Sedum Lineare is an evergreen plant that has dense, succulent, green leaves and bunches of star-shaped blooms from the middle of summer to the end of the growing season. It is commonly known as Carpet Sedum. It requires little attention and is quite popular with pollinators. This guide will teach you all you need to know about the cultivation and maintenance of Sedum lineare.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Sedum lineare also known as carpet sedum, needle stonecrop or sea urchin, is a sedum originating in East Asia.
It has been proposed as an ideal plant for the “greening” of flat-roofed buildings in Shanghai, China, due to factors such as its ability to tolerate cold and drought, little need for soil and its roots’ lack of penetrating ability.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Full daylight, or at least 6 hours of sunshine for most of the day, is ideal for the growth of Sedum lineare.
Temperature
When the temperature is higher than 30 ℃ in summer, carpet sedum may become dormant. When the temperature is lower than 5 ℃ in winter, move it indoors to avoid irreversible frostbite or death. Its growing season is in spring and fall, and it needs a little water. In summer and winter, when it is dormant, watering should be reduced.
Watering
To keep the soil from running dry, water fresh Sedum lineare plants about once a week. Aside from extended periods without precipitation or very high temperatures, Sedum lineare plants seldom need further watering after they’ve been entrenched. The plants are drought-tolerant because of their thick succulent leaves.
Soil
Sedum lineare thrive on well-drained, loose soil that is either loamy, granular, or gravelly. Root rot is a common problem for Sedums that develop when the soil holds on to excessive water, which is frequently the problem with heavy, wet clay soils.
Fertilizing
Usually, Sedum lineare doesn’t need extra fertiliser and grows well in nutrient-poor soil. In fact, vibrant soil might lead to stunted development. Even if your soil is really poor, adding compost is a way to improve conditions for your Sedum plants.
Pruning
In order to keep a beautiful shape, large succulent plants may need pruning. For example, for echeveria planted in the garden, redundant branches or branches that are too dense need to be cut off in spring and fall. This depends on the plant’s purpose and your preference. Tools for pruning mainly include knives, scissors, and some medicines (such as sulfur powder).
In order to propagate new plants, cut some leaves in spring and fall. Select a stout stem with 5-6 leaves. Cut it off with a knife, then smear the wound with sulfur powder, and plant it after the wound is healed. Slightly wet the soil used for planting.
Propagation
Sedum Lineare can be propagated by leaves, seeds, and stem cuttings, but the most common and effective option is through stem cuttings.
Below, I explain how to reproduce this Carpet Sedum by each method:
Leaf propagation
Since the leaves of Sedum Lineare are very small and have limited water reserves, this method is a slow option with a lower success rate. However, it is possible to propagate this succulent through leaf cuttings when the process is done correctly.
Here is a step-by-step explanation of how to propagate this Carpet Sedum from leaves:
- Detach the leaf: You must carefully remove the leaf, making sure to completely remove it from its base and leaving no fragments on the stem. It is best to use a lower leaf. Try to do it as if you were turning it – from left to right and vice versa – the margin of error is much lower than when you simply pull it with force and in one direction.
- Place it in a pot or container: Place the leaf in a pot or container that has been previously disinfected with alcohol. The substrate should be at least 4 centimeters deep. When you put the leaf, place it upside down to allow the roots to grow, they can penetrate under the substrate and avoid direct sunlight. Another option is to slightly bury the leaf in the substrate. If you do it this way, you would avoid covering the roots in step 4.
- Put the pot in a place with indirect light: Although in its normal state this succulent does not have problems with direct sunlight, when you are propagating it from leaves, it is not recommended to expose it, especially in the early stages of its growth.
- Cover the roots and water the substrate: When the roots begin to grow, they must be covered with substrate and given normal care: good lighting and watering every time the substrate is dry.
- If you propagate several, transplant to individual pots: Over time, the plant will grow more until it has a stem and the mother leaf will wither and drop away naturally. Once it has shed, if you propagated it with other leaves, it will be time to transplant it to a small individual pot for it to continue its growth with more space. If you propagated it alone, simply remove the mother leaf to avoid pests and continue giving it normal care recommended for this succulent.
Stem cuttings propagation
This method is the most effective for propagating Sedum Lineare, excluding shoots propagation, which is a natural process, and we cannot do much to control it.
Stem cuttings, being pairs of leaves along with their stem, usually grow roots in a short period of time.
Follow these steps to propagate this Carpet Sedum by stem cuttings:
- Choose the cutting: When selecting a cutting to propagate, it is advisable to choose one that is not too small, it is best to select a well-formed and mature cutting, this will promote easier and faster root development.
- Separate the cutting: Once chosen, separate the cutting very carefully using a knife, scissors or cutter previously sterilized with alcohol. It is important to ensure that the cut made on the cutting is as straight as possible, this facilitates the wound healing process and helps the cutting to generate roots faster once planted in the soil.
- Remove leaves from the stem’s base: Alternatively, once you cut the cutting, remove the lower leaves to leave the base of the stem free to facilitate root generation, with 1 or 2 cm will be enough.
- Let the wound dry: As the wound remains moist, it is advisable to let the cutting dry for 1 or 2 days until its callus forms. To promote healing, you can leave it in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and in a vertical position, such as hanging or propped up.
- Place the cutting into a pot: Once the cutting has healed, place it into a pot filled with soil. Wait 5-7 days before watering to allow the cutting to develop stronger and healthier roots while continuing to heal.
Seed propagation
You can get Sedum Lineare seeds by buying them at a specialized store or through natural pollination of the plant’s flowers.
The steps to follow to propagate this Carpet Sedum by seeds are:
- Prepare the soil: You must prepare a draining soil and sterilize it by watering it with boiling water. This is to kill any fungi or bacteria that might be there.
- Place it in a container with a lid: Once the soil has cooled, place it inside a container, preferably transparent and with a lid. This is to simulate the greenhouse effect.
- Mix it with a less dense material: As a recommendation, mix the soil with small portions of a less dense material such as sawdust, coconut fiber or rice husk. This will make the soil a little looser and lighter, allowing the roots to penetrate and grow more easily, with less stress on the plant.
- Place the seeds and water the soil regularly: Once the soil is ready, drop (not bury) the seeds in it. To make them germinate, you should always keep them well hydrated and with abundant filtered light, such as near a window. It is important to avoid placing the seeds in direct sunlight during this process.
The seeds usually germinate after 1 to 2 weeks and are ready for transplanting after about 2 to 3 months.
Potting and repotting
Sedum lineare is a great candidate for pot cultivation as its roots are shallow. However, you must ensure that the containers have sufficient drainage and that the potting mix you use is either a succulent potting mix or a well-draining potting mix.
When to repot your Sedum lineare plants is determined by how quickly they grow. When the Sedum lineare gets root-bound or roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes, it is recommended to repot the plant.
Sedum lineare performs well even in extreme cold and does not require any special care or shelter. Sedum lineare plants cultivated in containers, where the soil is just a few inches deep, are an exception to this rule. Protect the containers from freezing temperatures by wrapping them in canvas and bubble wrap or storing them in a bunker.
III. Uses and Benefits
Sedum lineare requires very little attention, since it is drought-resistant, heat-resistant, and can flourish in areas where other species may struggle to thrive. It is possible to cultivate it as a ground covering, or in swinging arrangements, and it is an excellent choice for rock gardens, where it may be used to fill up empty places. In addition to this, it has blossoms that are fashioned like stars, which provide an interesting decorative element.
Find Where to Buy the Best Carpet Sedum (Sedum lineare)
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