How to Grow Sedum Plant Indoors

Sedum plants, also known as stonecrop, are popular succulents that are easy to care for and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. These versatile plants come in many different varieties, with various colors and textures, making them a great addition to any indoor garden. In this article, we will explore the steps to successfully grow sedum plants indoors.

Choosing the Right Sedum Variety

The first step in growing sedum plants indoors is to choose the right variety for your space. There are hundreds of different sedum varieties available, each with their own unique characteristics. Some popular options for indoor sedum plants include Sedum morganianum (burro’s tail), Sedum rubrotinctum (jelly bean plant), and Sedum adolphii (golden sedum).

When selecting a sedum variety, consider factors such as the amount of sunlight your indoor space receives, the temperature and humidity levels, and the overall size and growth habit of the plant. Certain sedum varieties thrive in bright light conditions, while others can tolerate lower light levels.

Providing Adequate Lighting

Sedum plants require bright light to thrive indoors. Place your sedum plant near a south-facing window where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you don’t have access to sufficient natural light, you can also grow sedums under fluorescent lights or LED grow lights.

If you notice that your sedum plant is stretching or becoming leggy, it is a sign that it is not receiving enough light. In this case, adjust the position of your plant to a brighter location or increase the amount of artificial lighting.

Choosing the Right Pot and Soil

Sedums prefer well-draining soil to prevent root rot. When choosing a pot for your sedum plant, opt for one with drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape. This will help prevent waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot and other issues.

For the potting mix, use a well-draining succulent or cactus mix. You can also create your own by combining equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand. This mixture provides excellent drainage while still retaining enough moisture for the sedum plant.

Watering and Humidity

One of the most common mistakes in caring for sedum plants is overwatering. These succulents are adapted to arid conditions and can tolerate dry periods better than excessive moisture. Water your sedum plant only when the top inch of soil is dry.

To water your sedum plant, thoroughly soak the soil until water drains out of the bottom of the pot. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot and other issues, so it’s essential to provide adequate drainage and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.

Sedums also prefer lower humidity levels, so be cautious of placing them in humid areas such as bathrooms or near kitchen sinks. If your indoor environment is particularly dry, you can increase humidity around your sedum plant by placing a tray filled with water near it or using a humidifier.

Fertilizing

Sedum plants are not heavy feeders, and excessive fertilization can actually harm them. During the active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your sedum plant once a month using a diluted succulent fertilizer or a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength.

Avoid fertilizing during the dormant period (fall and winter) when sedums go into a rest phase. During this time, reduce watering frequency and withhold fertilization until new growth appears in spring.

Propagation

One of the great things about sedums is how easy they are to propagate. There are several methods you can use to propagate your sedum plant, including stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division.

Stem cuttings: Take a stem cutting from a healthy sedum plant, remove the lower leaves, and allow the cutting to callous for a few days. Then, place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and mist it lightly. After a few weeks, roots will start to form, and you’ll have a new sedum plant.

Leaf cuttings: Gently remove a leaf from your sedum plant, making sure to include the entire leaf including the base. Allow the leaf to dry and callous for a couple of days before placing it on top of a well-draining potting mix. After a few weeks, tiny rosettes will begin to emerge from the base of the leaf.

Division: If your sedum plant has become too large or overcrowded in its pot, you can divide it into smaller sections. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and separate the root ball into smaller sections, making sure each section has some roots attached. Repot each division into its own container using fresh potting mix.

Common Issues and Remedies

While sedums are generally easy to care for, they can still face some common issues. Here are a few problems you may encounter with your sedum plant and how to address them:

Root rot: This occurs when the soil remains overly wet for extended periods. To prevent root rot, make sure your sedum plant is in well-draining soil and only water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Pests: Aphids and mealybugs can occasionally infest sedum plants. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to eliminate these pests.
Leggy growth: If your sedum becomes leggy or elongated, it is an indication of insufficient light. Place your plant in a brighter location or provide supplemental artificial lighting.

By following these tips, you can successfully grow sedum plants indoors and enjoy their unique beauty and easy-care nature. Whether you choose to grow a trailing variety like Sedum morganianum or a compact variety like Sedum rubrotinctum, these versatile succulents will bring life and vibrancy to any indoor space.