Overview:
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen is a succulent plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is a native perennial succulent plant that is commonly found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Common Names:
Common names of Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen include Spreading Stonecrop and Creeping Stonecrop. The plant also goes by the name of Pork and Beans, due to the red color of its flowers.
Appearance:
The foliage of Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen has a mat-forming growth habit, with spreading stems that can reach up to 30cm long. The leaves are tiny, about 0.5 cm in length and ellipse-shaped, ranging from green to reddish-green in color. The flowers are star-shaped, and the plant blooms with yellow to red flowers in the summer.
Uses:
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen is often grown as a ground cover or used in rock gardens. It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care once established. This succulent plant can also be used in landscaping to add color and visual appeal to dry, arid areas.
Light Requirements:
Sedum radiatum ssp. depauperatum is an extremely adaptable and hardy plant. However, it grows best in bright light conditions. It thrives in full sunlight, but it can also grow in partial shade. If exposed to a lot of shade, the plant will start to stretch towards the light, becoming leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant is native to the Mojave Desert in the United States, where it experiences very hot, dry, and sunny weather. It is, therefore, adapted to hot temperatures and high light intensity. It will grow best in temperatures ranging from 70-90 °F (21-32 °C). However, it can also tolerate temperatures as low as 50 °F (10 °C) and as high as 100°F (38°C).
Soil Requirements:
Sedum radiatum ssp. depauperatum is adapted to well-drained, rocky, or sandy soils. The plant is adapted to a wide range of soil pH, and it can tolerates soil with pH levels from 6.0-8.5. However, it thrives in soil with a pH of 7.0. It is also adapted to low-nutrient soils and will grow better in soil that is not too rich in organic matter. Over-fertilization and overwatering should be avoided, as it can harm the plant.
Cultivation methods for Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen, commonly known as Chihuahuan Stonecrop, is a drought-tolerant plant that requires well-draining and sandy soil. The plant thrives in full sun, making it ideal for xeriscaping or rock gardens since it can survive prolonged droughts.
When planting, ensure you space the plants at least 12 inches apart to allow them to spread and mature. The plant is easy to propagate using stem cuttings. Insert the cuttings in moist soil and ensure you do not water them for a few days to prevent rotting.
Watering needs of Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen is drought-tolerant, but it needs consistent moisture during the growing season. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, especially during hot spells to prevent overwatering. Avoid watering during the dormant season as this could lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen, being a drought-tolerant plant, requires minimal fertilization. If you must fertilize your plant, use a low-nitrogen fertilizer sparingly during the growing season. High nitrogen fertilizers can interfere with the plant's drought tolerance mechanisms, leading to weak and sprawling growth.
Pruning Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen requires minimal pruning, and you only need to trim the plants when they overgrow their container or become too dense. If your plant gets too leggy, consider pruning the stems to encourage new growth and denser foliage.
When pruning the plant, ensure you use clean and sterile pruning equipment to prevent spreading diseases. Sterilize the equipment using a 70% alcohol solution or a mixture of water and bleach before use.
Propagation of Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen can be propagated through various methods, including:
Leaf-cutting propagation
Leaf-cutting propagation is the most common method of propagating Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen. To do this method, cut the leaves a few centimeters from the stem with a sterilized knife or scissors. The leaf-cutting should be allowed to dry for a few days to develop a callus. Once the callus has formed, the cuttings can be planted in a well-draining soil mix. Maintain a moist environment for the cutting until new growth appears, usually within 4-8 weeks.
Root division propagation
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen can also be propagated by dividing the rootball of an established plant. This method is best done during the plant's dormant season, either in the early spring or late fall. Dig up the plant and remove the soil around the roots, and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections. Replant the divisions in a well-draining soil mix, water, and keep in a partially shaded area until new growth appears.
Seed propagation
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen can also be propagated from seed. Harvest the seeds from mature plants and sow them in a well-draining soil mix. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and maintain a moist environment. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks, but it may take longer. Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual containers or planted into their permanent location.
Disease Management for Sedum radiatum S. Wats. Ssp. Depauperatum Clausen
Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen is generally a hardy plant, but it can still be susceptible to certain diseases. Here are some of the most common diseases that might affect this plant, along with some tips for managing them.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that can affect the leaves of Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen. Symptoms of leaf spot include dark, circular spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it's important to remove any infected leaves and dispose of them. You can also use a fungicide to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Root Rot
Root rot is another fungal disease that can affect Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen. It's often caused by overwatering, which leads to a build-up of moisture around the roots. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves and a softening of the plant's stem. To manage this disease, you will need to remove the infected plant and its soil. It's important to let the soil dry out completely before replanting.
Pest Management for Sedum radiatum S. Wats. Ssp. Depauperatum Clausen
While pests aren't as commonly seen on Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen, all plants are susceptible to pest infestations. Here are the most common pests that might affect this plant, along with some tips for managing them.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can be found on the leaves, stems, and buds of Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen. Symptoms of an aphid infestation include distorted leaves and a sticky residue on the plant. To manage aphids, you can use an insecticidal soap to wash the plant and remove the insects. You can also introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, to help manage the infestation.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are another common pest that might infest Sedum radiatum S. Wats. ssp. depauperatum Clausen. These pests are very small and difficult to see without magnification. Symptoms of a spider mite infestation include the leaves turning yellow and a fine webbing covering the plant. To manage spider mites, you can use a miticide to kill the pests. You can also increase the humidity around the plant to discourage the mites from reproducing.
