Sedum acre, commonly known as goldmoss stonecrop, is a low-growing perennial plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. Native to Europe and Asia, it has also been introduced and naturalized in many parts of North America. Typically, the plant reaches a height of up to 10 cm and spreads up to 30 cm wide.
Goldmoss stonecrop features small, succulent leaves that are bright green and arranged in a rosette pattern. The leaves are cylindrical or oblong with pointed tips. In the summer, the plant produces small yellow flowers atop thin stems.
Sedum acre thrives in well-drained soil with full sun exposure but can also tolerate partial shade. It is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without water due to its succulent nature.
Golden sedum is a beautiful succulent with spoon-shaped leaves and a lotus-like form. Each leaf has a small tip at its end. The plant appears golden or yellow-green, making it instantly charming and delightful at first sight. FUN FACT · FROM THE LIBRARY
This plant is commonly used as ground cover because of its ability to spread quickly through runners or offsets produced at its base. It is also an excellent choice for rock gardens or container gardens due to its low maintenance requirements.
While Sedum acre does not have significant medicinal uses, it has traditionally been used to treat minor skin irritations, such as burns or insect bites, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Overall, Sedum acre is an attractive ornamental plant that requires minimal care while offering excellent ground cover options. Its vibrant foliage provides year-round interest for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
Mossy Stonecrop or Goldmoss Stonecrop: This plant resembles moss in its ability to attach itself to rocks, cracks in brick walls, and tiles. It also forms a thick layer on the ground. Many people cultivate mossy stonecrop for its beautiful golden flowers, which is why it is also known as goldmoss stonecrop.
Gold moss stonecrop has moderate disease resistance and is more sensitive to humidity. It becomes vulnerable to disease when humidity is high and is likely to suffer root rot during dormancy. Regarding care, Gold moss stonecrop is drought-tolerant but requires more water during the active growing season. Watering should be greatly reduced or stopped entirely during the dormant period. Gold moss stonecrop is best for people with some growing experience, though it can be challenging to maintain, particularly while dormant. It is especially appropriate for those who have time to dedicate to its care throughout the winter months.
How to keep Sedum Acre.
Light
Gold moss stonecrop performs best when given ample sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade, indicating some adaptability. Its native environment resembles these sun-loving conditions, encouraging robust growth. Excessive sun can scorch the plant, while too little light inhibits development.
Water
Goldmoss stonecrop is a resilient plant that thrives in dry conditions, thanks to its succulent nature and excellent drought tolerance. It requires watering only every 2-3 weeks, and the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. This makes goldmoss stonecrop an ideal choice for rock gardens and xeriscaping projects, as it is both hardy and requires minimal water.
Humidity
This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.
Temperature
Gold moss stonecrop, a succulent species, does best in its native habitat when temperatures are between 32 and 59 ℉ (0 and 15 ℃). The plant prefers to be kept in conditions ranging from 32 to 90 ℉ (0 to 32 ℃), so it can suit a variety of climates. In the summer, temperatures should be adjusted to about 60 to 75 ℉ (15 to 24 ℃) to prevent damage to its leaves and stems.
Fertilizer
For Gold moss stonecrop, apply small amounts of fertilizer once or twice a year during the active growing season. Do not fertilize in winter or in summer when the plant is dormant. Cut back on feeding for plants that have been repotted and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and promotes flowering.
Pruning
To help your goldmoss stonecrop and other large succulent plants maintain their shape, prune them in the spring and fall by removing any dense branches. If you want to propagate the plant, follow these steps: first, cut a strong stem with 5 to 6 leaves. Then, apply sulfur powder to the cut end to protect it. Allow the stem to heal before planting it in slightly moist soil.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Gold moss stonecrop, choose a container slightly larger than the current pot that has good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, brush off excess soil, and replant it at the same depth. Wait several days before watering to let any root injury heal. Repot in spring or fall and place it in a brightly lit spot.
