Sedum nussbaumerianum
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Sedum nussbaumerianum

Sedum Nussbaumerianum

Photo · (c) Peter A. Mansfeld, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA) COURTESY INATURALIST
A NOTE OF INTEREST

Sedum adolphi, the coppertone stonecrop, is a species of succulent plant in the family Crassulaceae. It is native to Mexico and has become naturalized in Sicily and the Canary Islands.

THE NAME

Gardeners often joke that Coppertone sedum is easier to care for than a stone. It's the perfect plant for areas in your garden with the most sun exposure. The plant gets its name from its succulent leaves, which gradually take on a copper color.

A note from PlantMom

Coppertone stonecrop has moderate disease resistance and is more sensitive to humidity. It is prone to illness when humidity is high and can develop root rot during dormancy. In terms of care, Coppertone stonecrop tolerates drought but requires increased watering during the growing season. Watering should be greatly reduced or stopped entirely during the dormant period. Coppertone stonecrop is appropriate for people with some growing experience, though it can be challenging to care for, particularly during dormancy. It is especially suited to those who can dedicate time to its care through the winter months.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Sedum Nussbaumerianum.

Light

The coppertone stonecrop grows best when it gets abundant light for most of the day. It can, however, adjust to conditions with less sunlight. Its native habitat provides similar light exposure. Excessive light can scorch the leaves, while insufficient light results in weak stems and faded foliage.

Water

Coppertone sedum is a hardy plant that thrives in dry environments due to its high drought tolerance. It only needs to be watered about once every three weeks. To prevent root rot, it's important to plant it in well-draining soil, which makes it ideal for outdoor areas that experience sporadic rainfall.

Humidity

This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.

Temperature

Coppertone stonecrop favors its native conditions with warm to hot temperatures between 68℉ and 100℉ (20℃ to 38℃). They can tolerate even higher summer heat if given partial shade to avoid heat stress. In winter, it is recommended to place them in a cooler spot with temperatures near 50℉ to 60℉ (10℃ to 15℃) to promote dormancy and improve growth the following spring.

Fertilizer

Coppertone stonecrop only needs light fertilizer applications once or twice a year during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter or summer when it is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for plants that have been repotted and wait a couple of months after repotting before feeding. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and promotes blooms.

Pruning

To help large succulent plants, such as coppertone sedum, keep their shape, prune them in the spring and fall. Remove any dense or redundant branches during the process. If you want to propagate these plants, cut a sturdy stem with 5-6 leaves, treat the cut end with sulfur powder, and make sure the soil is slightly moist before planting.

Pot & Repot

When repotting Coppertone stonecrop, choose a pot slightly larger than the current one that provides good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, brush off excess soil, and plant it at the same depth. Wait several days before watering so any root damage can heal. Repot in spring or fall and place the plant in a brightly lit spot.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Succulent, Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Sedum
Family
Crassulaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
20 cm to 23 cm
Mature Spread
49 cm to 91 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Red
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 1.52 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Harvest Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Native Area
Mexico
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Orange Delight en Golden sedum en Coppertone Stonecrop en Sedum Adolphii
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

What is the most effective way to water my Coppertone sedum plant?

To properly water Coppertone sedum, follow these steps: 1. Wait until spring when new leaves are starting to grow. 2. Water when the soil inside the pot is completely dry. 3. Use either tap water or distilled water. 4. Avoid watering from above - water at the base of the plant. 5. Apply water slowly and evenly across the soil's surface. 6. This method ensures consistent soil moisture without wetting the above-ground portions of the plant. 7. Keep adding water until you see excess water draining from the pot's hole.

Why should I add fertilizer to my Coppertone sedum plant?

Adding nutrients to the growing medium is essential for promoting healthy growth in Coppertone sedum. While this succulent does store water and nutrients, applying plant food during the growing season can further support its development. Moreover, fertilizing can stimulate mature plants to produce beautiful blooms in the growing season.

What are the sun requirements for Coppertone Sedum?

Coppertone Sedum requires full sun, which means it thrives in areas that receive more than 6 hours of sunlight per day. However, it can also adapt to partial sun conditions, where it would get about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's crucial to monitor the movement of sunlight through your garden to find spots that offer a good mix of light and shade, ensuring the plants' well-being.

What are the ideal growing conditions for Coppertone Sedum?

