Origin and Common Names
Sedum laxum (Britt.) Berger ssp. latifolium Clausen, also known as Broad-leaved Stonecrop, is a flowering plant belonging to the family Crassulaceae. This sedum subspecies is native to western North America, specifically California and Oregon.
The plant is commonly referred to by various names such as Cascade Stonecrop, Coast Stonecrop, Sea-cliff Sedum, Endres's Stonecrop, and Coastal Sedum.
Uses
Sedum laxum ssp. latifolium is an ornamental plant with beautiful, star-shaped yellow flowers that bloom in summer. This plant is ideal for rock gardens, slopes, or as a ground cover. It is a drought-tolerant plant and does well in full sun to partial shade. It is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow and propagate. Its succulent leaves and stems help it to retain moisture, making it an excellent addition to a xeriscape garden.
In traditional medicine, Sedum laxum was used by native Americans for various medicinal purposes, including treating wounds, digestive problems, and ophthalmic infections.
General Appearance
Sedum laxum ssp. latifolium is a low-growing plant with succulent leaves and stems. The leaves are oblong to spatulate, and they grow up to 2.5 cm long and 1 cm wide. The leaves are blue-green or gray-green in color and have finely serrated margins. The stems of the plant are sturdy and grow up to 30 cm long. The flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stems and have five petals that are bright yellow. The flowers bloom from June to September. This plant is a great addition to any garden, thanks to its beauty, low maintenance, and drought tolerance.
Light Requirements
Sedum laxum ssp. latifolium typically prefers full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade. It thrives in bright, direct sunlight, which stimulates its growth and development. If planted in a shaded area, the plant may become leggy, with weak stems and sparse foliage. Therefore, it is best to place this plant in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to arid regions of North America, where it is adapted to hot and dry conditions. It is therefore able to tolerate high temperatures and low humidity levels. In general, Sedum laxum ssp. latifolium prefers temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) during the growing season. If temperatures rise above this range, the plant may become stressed and require more frequent watering.
Soil Requirements
Sedum laxum ssp. latifolium requires well-draining soil, as it is susceptible to root rot in wet conditions. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, rocky, or loamy soils. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, between 6.5-7.5. Adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss can improve soil structure and fertility, which in turn can benefit the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods for Sedum Laxum (Britt.) Berger Ssp. Latifolium Clausen
Sedum Laxum (Britt.) Berger Ssp. Latifolium Clausen can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. If grown from seeds, the seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in a warm and bright spot. If taking cuttings, make sure they are healthy, well-established stems with a few leaves on them. Gently plant them in well-draining soil and water regularly until it has established.
Watering Needs for Sedum Laxum (Britt.) Berger Ssp. Latifolium Clausen
Sedum Laxum (Britt.) Berger Ssp. Latifolium Clausen prefers dry and well-drained soil, so overwatering should be avoided. Water only when the soil is completely dry, typically every 7-10 days. When watering, make sure not to get any water on the leaves as this can cause rot. In general, it's best to water this plant sparingly and allowing the soil to dry in between waterings.
Fertilization for Sedum Laxum (Britt.) Berger Ssp. Latifolium Clausen
Sedum Laxum (Britt.) Berger Ssp. Latifolium Clausen has low fertilizer needs and can do well without any feeding. However, to promote healthy growth, you can fertilize once or twice during the growing season, using a fertilizer with low nitrogen content. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season in winter.
Pruning for Sedum Laxum (Britt.) Berger Ssp. Latifolium Clausen
Sedum Laxum (Britt.) Berger Ssp. Latifolium Clausen is a low maintenance shrub that requires minimal pruning. However, if the plant becomes too leggy, or you want to maintain its shape, pruning can be done in the early spring or fall. It's best to prune on a dry day using a sharp and clean pair of pruning shears. Cut back about 1/3 of the plant to encourage new growth and shape the plant to your preference.
Propagation of Sedum Laxum (Britt.) Berger Ssp. Latifolium Clausen
Sedum laxum is a succulent plant that spreads rapidly and is commonly used for groundcover. Propagation of Sedum laxum can be done through different methods that include division, stem cuttings, and leaf cuttings.
Division
Division is one of the easiest propagation methods for Sedum laxum. It involves splitting the plant into smaller sections that have roots and shoots. This method can be done in spring or early summer, which is the best time for new growth. To do this, gently dig up the plant and separate the root clumps. Make sure each section has a few shoots and roots. Plant it in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until it is established.
Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Sedum laxum can also be done through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a stem from the plant and using it to grow a new plant. It is best to do this in spring or early summer. Take a healthy stem that is about 3-4 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil that is moist. Keep the soil moist until the new plant is established.
Leaf Cuttings
Sedum laxum can also be propagated through leaf cuttings. This method involves taking a leaf from the plant and using it to grow a new plant. To do this, take a healthy leaf and gently remove it from the plant. Be sure to keep the entire leaf intact, including the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil that is moist. Keep the soil moist until the new plant is established.
Disease and Pest Management for Sedum laxum (Britt.) Berger ssp. latifolium Clausen
Sedum laxum (Britt.) Berger ssp. latifolium Clausen, commonly known as Sierra Stonecrop, is a hardy succulent plant that belongs to Crassulaceae family. Like any other plant, sedums are prone to pests and diseases that can damage their growth and appearance. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Sedum laxum and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Leaf spot disease: This is a fungal disease that causes small, circular, brownish spots on the leaves of the plant. It can spread quickly and cause severe damage if not managed on time. To control this disease, remove the infected leaves and dispose of them. Apply a copper fungicide spray to the plant on fungicide labeled intervals. Do not overwater the plant, and allow the soil to dry between watering, as moist conditions favor the growth and spread of leaf spot disease.
Crown rot: This is a caused by a fungus that attacks the crown and roots of the plant, causing the leaves to wilt and turn yellowish. To control crown rot, remove and dispose of the infected plant parts, and reduce watering. Transplant the plant to new soil and a new well-draining pot and avoid reusing old soil.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To control aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock them off from the leaves. Alternatively, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray on the plant or introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, to control aphid populations.
Mealybugs: These are small, white, cottony pests that cluster in the leaf axils and on the plant's undersides. They feed on the plant's sap, causing distortions and yellowing of the leaves. To control mealybugs, apply rubbing alcohol with a cotton swab directly on the pests or consider applying insecticidal soap or neem oil spray after removing the infested leaves.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing and visible webbing. To control spider mites, wash the plant with a shower of water, increase humidity around the plant by misting it or placing it on a pebble tray. Apply insecticidal soap, neem oil, or sulfur dust on the plant or introduce natural predators, such as predatory mites, to the infested area.
Being vigilant about the early signs of plant stress, disease, and pest infestation and taking proper management measures in a timely manner will help maintain the health and productivity of Sedum laxum plants.
