Sedum palmeri, a chameleon-like fat plant

Native to the mountains of Mexico, Sedum palmeri belongs to the Crassulaceae family. Hardy, it can be grown both indoors and outdoors in our latitudes. If you adopt one, expect to be surprised! This oily plant changes with the seasons!

How to recognize Sedum palmeri?

Sedum palmeri is a perennial succulent that grows to between 20 and 50 centimetres tall. It adapts to the conditions in which it is grown, growing in a shrubby, creeping or drooping habit.

Its stem, which can be any shade from gray to brown, branches and supports rosettes of leaves.

The leaf blades are stalkless. They are attached directly to the stem. Fleshy and oval, they measure between three and five centimetres in length. The foliage of Sedum palmeri, like that of Sedum nussbaumerianum or Sedum album, changes color with the seasons. Blue-green in summer, it turns red in winter and autumn.

Palmer's Sedum starts to flower at the end of February. Its flowers bloom on a short flowering spike. Golden yellow, they attract pollinating insects with their nectar and long stamens.

Palmer's Sedum is non-toxic. You can enjoy its colors even if you live with curious young children or greedy pets.

Our maintenance tips

Sedum palmeri can be grown both indoors and outdoors. But it's in the open air that the plant reveals all its colors.

Watering

Wait for the soil to dry out between waterings. Water generously: the substrate must be soaking wet to allow your Sedum palmeri to build up its water reserves.

If tap water is too hard, use rainwater or demineralized water at room temperature.

Drain any water that accumulates in the saucer after watering.

Spray

Sedum palmeri grow in arid regions and do not like humidity. No need to spray them.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Sedum palmeri to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Pour a draining substrate into a perforated pot. You can use potting soil for cacti and succulents. You can also make your own growing medium by mixing equal parts potting soil for green plants and sand.

Plant your Palmer's thistle and fill in with substrate. Pack gently to avoid smothering the roots.

Plantation

Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.

Sedum palmeri like sun and hate having their roots in water. For your plant to flourish, choose a bright location with well-drained soil.

Dig a hole the size of the root ball. Plant your Palmer's thistle without burying the crown. Fill in and press down.

If you want to achieve a ground-cover effect, space the plants about 50 centimetres apart.

Cutting

You can take cuttings all year round.

Locate a healthy stem. Take a section at least five centimetres long.

Remove the leaves from the lower half and leave to dry for 24 to 48 hours in the open air. When a healing wedge appears, your cutting is ready.

Transplant your cutting into a draining substrate, such as potting soil for cacti and succulents, or a mixture of houseplant potting soil and sand. Press in the leafless part, taking care not to bury the limbs.

If your mother plant is balding, plant your graft in the same pot to rejuvenate the plant.

Disease / Threat

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Crassulaceae - Crassulaceae
Type	Orpin - Sedum
Species	Palmer's Orpin - Sedum palmeri
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Clay soil Calcareous earth Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Succulent Hanging plants
Tags	Beginner Rustic
Origin	Central America
Hardiness (USDA)	8a
Leaf color
Flower color