How to Grow Stonecrop in Pots

 

The scientific name of Stonecrop is Sedum and the plant is a flowering perennial plant in the succulent family. The creeping Stonecrop is often used as ground cover in garden areas, while clumping Stonecrop grows taller. Where does Stonecrop grow best? The stonecrop normally grown in the ground, the plant can be easily grown in containers. The stonecrop plants need very little care and the plant can withstand heat and dry conditions. The plant has thick waxy leaves that store water for extended periods of time, making it perfect for container growing. The stonecrop plants thrive in full sun and also in well drained soil that is dry. The stonecrop plants is a perfect potted plant for decks, patios, and rooftop garden areas, the plant has roots that are very shallow. The stonecrop plants can be grown in any size or shaped pot as long as the container has drainage holes. The stonecrop plants look lovely in smaller containers, such as bowl planters.

  

Growing Sedum in Containers

When planting stonecrop in a pot, it is very vital to use well draining soil. Allowing the stonecrop plant to sit in saturated soil will cause root rot resulting in the plant turning to mush. If you can, try and choose a container that have drainage holes. If you choose a shallow pot specifically for succulents, it will not have drainage holes. Take extra care to water the plant sparingly.

 

Selecting a container that is the right size is very vital. A container that has an inch or 2 of extra space around the sides is perfect. Containers are made of many different types of material. The stonecrop plants grow best in terracotta or ceramic pots. Both of these materials are porous, which help with water drainage.

The outdoor potted stonecrop plants should be planted in early spring, just after the last frost. Staged in full sun, the stonecrop plants will flourish well into winter. The Indoor potted stonecrop plants can be planted anytime of the year. For best growth, place the potted stonecrop plants in a warm room that gets plenty of full sun.  

 

Best Soil For Stonecrop Plants in Pots

The stonecrop plants are hardy and can grow in less than desirable conditions. The stonecrop plants will grow in sandy, rocky, shallow, or poor soil. The stonecrop plants will not grow in waterlogged soil. It is very vital that the soil you choose for planting is well draining. The stonecrop plants like a soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.  

 

Growing sedum in Containers

The stonecrop plant thrives in well drained, dry soil. The best thing to remember when working with stonecrop is to plant them in soil that is well draining. A healthy plant will need to sit above the rim of the container. Soil that sits below the rim of the container can allow water to pool, resulting in the leaves rotting. Quick drying soil is also good for the stonecrop plants. Allowing space between the stonecrop plants helps with air flow and drying out.  

 

Watering Stonecrop Plants in Pots

A dry stonecrop plants makes for a happy stonecrop plants. Less water is better. It is much easier to revive a dried out Sedum versus trying to repair a soggy plant. Check the soil every few days. Water the stonecrop plants only when the soil feels dry. Give the plant enough moisture until the soil is saturated. If you house the container outdoors, and it is exposed to rainy conditions, be sure the container has drainage holes.

 

Fertilizing Stonecrop Plants in Pots

When first planting stonecrop plants, it is a fine idea to mix a slow release fertilizer into the soil. Throughout the stonecrop plants growing season, supplemental feedings are not actually needed. Excess fertilizer can make the stonecrop plants too leggy. If it seems like the stonecrop plants are not blooming well, you can fertilize the plant during the growing season. Actually a diluted 15-15-15 liquid fertilizer will work (¼ tsp of fertilizer per gallon of water).  

 

Sedum in Pots Winter

The stonecrop plants are a very hardy plant that can tolerate cold weather. The stonecrop plant grows from spring well into winter. Depending on the material of your pot, you can leave the stonecrop plants outdoors during winter and the plant will be ok. Ceramic or terracotta pots will crack. Place the container in a sheltered area near a building for the winter. It is best for the stonecrop plant to stay frozen and dormant during the cold and re-bloom in the spring.

You can also bring your container stonecrop plants indoors for the winter. The stonecrop plants can sense when the weather changes. It is best to bring the stonecrop plants indoors during the fall, before the first freeze. Place the plant near a south facing window or under grow lights. The stonecrop plants will need at least six hours of sun a day. During the winter months you can water the stonecrop plants sparingly.

 

How to Grow Stonecrop in Pots Indoors

The stonecrop plants are quickly becoming a popular indoor plant. Even in the poorest of conditions the plant will tolerate an indoor environment. A bit of extra care can help the stonecrop plants to thrive indoors. The stonecrop plants needs full sun and warmth to grow very well. Plenty of sun will bring out the colors in its foliage. Make sure you stay away from a north facing window, as the stonecrop plants will need at least six hours of sun each day. The Stonecrop plants will thrive in a container that has drainage holes allowing the soil to drain well and dry out. A sunny and warm room is actually the best area for the stonecrop plants.