Toxicity
The Goldmoss Sedum is not considered toxic to humans, but it has a mild toxicity towards cats and dogs such that if ingested in excess quantity, it can cause stomach upsets. The leaves also contain a bitter-tasting(acrid) sap that can irritate the skin and cause rashes. It is better kept out of reach of children and pets, so they don't ingest any quantity of it.
Further reading →
The toxicity and danger assessments provided are for reference only. We do not assure their accuracy, so it's crucial not to depend on them. Seek professional advice when necessary for accurate guidance.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent, Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Sedum
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 3-8
- Mature Height
- 5 cm to 11 cm
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Red, Yellow
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 1.02 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Goldmoss stonecrop plant?
To properly water Goldmoss stonecrop, wait until spring when new leaves begin to grow. Only add water once the soil in the pot has completely dried out. When watering, use either tap water or distilled water, and avoid watering from above. Instead, water at the base of the plant, applying the water slowly and evenly across the soil's entire surface. This method ensures all parts of the soil are consistently moistened without dampening the above-ground portions of the plant. You can continue watering until you observe a light stream of excess water draining from the pot's hole.
Why is it necessary to put fertilizer on my Goldmoss stonecrop?
Applying plant food to Goldmoss stonecrop during the growing season helps provide nutrients for healthy growth and encourages blooming in mature plants. Although Goldmoss stonecrop does store water and nutrients, fertilizing adds extra nutrients to the growing medium.
What are the sunlight requirements for Goldmoss stonecrop?
Goldmoss stonecrop requires full sun, meaning it needs above 6 hours of sunlight daily, to thrive. However, it can also tolerate partial sun, which is about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's important to monitor the movement of sunlight through your garden to ensure that your plant receives the ideal balance of light and shade. This mimics its native habitat, promoting healthy growth. Insufficient sunlight can result in stunted growth, while too much direct exposure may cause burns.
What is the ideal growing environment for Goldmoss stonecrop?
Goldmoss stonecrop, scientifically known as Sedum acre, is a succulent plant that thrives best in an environment where temperatures are between 32 to 59°F (0 to 15°C). This plant prefers temperatures ranging from 32 to 90°F (0 to 32°C), accommodating a variety of climates. For optimal growth, especially during the summer months, it's crucial to maintain temperatures between 60 to 75°F (15 to 24°C) to protect the plant's leaves and stems from damage. Winter marks the growing season for Goldmoss stonecrop, necessitating temperatures above 0°C for ideal growth. If outdoor temperatures fall below -30°C, it's advisable to bring the plant indoors to a well-lit area, increase watering in higher temperatures, and reduce watering as temperatures approach -30°C. If overwintering outdoors, ensure the plant is in a sheltered location with sufficient sunlight, and consider a temporary greenhouse for extra protection while keeping the plant adequately moist.
What do I do if I give my Goldmoss stonecrop too much or too little water?
Overwatering is a common problem for Goldmoss stonecrop plants and can quickly lead to their death. To avoid overwatering, it is important to allow the soil to completely dry before watering again. Many people mistakenly water the plant too much, especially during its dormant period. To remedy overwatering, it is recommended to remove the plant from its pot and carefully examine the roots for signs of rot or disease caused by excessive moisture. Some roots may need to be removed, while others can be cleaned and saved. Repotting the plant in well-draining soil can help prevent future overwatering. Underwatering can also be an issue, although less likely. In this case, the plant should be watered slightly more often, taking care not to overcorrect and end up overwatering it.
When should I put fertilizer on my Goldmoss stonecrop plant?
Goldmoss stonecrop, like all plants, benefits from additional nutrients, but it only requires a small amount of fertilizer during the growing season. To properly fertilize your Goldmoss stonecrop, it is recommended to do so 1-2 times a year. The best times to fertilize are in the spring and autumn, but avoid fertilizing during the dormant periods in winter and summer. Take caution with repotted plants as you will want to decrease the amount of fertilizer used. Additionally, it is advisable to wait a few months after repotting before beginning to apply fertilizer.
