Lidakense Stonecrop Hylotelephium cauticola 'Lidakense'
ABOUT
Hylotelephium cauticola 'Lidakense', commonly known as the stonecrop, is a succulent plant that features a cluster of grey-green leaves. These leaves are often rounded, fleshy, and may have a touch of purple or red along the edges, especially as the weather becomes cooler. The plant forms a compact, mound-like shape with the leaves densely packed together. During its blooming period, stonecrop produces clusters of star-shaped flowers that can range in color from soft pinks to deep magentas, adding a burst of color and contrast to its foliage. The flowers attract pollinators and are typically very hardy and drought-resistant, making them an excellent choice for rock gardens or dry, challenging landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Cliff Stonecrop, Lidakense Stonecrop, Lidakense Sedum
Common names
Sedum cauticola 'Lidakense', Sedum 'Lidakense'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Stonecrop is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingesting any part of the plant is not advisable, and there may be individual sensitivity or allergic reactions in some people. If ingested, it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
To pets
Stonecrop is typically non-toxic to pets as well. However, as with humans, individual pets may have varying sensitivities and could potentially experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest any part of the plant. These symptoms may include vomiting or diarrhea. It is always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 feet 4 inches (40 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: The plant features attractive blue-gray to purple leaves that provide visual interest and aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Being a succulent, it is highly drought-tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with low water availability.
- Easy Care: It requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for beginners or those with less time for gardening.
- Cold Hardy: The plant can survive in colder climates, down to USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, making it versatile for various garden settings.
- Late Season Blooms: Offering pink flowers in late summer to fall, it helps to provide color in the garden when most other plants have finished blooming.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination and the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Ground Cover: It can serve as an effective ground cover, reducing soil erosion and suppressing weed growth.
- Compact Growth: The plant has a compact growth habit, making it suitable for containers, small gardens, or as a border plant.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hylotelephium cauticola 'Lidakense', commonly known as Stonecrop, can be used as a living mulch, suppressing weeds while requiring minimal maintenance.
- Stonecrop can serve as a natural ground cooler; its dense growth can help to lower the soil temperature and reduce heat stress on nearby plants.
- Planting Stonecrop in green roofing projects can contribute to insulating buildings, thus reducing energy costs for heating or cooling.
- Stonecrop's ability to thrive in poor soils makes it ideal for rehabilitating and preventing erosion in degraded areas.
- The dense carpeting nature of Stonecrop can be used to create patterns or designs in rock gardens and landscapes for aesthetic purposes.
- By absorbing rainwater runoff, Stonecrop can be an environmentally-friendly addition to landscapes in urban settings to help manage stormwater.
- In coastal areas, Stonecrop can be used to stabilize sand dunes and prevent further erosion with its robust root system.
- Stonecrop can be utilized in sensory gardens for its varied textures and is durable enough to withstand light foot traffic.
- Its drought-resistant qualities make Stonecrop an excellent choice for xeriscaping, contributing to water conservation efforts.
- As a habitat plant, Stonecrop offers a safe refuge and breeding ground for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe stonecrop is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe stonecrop is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Stonecrop is known for its hardy nature, capable of surviving in harsh conditions with minimal water and care. It symbolizes the ability to thrive through challenges.
- Survival: As a succulent, Stonecrop is adept at storing water for periods of drought, representing the idea of enduring survival and self-sufficiency.
- Adaptability: Stonecrop can grow in a variety of climates and conditions, symbolizing versatility and the capacity to adapt to different situations in life.
- Longevity: Due to its perennial nature, Stonecrop symbolizes endurance and long-lasting life, mirroring the plant's ability to live for many years.
- Tranquility: The soothing appearance and low-maintenance aspect of Stonecrop signify peace and calmness, suggesting a stress-free existence.
WaterThe Stonecrop requires minimal watering due to its drought-tolerant nature. It should be watered sparingly, with around half a gallon of water every other week during the growing season, ensuring that the soil dries out completely between waterings. In winter, reduce watering to once a month or less, depending on the plant's location and humidity levels. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's essential to provide well-draining soil and avoid letting the plant sit in water.
LightStonecrop thrives in full sunlight, which promotes healthy growth and flowering. The ideal spot is where the plant can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, in extremely hot climates, some light afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.
TemperatureStonecrop is cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 0°F but prefers a range between 65°F to 75°F during its active growing season. It's essential to protect the plant from extreme heat or cold, which can be damaging.
PruningPruning Stonecrop is important to maintain a compact shape and to encourage healthy new growth. Remove dead or faded flowers after blooming to tidy up the plant and trim back by one-third in early spring if needed. It's best to prune annually, and the optimal time is immediately after flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for October Daphne should be well-draining with a mix of soil, perlite, and coarse sand. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingOctober Daphne should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and to accommodate growth.
Humidity & MistingOctober Daphne is adaptable to most humidity levels and thrives in a typical home environment; however, too much humidity can lead to rot.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, water sparingly.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, well-drained spot.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA.
Life cycleHylotelephium cauticola 'Lidakense', commonly known as Cliff Stonecrop, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, once sown, germinates in favorable conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedling emerges, developing a root system and juvenile leaves, and over time, the plant grows into a mature succulent with a rosette of thick, fleshy leaves typically characteristic of stonecrops. During the growing season, the Cliff Stonecrop undergoes vegetative growth, often spreading by producing offsets or through fragmented pieces that root easily. As summer transitions to fall, it blooms with clusters of star-shaped pink to purplish flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, the plant sets seed, and as temperatures drop with the approach of winter, the above-ground parts may die back, while the root system remains dormant until the next growing season. Throughout its life, this perennial succulent will repeat the flowering and dormancy cycle, often living for several years before eventually senescing.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Hylotelephium cauticola 'Lidakense', commonly known as stonecrop, is most effectively propagated through stem cuttings. This method is popular because it's straightforward and usually has a high success rate. The best time for taking stem cuttings is in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate stonecrop, a gardener should select a healthy stem and cut a 3 to 4-inch (approximately 7.6 to 10.2 centimeters) section, ensuring to include at least one node. The cutting should be allowed to callus over for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil. Afterwards, keeping the soil lightly moist and providing bright, indirect sunlight encourages rooting. Roots typically establish within a few weeks, at which point the new stonecrop plant can gradually acclimate to more direct sunlight.
