Sedum makinoi, a mountain chameleon
Sedum makinoi
- Exposure
- Sun
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 7b (-15°C ≤ T° < -12.2°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Genus
- Orpin Sedum
- Species
- Sedum makinoi
Other names:Sedum alfredi var. makinoi, Sedum subtile var. obovatum, Sedum makinoi f. albomarginatum, Sedum makinoi f. albovariegatum, Sedum obovatum
Native to the mountainous regions of Japan, Sedum makinoi is a plant in the Crassulaceae family. Sometimes known as Japanese stonecrop, it is prized for its ability to thrive in harsh conditions and its tendency to change color with the seasons.
How can you identify Sedum makinoi?
Sedum makinoi is a succulent plant. It is distinguished by its compact, spreading habit. When mature, it does not exceed 15 centimeters in height and 30 centimeters in width.
The plant is characterized by its shallow roots and creeping stems that spread rapidly to form a dense ground cover.
The plant is characterized by its shallow roots and creeping stems that spread rapidly to form a dense ground cover.
The fleshy leaves are arranged oppositely along the stems. The leaf blades, which are elliptical to rounded, are generally a few centimeters long. They are covered with a thin layer of pruina, which gives the plant a powdery appearance.
The leaves are bright green, sometimes with shades of pink or red when exposed to intense sunlight. Sedum makinoi therefore changes color with the seasons. In the fall, the foliage takes on reddish or coppery hues. Some cultivars, such sedum 'Ogon, even turn golden!
Japanese stonecrop is adorned with a multitude of small, star-shaped yellow flowers in late summer.
Sedum makinoi is not considered toxic to humans or pets. However, take precautions when handling the plant. It may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Our care tips
Sedum makinoi are resistant to very low temperatures and drought. They can be grown both indoors and outdoors. In the open ground, however, you'll need to make sure the plant has enough to drink in the first few years.
Watering
Water only when the potting soil has completely dried out. Your plant prefers one copious watering to several less generous sessions. In this way, it can build up its water reserves and its roots won't rot. The substrate should remain moist for two days, the time it takes for your succulent to store water.
Place your Sedum makinoi in its pot in your sink or in a container such as a bowl or terrine. Water the soil until the water begins to run into the container. Continue until you reach the height of the drainage layer (about two centimetres). Once this limit has been reached, stop watering and replace your pot in its saucer. Empty stagnant water when it appears.
To determine whether your fat plant is thirsty, observe its leaves. If they become less fleshy, thin or hollow, it's time to give them a drink.
Misting
Sedum makinoi grow in arid regions and do not like humidity. No need to spray them.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Sedum makinoi to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
The roots of your Sedum makinoi are shallow, but creeping. Install your plant in a pierced pot that is wider than it is tall. This will give it enough room to grow.
Pour a layer of clay balls or gravel into the bottom of the pot for drainage. Then add a light substrate, such as potting soil for cacti and succulents.
Plant your Sedum makinoi in the center and fill in with substrate. Water to remove air bubbles and encourage rooting.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
You don't have to fertilize your plant to make it grow. However, if you want to stimulate its growth, you can give itfertilizer for cacti and succulents.
Prune
Cut back flower stems and spent flowers after flowering.
Also cut back dried branches to maintain a compact habit.
Always use a clean, sharp tool to facilitate healing and prevent disease.
Planting
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
Sedum makinoi can tolerate low temperatures if the soil remains dry. Plant your specimen in a sunny, well-drained spot—in a rock garden or at the top of a mound, for example.
Soak the root ball of your Sedum makinoi while you dig a hole. It should be as deep as the root ball, but twice as wide.
Plant your Sedum makinoi in the center and fill in with garden soil. If the soil is heavy, you can mix in some sand.
Water generously to help the plant establish roots and dislodge any air pockets.
Taking cuttings
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Carefully remove one of the plants from the ground at Sedum makinoi. Cut the root ball into several parts using your hands and a clean, sharp tool.
Choose a sunny spot where water won't stagnate. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep.
Plant your Sedum makinoi in the center. Fill in the hole with garden soil. If the soil is heavy, you can lighten it by mixing it with sand.
Water for the first time to help the plant take root.
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Carefully remove one of the plants from the ground at Sedum makinoi. Cut the root ball into several parts using your hands and a clean, sharp tool.
Choose a pierced pot that's wider than it is tall. Line the bottom with a drainage layer (clay balls or gravel).
Add potting soil for cacti and succulents. Plant your cutting in the center and pour in substrate.
Water to aid rooting and eliminate air bubbles.
Information
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Sedum makinoi 'Tundra Tornado'
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Sedum makinoi 'Ogon'
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Find out more
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