.
When should I fertilize my Orange Stonecrop?
Fertilizing an Orange Stonecrop is best done in late winter to early spring when the plant is transitioning from dormancy to active growth. This timing sets the plant up for a healthy start to the season. Fertilizing in the fall is also acceptable, but it is not recommended to feed the plant in summer or winter.
How should I use artificial lighting for indoor Orange Stonecrop plants?
For indoor Orange Stonecrop plants that don't receive adequate natural sunlight, especially during winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lighting is a crucial alternative. LED lights are recommended because they can be customized to provide specific wavelengths needed for plant growth. The amount of artificial light required varies depending on the type of plant: full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants 10-20W/sq ft. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight, and most plants benefit from 8-12 hours of light per day.
How does Orange Stonecrop respond to low temperatures, and what are the recommended solutions?
Orange Stonecrop is cold-tolerant and performs best when temperatures stay above 5°C. During the winter, it is essential to keep the temperature above -25°C. If temperatures fall below -30°C, there may not be immediate visible changes, but there could be a decline in sprouting or a complete absence of sprouting in the spring. The recommended solution for plants that have been exposed to such low temperatures and have parts that fail to sprout in the spring is to remove these non-sprouting parts to promote new growth.
How often should I give water to my Orange Stonecrop?
If your Orange Stonecrop plant is in a pot, the most precise way to check if it needs water is to stick your finger into the soil. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry, it's time to water. If you grow your Orange Stonecrop outdoors in the ground, you can use the same method. When the top few inches of soil have dried out, it's time to water. In spring and early fall, watering once a week is usually sufficient. However, during extremely hot weather, you may need to water twice a week or more. Nevertheless, mature and well-established Orange Stonecrop plants have an impressive ability to tolerate drought.
When is the best time to not fertilize my Orange Stonecrop?
To avoid overfertilization and its complications, it is best to only fertilize your Orange Stonecrop in late winter and early spring. This plant has low fertilization needs, so a single annual feeding is sufficient. However, if you skipped fertilizing in the spring, you can still feed it in the fall. It is important to note that there is no need to fertilize the plant during the winter, as it is in a dormant phase and does not produce new growth. Therefore, it is not recommended to fertilize during most of the winter.
What are the symptoms of insufficient light in Orange Stonecrop?
When Orange Stonecrop doesn't receive sufficient light, several symptoms might appear, including smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, lighter-colored new leaves, chlorosis (yellowing), sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These signs indicate the plant's struggle with inadequate sunlight exposure, affecting its growth and overall health.
How does Orange Stonecrop react to high temperatures, and what solutions can be applied?
During the summer, it is critical to ensure that Orange Stonecrop does not get exposed to temperatures above 35°C. Temperatures exceeding 38°C can cause the leaves to lighten, curl, become susceptible to sunburn, and in severe cases, may lead to the entire plant wilting and drying. To manage this, prune away the sunburned and dried parts of the plant. Moving the plant to a shaded area or using a shade cloth to protect it from the midday and afternoon sun can provide relief. Additionally, maintaining soil moisture by watering the plant in the morning and evening is beneficial.
