Chocolate Ball Stonecrop – Succulent plant

Chocolate Ball Stonecrop is an evergreen perennial, mat-forming succulent plant. It forms a low spreading mound of milk-chocolate, succulent, needle-like leaves that change bronze- to red-flushed, grey-green leaves, redder in winter. The star-shaped yellow flowers appear on short, upright stems in summer. It looks perfect for filling in between rocks, spilling over container edges, and filling in between paving stones.

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Genus: Sedum
Scientific Name: Sedum hakonense ‘Chocolate Ball’
Synonyms: Sedum ‘Chocolate Ball’
Common Names: Chocolate Ball Stonecrop, Stonecrop Chocolate Ball, Sedum Chocolate Ball.

How to grow and care for Chocolate Ball Stonecrop

Light

It requires full sun to light shade. Two to four hours of afternoon sunlight is best for the plant. South-facing windows are ideal or west, north-facing will not encourage growth.

Soil

It grows best in Well-draining, poor soils, sand, rock gardens, and rich garden soil, under a variety of light levels. Use 2 parts potting soil, 2 parts coarse sand, 2 parts peat, and 1 part perlite or crushed charcoal.

Temperature

It Prefers an ideal temperature between 65°F – 75°F / 18°C – 25°C during summer. Temperature no lower than 50 °F – 55°F / 10°F – 12.7°C is best. It does best in hotter conditions. Try not to keep the plant outside in freezing temperatures.

Water

The Sedum plant needs more water in the spring and summer, but you can allow the topsoil to become slightly dry between each watering. During the winter season, reduce watering.

Fertilizer

Fertilize once a month with a diluted liquid fertilizer or use a slow-releasing nitrogen-based fertilizer, during the spring and summer season.

Propagation

Chocolate Ball Stonecrop can be easily propagated by seed, stem cuttings, division, and leaf cuttings. you can break off one of the stems and push it into the ground where you would like to grow it. The stem will root very easily. Or Cut off leaves from the stem, let them dry, and then place the cutting into the soil. Keep the potting soil moist until the cutting begins to grow.

Re-Potting

Re-pot your plant every year or every two years. As the plant grows, you should move it to a wider pot so the new stems and roots have enough room to develop. Repotting is best done during spring.

Pests and Diseases

Chocolate Ball Stonecrop has is no serious pests or disease issues. Watch for aphids and flies. You can dispose of them by spraying insecticidal soap or neem oil over the foliage.