What essentials should be considered for growing Goldmoss stonecrop effectively?
Goldmoss stonecrop flourishes best with abundant sun exposure but can also grow in semi-shade areas, showcasing its adaptability. Proper sunlight is critical for its strong development; overexposure can cause burning, and insufficient sunlight may stunt its growth. For indoor plants not receiving enough sunlight, particularly during winter or in darker spaces, artificial lighting provides a beneficial solution. LED lights are recommended due to their ability to offer specific light wavelengths needed by plants. Requirements vary based on the plant's sun exposure needs, with full sun plants needing 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants 10-20W/sq ft of artificial light. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, mimicking natural sunlight for 8-12 hours per day.
How does Goldmoss stonecrop react to low temperatures?
Goldmoss stonecrop shows a significant intolerance to extremely cold temperatures, flourishing optimally between 0°C and 32°C. During the winter season, it's important to keep the plant above -30°C to prevent damage. Exposure to temperatures below -35°C may lead to water-soaked necrosis and wilting of the leaves. While mild frost damage may not immediately manifest symptoms, after a week, noticeable wilting and leaf fall can occur. To address frost damage, it's recommended to trim off the frostbitten areas and immediately relocate the plant to a warmer indoor environment or set up a makeshift greenhouse for cold protection. Placing the plant near a south-facing window inside ensures sufficient sunlight, and when using a makeshift greenhouse, adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent plant decay due to poor airflow.
How often do I need to water my Goldmoss stonecrop?
The Goldmoss stonecrop, a succulent plant that thrives in hot and dry regions, requires less water than other plants. To properly care for this species, it is important to allow its soil to completely dry out between waterings. Typically, it takes about two weeks to a month for the soil to dry fully. The frequency of watering depends on the season. During spring and summer, when the plant is in its growing phase, watering every 2-3 weeks is recommended. In summer, the soil may dry out faster. However, when the temperature drops below 60 degrees or exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant enters a dormant or semi-dormant state, reducing the need for watering. Instead, it is advisable to reduce or cease watering until the temperature becomes suitable for growth again.
When should I not add fertilizer to my Goldmoss stonecrop?
Goldmoss stonecrop, like other plants, goes through a dormant period when it stops growing. This is when you should avoid using fertilizer. Specifically, in summer and winter, the plant ceases growing, so you should hold off on applying fertilizer. Additionally, it's recommended to skip fertilizing for the first couple of months after repotting in the spring.
What are common symptoms of insufficient light in Goldmoss stonecrop and how are they managed?
Goldmoss stonecrop displays several symptoms when it suffers from insufficient light, including lighter-colored new leaves, indicating a lack of chlorophyll and nutrients; leggy or sparse growth, showing longer spaces between leaves or stems; and chlorosis, where leaves turn yellow due to a breakdown of chlorophyll. Sunscald and leaf curling can also occur from too much sun exposure, resulting in damaged or twisted leaves. Wilting happens when the plant loses turgor pressure due to excessive water loss, and leaf scorching appears as brown, dry edges on leaves. Solutions involve gradually moving plants to sunnier locations to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, using artificial light when natural light is insufficient, and adjusting plant placement outdoors or minimizing shade obstructions to ensure adequate sunlight.
What should be done if Goldmoss stonecrop is exposed to high temperatures?
In high temperature conditions, particularly during summer when temperatures exceed 32°C, Goldmoss stonecrop may enter a dormant state and become more susceptible to rot in humid environments. When temperatures soar above 35°C, it's vital to remove any dry and rotten parts of the plant and relocate it to a partially shaded area to shield it from direct midday and afternoon sunlight. Additionally, it's advisable to cease watering until cooler weather prevails. These measures help in preventing further stress and damage to the plant under high temperatures.