Coppertone Sedum, or Sedum nussbaumerianum, thrives in warm to hot temperatures, specifically between 68°F to 100°F (20°C to 38°C), and can tolerate higher temperatures in summer if provided with partial shade to prevent heat stress. During the winter, it prefers cooler temperatures around 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C) to rest and prepare for better growth in the spring. It's important to maintain temperatures above 20°C during its growing season in winter. If outdoor temperatures drop below 0°C, it's advisable to bring the plant indoors to a well-lit area. Watering should be increased in higher temperatures and reduced as it approaches 0°C. For outdoor overwintering, ensure the plant is in a sheltered area with sunlight or consider a temporary greenhouse to keep the plant moist and protected.

What should I do if I give too much or too little water to my Coppertone sedum?

Overwatering is a common problem with Coppertone sedum plants and can quickly lead to their death. To prevent overwatering, wait for the soil to completely dry before watering. Many people mistakenly water the plant incorrectly, especially when it goes into dormancy. If your Coppertone sedum shows signs of overwatering, it's best to remove it from its pot and carefully examine and remove any rot or moisture-related disease from the roots. Some roots may be salvaged with a simple cleaning. Afterward, repot the plant in well-draining soil to reduce the chances of future overwatering. Underwatering is less common, but if it happens, increase the frequency of watering without overcompensating and causing overwatering.

When should I fertilize my Coppertone sedum?

Coppertone sedum, like all plants, benefits from nutrients. However, it only requires a small amount of fertilizer during the growing season, typically 1-2 times a year. It is recommended to fertilize the plant in the spring and autumn, while avoiding fertilization in the winter and summer when it is dormant. When repotting the plant, use less fertilizer, and wait a few months before applying any fertilizer.

What are the essential care tips for growing Coppertone Sedum?

Coppertone Sedum excels in areas with abundant light for most of the day but can also handle less sunlight. Its natural habitat aligns with these light conditions. While overexposure may lead to leaf scorch, insufficient light causes weak stems and faded leaves. Indoor plants, in particular, may benefit from artificial lighting, especially during winter or in less sunny areas. LED lights are a good choice, providing essential wavelengths of light. The amount of artificial light needed varies: 30-50W/sq ft for full sun plants, 20-30W/sq ft for partial sun plants, and 10-20W/sq ft for full shade plants. The light source should be 12-36 inches above the plant, and most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.

How does low temperature affect Coppertone Sedum and what are the remedies?

Coppertone Sedum is not tolerant of extremely cold temperatures and performs best between 20°C and 38°C, requiring to be kept above 0°C during winter. Exposure to temperatures below -5°C results in leaves showing water-soaked necrosis and wilting; mild frost damage might not show immediate symptoms, but after a week, significant wilting occurs, leading to leaves falling off. The remedy includes trimming off frostbitten areas, moving the plant to a warm indoor location or a makeshift greenhouse for cold protection. Selection of a south-facing window ensures ample sunlight indoors, while the greenhouse setup should have good ventilation to prevent decay due to poor airflow.

How frequently should I water my Coppertone sedum?

Coppertone sedum is a type of succulent plant that requires less water than most other plants. This is because it comes from a hot and dry region. To properly care for this plant, you should let the soil completely dry out between waterings. It usually takes about two weeks to a month for the soil to dry completely. Watering frequency depends on the season. In the spring and summer when the plant is growing, you can water it every 2-3 weeks. During the summer, the soil may dry out faster. However, when the temperature drops below 60 degrees or goes above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant goes into a dormant or semi-dormant state and does not need as much water. During this time, it's best to reduce or stop watering until the temperature is suitable for the plant to grow again.

When is the best time to not use fertilizer on my Coppertone sedum?

Coppertone sedum, like other plants, has a dormancy period when it stops growing. During the summer and winter, this is the time to refrain from fertilizing. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid fertilizing for the first few months after repotting in the spring.

What symptoms indicate light deficiency in Coppertone Sedum?

Symptoms of light deficiency in Coppertone Sedum include lighter-colored new leaves, signifying insufficient sunlight and a lack of essential nutrients. You might also notice leggy or sparse growth, smaller leaves than usual, and a quicker rate of leaf drop. Similarly, exposure to too much sunlight can cause chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. Each of these symptoms points towards an imbalance in light exposure, which can significantly impact the plant's health.

How should Coppertone Sedum be cared for in high temperatures?

In high temperatures, particularly above 43°C, Coppertone Sedum enters a dormant state and becomes susceptible to rot in high humidity conditions. It is advised to keep the plant below 38°C during summer. To manage high temperature stress, remove any dry and rotten parts of the plant, move it to a partially shaded area to protect from direct midday and afternoon sun, and cease watering until the weather cools. This care strategy helps in protecting the plant from the adverse effects of high temperatures.

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