Origin
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. ciliosum (T.J. Howell) Clausen is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. It is native to California, in the United States, and can be found growing in its coastal regions.
Common Names
Also known as Hairy Stonecrop, Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. ciliosum gets its name from the tiny hairs that grow along the edge of its leaves. Other common names for this plant include Coastal Stonecrop, Sand Stonecrop, and Coast Range Stonecrop.
Uses
The Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. ciliosum plant is often used for its ornamental value to add beauty to rock gardens, borders, and containers. It is also used for erosion control purposes because of its shallow but strong roots that can hold soil together. Additionally, this plant has medicinal properties and has been traditionally used by Native Americans for treating various ailments like headaches and skin irritations.
General Appearance
The Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. ciliosum plant grows up to 18 inches tall and spreads up to 12 inches wide. It has small, gray-green, rounded leaves with a delicate, silvery sheen. The leaves' margins are lined with small white hairs that give it its ciliated appearance. The plant produces yellow, star-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring and summer. Its taproot is short and fleshy, and its stem is thin, upright, and branching.
Overall, the Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. ciliosum plant is a hardy and attractive perennial that requires little maintenance and is easy to grow in coastal regions and dry areas.
Light Requirements
Sedum radiatum ssp. ciliosum generally prefers full to partial sun exposure. It thrives in direct sunlight but can also tolerate some degree of shade. When grown indoors, it is important to place the plant near a window that receives plenty of natural light.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature requirements for Sedum radiatum ssp. ciliosum can vary depending on the season. During the growing season, which typically occurs in the spring and summer, temperatures should be kept between 70-85°F (21-29°C). In the fall and winter, cooler temperatures between 50-60°F (10-16°C) are ideal. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 40°F (4°C).
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Sedum radiatum ssp. ciliosum is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss can provide the proper drainage and nutrient levels. The plant is also capable of growing in soil with a higher clay content as long as it is not waterlogged. It is important to avoid over-watering, as standing water can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. ciliosum (T.J. Howell) Clausen is a hardy succulent that can grow in a variety of soil types. The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate drought-like conditions and does well in full sun to partial shade.
The plant can be propagated through stem or leaf cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken in the summer months, while leaf cuttings can be taken anytime. Place the cuttings in a pot with well-draining soil and water sparingly until the plants start to establish roots.
Watering needs
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. ciliosum (T.J. Howell) Clausen is a drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal watering. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems.
The frequency and amount of water depend on the climate and soil type. Plants grown in sandy soil and hot climates may require more frequent watering than those grown in clay soil or cooler climates. However, it is essential not to water the plant too frequently, as it can cause the plant to become waterlogged.
Fertilization
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. ciliosum (T.J. Howell) Clausen is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer can be applied during the growing season, but it is not necessary. Too much fertilizer can cause the plant to become leggy and lose its compact growth habit.
If you choose to apply fertilizer, use a diluted solution and apply it only once a month during the growing season. Stop fertilizing during the winter months.
Pruning
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. ciliosum (T.J. Howell) Clausen does not require much pruning. Deadheading the spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce new flowers. Pruning can also be done to control the plant's size or shape.
If you need to prune your Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. ciliosum (T.J. Howell) Clausen, use clean and sterilized pruning shears. Cut the stems just above a leaf node to encourage the plant to branch out in that area.
Propagation of Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. ciliosum (T.J. Howell) Clausen
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. ciliosum (T.J. Howell) Clausen is a beautiful succulent plant that produces small, star-shaped, yellow flowers in summer. This plant is very easy to propagate and can be grown through several different methods, including:
Seed propagation
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. ciliosum (T.J. Howell) Clausen can be propagated through seeds. The first step in seed propagation is to collect the seeds from the mature plant. Once collected, the seeds can be sown in sterile soil mixed with perlite, vermiculite, and sand. The soil should be kept moderately moist, and the container should be placed in a bright, warm location. Seeds will generally germinate within 14 to 21 days, and after the seedlings have reached a few centimeters in height, they can be transplanted to larger containers with well-draining soil.
Leaf cutting propagation
Another common method of propagation for Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. ciliosum (T.J. Howell) Clausen is leaf cuttings. To propagate through this method, choose a healthy leaf from the parent plant and remove it from the stem with a clean, sharp knife. Let the leaf dry out in a shaded area for a few days. Next, dip the cut end of the leaf in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a bright, warm location. Within a few weeks, new roots and tiny plants will start to form from the base of the leaf.
Division propagation
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. ciliosum (T.J. Howell) Clausen can also be propagated through division. To propagate through division, remove the parent plant from its pot and carefully separate the smaller plants from the parent. Each divided plant should have its roots intact and be planted in well-draining soil in a new container. Water the newly propagated plants and place the container in a bright, warm location out of direct sun. Within a few weeks, the new plants will begin to grow and establish themselves.
Disease and Pest Management for Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. ciliosum (T.J. Howell) Clausen
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. ciliosum (T.J. Howell) Clausen is a hardy succulent plant that can withstand dry and hot conditions. However, it is still susceptible to disease and pest infestations. Knowing how to manage these problems is crucial to the plant's health and survival.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Sedum radiatum ssp. ciliosum is powdery mildew. This disease appears as a white or grayish powder on the leaves and stems of the plant and can be caused by several fungal species. To manage powdery mildew, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water or neem oil. Try to water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage the growth of the fungus.
Another disease that can affect Sedum radiatum ssp. ciliosum is root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poorly-draining soil. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, and a foul odor coming from the roots. To manage root rot, you should remove the affected plant from the soil, cut off any rotted roots, and replant the healthy parts in fresh, well-draining soil.
Common Pests
Sedum radiatum ssp. ciliosum can also be infested with common pests such as mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs are small, white insects that suck the sap from the plant. To manage mealybugs, you can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plant. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the insects.
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause significant damage to the leaves of the plant. They produce webbing on the foliage and suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, you can use a mixture of water and dish soap to spray the affected parts of the plant. You can also introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings to eat the spider mites.
Conclusion
Managing diseases and pests is essential to the health of Sedum radiatum ssp. ciliosum. By identifying and addressing these issues early on, you can prevent further damage and ensure that the plant thrives. Remember to always practice good hygiene practices, such as cleaning your tools and avoiding overwatering, to prevent disease and pest infestations.
