Sedum pulchellum (Widow’s Cross) – Succulent plants

Sedum pulchellum is an ornamental succulent plant. It is stonecrop with ascending to spreading pink to light green stems that typically rise up to 30 cm tall. The leaves are alternate, smooth, stem-clasping, cylindrical, pale green to lime green, up to 1 inch long and are densely arranged along the stem. The stem is topped by a horizontally branched cyme of tiny flowers which bloom in May to June. Each flower is up to 1.3 cm across and has 4 pink petals, 4 green sepals, 4 pistils, and 8 stamens. The flowers are followed by dehiscent seed pods which develop in June and July.

Scientific Classification:

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Sedum

Scientific Name: Sedum pulchellum Michx.
Synonyms: Aectyson sagittatum, Chetyson vigilmontis, Sedum pulchrum, Sedum vigilimontis.
Common Names: Widow’s Cross, Widowscross, Sea Star.

How to grow and maintain Sedum pulchellum (Widow’s Cross):

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 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:
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:
It can be easily propagated by stem 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:
Sedum plant has is no serious pests or diseases issues. Watch for aphids and flies. You can dispose of them by spraying insecticidal soap or neem oil over the foliage.