Jelly bean plant
The Jelly Bean Plant is a charming, low-maintenance succulent with colorful, chubby little leaves that grow in an upright, cascading form. It goes by several names, including Sedum rubrotinctum, Sedum x rubrotinctum, and Sedum mexicanum. The plant has long, robust stems and rounded, succulent leaves in shades of green, red, pink, and purple, which has earned it the nickname 'Jellybean' or 'Pork and Beans'. Jelly Bean Plant is not usually bothered by pests, diseases, or environmental pressures.
Jelly Bean Plant is very drought tolerant, so be careful not to overwater it. Water the plant thoroughly, ensuring that water runs through the roots and out the drainage hole in the bottom of the container. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again, then give the plant enough water to moisten the soil but not drench it. Providing too much water or not enough water can cause the leaves to become discolored and fall off.
The Jelly Bean Plant can tolerate a range of lighting conditions, from full sun to bright indirect light. Excessive direct sunlight, especially in the warm months, can cause the leaves of the plant to burn. Aim to give your plant access to as much natural light as possible, and never keep it in complete darkness for extended periods of time. Artificial lighting is not adequate for this plant.
The Jelly Bean Plant prefers temperatures between 70°F - 80°F (21°C - 27°C) during the day and 60°F - 62°F (15°C - 17°C) during the night. Note that the cooler nighttime temperatures are necessary for the plant to form its colorful foliage.
The leaves of the Jelly Bean Plant will shrivel in overly dry conditions, so take measures to ensure adequate humidity. To increase humidity, mist the plant with a spray bottle, place a humidifier near the plant, or group plants together. Make sure you never mist the plant when the sun is out, as the leaves may burn.
Jelly Bean Plants thrive best in soil that is light and well-draining, such as a succulent potting mix. When purchasing soil, look for one with a pH between 6.0 to 6.5, as this will provide the plant with the best nutrients. Be sure to check that the soil is not waterlogged before planting the Jelly Bean Plant.
Jelly Bean Plants should only be fertilized during the growing season, which is from spring to late summer. Use a balanced fertilizer formulated for succulents and cacti, and dilute it to half-strength to avoid burning the plant's roots. Apply the fertilizer every two to four weeks, depending on the needs of the plant.
Though they're usually not bothered by pests, Jelly Bean Plants may sometimes attract mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. If you notice signs of an infestation, you can take action by treating the plant with a mild soap solution or insecticidal spray. Be sure to carefully read the instructions before use. Additionally, keep the humidity levels of the plant in check, as this helps reduce the spread of pests.
Jelly Bean Plants don't need to be repotted very often, usually only once every year or two. Repot the plant in the spring when it begins to outgrow its container. Choose a pot that is slightly bigger than the previous one and use a well-draining succulent potting mix. Break up any clumps of soil when planting the plant, so that its roots have plenty of room to expand.
You should only prune a Jelly Bean Plant if there are any damaged leaves or stems, or if the plant is getting too tall and you need to clip it to maintain an appealing shape. While pruning, be careful not to cut off too much, as this can stress the plant out. Use a sharp blade and take off only about 20-25 percent of the plant at a time.
Mulching can be beneficial to the Jelly Bean Plant as it helps the soil maintain its moisture levels. When mulching, be sure to use an organic mulch such as shredded bark, pine needles, coconut coir, or compost. Avoid using gravel or pebbles as mulch, as these can cause the soil to become waterlogged and promote root rot.
The Jelly Bean Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings. Take four to five inch cuttings from a healthy jelly bean plant in late spring or early summer. Remove any leaves from the bottom third of the stem, dip the cut end in some rooting hormone, and then plant the stem in a well-draining succulent potting mix. Keep the cuttings in a warm, bright location and water as needed.
The stems of the Jelly Bean Plant can become top-heavy, so it may require some form of support. For extra stability, you can insert a stake near the base of the plant, and then tie the top of the stem to the stake using string or soft twine.
In the winter, the Jelly Bean Plant enters a period of dormancy. During this time, limit water and fertilizer to reduce stress on the plant. Be sure to keep the plant in a cool, dark place, as too much sun and heat will cause the leaves to become discolored and shrivel.
No, Jelly Bean Plant is not toxic to pets. However, the plant can be a choking and intestinal hazard if ingested, so it is best to keep it away from curious pets.
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