Description
Sedum Rubrotinctum or commonly known as the “Jelly Bean” plant, is a cute-looking succulent with colorful chubby, little red-tipped leaves, giving it a jelly bean-like appearance. In addition to that, this plant offers an interesting shape and color that will not only make a wonderful addition to a dish garden but also looks perfect in hanging baskets as it tends to trail over the side of the pot as it grows.
So if you are in search of a succulent that is fun, very easy to care for, and at the same time, will look great in just any living space, then Sedum Jelly Bean is the one that you are looking for!
How to grow jelly bean succulents
Grow the sedum jelly bean plant in containers or plant it in the ground. Those in areas with cold winters might grow it as an annual or dig up and transplant into pots in autumn. Sedum is easy to plant, in most cases burying a stem is all you need to get it started. Avoid watering for a week or two after planting. Sedum jelly bean plant needs a sunny spot to maintain colorful leaves. Sedum varieties often grow in areas of the landscape where nothing else survives because of hot, dry conditions. You can also use the jellybean plant in partially shaded areas for a pop of color, just plant someplace where a few hours of the sun can reach the plant. In the hottest climates, this succulent needs some shade in summer. Jelly bean sedums turn green all over when not enough light reaches them.
How to care for jelly bean succulents
Jelly bean succulents are great plants for beginners because they thrive on neglect. They can tolerate drought, they don’t require pruning or frequent repotting, and they are extremely easy to propagate.
They thrive with lots of sunlight and do not tolerate excess moisture. Place this adorable succulent in a sunny, hot location and water it infrequently and it will be happy!
Light
Lots of bright, direct sunlight is required in order for jelly bean succulents to thrive. In full sun conditions, the tips of the leaves will turn red or orange with heat stress. A completely green plant or leggy, elongated growth are both indications that the plant is not receiving enough sunlight and could benefit from a brighter location. In extremely hot climates, a location that receives a couple of hours of shade can be beneficial.
If grown indoors, it is unlikely that the plant will turn red unless it is situated directly under a grow light. Nevertheless, ensure that you choose a location that receives at least six hours of full sun, such as a west- or south-facing window.
Soil
Jelly bean succulents tolerate a wide range of well-drained soils. These plants do not tolerate excess moisture well and are extremely susceptible to root rot. Succulent and cactus soils are ideal because they are typically high in inorganic matter (such as perlite and pumice) and low in organic matter (such as peat and coco coir).
Water
This succulent requires very little water in order to thrive. Jelly bean succulents are accustomed to long periods of drought with short bursts of moisture. When grown indoors, allow the soil to dry out thoroughly between waterings.
Before applying water, wait until the plump leaves of the jelly bean succulent have a ‘puckered’ appearance to ensure that the plant is thirsty. If you are growing jelly bean succulents outdoors, you likely won’t need to provide supplemental water because rainfall should be sufficient.
Temperature and Humidity
These desert-dwellers do best in hot, dry conditions and will struggle to survive in overly humid environments. They are not frost-tolerant, although they can grow well outdoors aif temperatures don’t drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.7 degrees Celsius).
Fertilizer
Jelly bean succulents do not require regular fertilization and do well in nutrient-poor conditions. You can apply an all-purpose cactus and succulent fertilizer in the early to mid-spring to help support healthy growth throughout the growing season, it's not necessary. Over-fertilizing jelly bean succulents can result in root burn or discolored leaves, so apply sparingly.