White stonecrop Sedum album
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ABOUT
White Stonecrop is a low-growing succulent plant that typically reaches a height of 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) and can spread to about 12 inches (30 cm) in width. This perennial plant features small, fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves that are green in color and arranged in dense, mat-like clusters.
In late spring to early summer, it produces tiny, star-shaped white flowers atop slender stems, creating a carpet of delicate blooms. White Stonecrop is a popular choice for ground cover in rock gardens, borders, and alpine plantings due to its attractive appearance and adaptability.
About this plant
Names
Family
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Prick-madam, Tall white stonecrop, Thick-leaved stonecrop, Worm grass
Common names
Sedum athoum, Sedum serpentini
Toxicity
To humans
White Stonecrop (Sedum album) is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting small amounts of this succulent is unlikely to cause significant harm. However, as with many plants, it's advisable to avoid consuming it, especially in large quantities, as it may lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Regarding its toxicity to animals, White Stonecrop is also considered non-toxic to most pets like cats and dogs. Ingesting small amounts of this plant is usually not a cause for concern. However, it's essential to be cautious because some animals may have sensitivities or allergies to certain plants, so it's always a good practice to monitor your pets and consult a veterinarian if you suspect they have consumed a large amount of any plant.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches
Spread
12 inches
Plant type
Succulents
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia
Benefits
General Benefits
Ornamental Beauty: White Stonecrop is prized for its attractive foliage and tiny star-shaped white flowers, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, ground cover, and container gardens.
Low Maintenance: White Stonecrop is easy to care for and requires minimal attention. It's a resilient plant that can withstand neglect.
Erosion Control: Its mat-forming growth habit helps control soil erosion on slopes and rocky terrain.
Wildlife Attraction: The flowers of White Stonecrop can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity in your garden.
Adaptability: It can adapt to various soil types and is versatile in its growing habits, making it a flexible choice for different garden settings.
Year-Round Interest: While it's especially eye-catching in bloom, White Stonecrop's evergreen foliage provides year-round interest in the garden.
Propagation: White Stonecrop is relatively easy to propagate from cuttings, making it a budget-friendly addition to your garden.
Pest Resistance: It is less susceptible to many common garden pests due to its succulent nature.
Eco-Friendly: Being a low-water plant, it promotes water conservation in the garden, making it an environmentally friendly choice.Medical Properties
White Stonecrop is primarily grown for ornamental purposes and isn't widely recognized for specific medical properties.
Air-purifying Qualities
White Stonecrop is primarily known for its ornamental qualities and isn't typically recognized as an air-purifying plant
Other Uses
Green Roofs: White Stonecrop is commonly used in green roof installations. Its shallow root system and ability to thrive in harsh conditions make it an excellent choice for adding a layer of greenery to rooftops, providing insulation, and reducing runoff.
Rock Gardens: Its low-growing, spreading habit makes White Stonecrop perfect for rock gardens or alpine gardens. It can create lush ground cover in rocky or challenging soil conditions.
Living Walls: Similar to green roofs, White Stonecrop can be part of living walls or vertical gardens. Planted in pockets or modules, it contributes to the aesthetics and functionality of green walls.
Erosion Control: Due to its ability to establish quickly and stabilize soil, White Stonecrop can be used on slopes and embankments for erosion control. It helps prevent soil erosion while adding visual appeal.
Edible Landscaping: While not commonly consumed, some people use White Stonecrop in edible landscaping. The succulent leaves are sometimes added to salads for a unique texture and flavor.
Terrariums: Its small size and adaptability make White Stonecrop suitable for terrariums and miniature gardens. It can create charming landscapes within glass containers.
Bonsai: Some enthusiasts use White Stonecrop in bonsai arrangements. Its small, fleshy leaves and natural ability to adapt to shallow containers make it an interesting choice for miniature tree cultivation.
Hypertufa Containers: White Stonecrop can be planted in hypertufa containers, which are artificial stone pots made from a mixture of cement, peat moss, and perlite. These rustic containers complement the plant's appearance.
Xeriscaping: In drought-prone regions, White Stonecrop is utilized in xeriscaping, a landscaping method that conserves water. Its ability to thrive with minimal irrigation makes it a valuable addition to low-water-use landscapes.
Educational Gardens: White Stonecrop is sometimes included in educational gardens to demonstrate the adaptations of succulent plants. It can be used to teach about water storage mechanisms and resilience in harsh environments.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
In Feng Shui, plants play a significant role in enhancing the energy (Chi) flow within a space. While White Stonecrop may not have specific Feng Shui symbolism, you can incorporate it into your home or garden to improve the overall energy. Here's how:
Balancing Yin and Yang: White Stonecrop's resilient and sturdy nature balances the energies in an area. Placing it in a room or garden can help create harmony between the passive (Yin) and active (Yang) forces.
Health and Well-Being: White Stonecrop's greenery symbolizes growth and vitality. Positioning it in the East or Southeast areas of your home or garden, which are associated with health and family, can promote well-being.
Abundance: The succulent leaves of White Stonecrop store water, representing abundance and resourcefulness. Placing it in the wealth sector (Southeast) can invite prosperity and financial stability.
Protection: White Stonecrop's resilience can act as a protective shield against negative energies. Positioning it near entrances or windows can help guard your home from unwanted influences.
Positive Energy Flow: White Stonecrop can be used to direct Chi energy positively. Arrange it in areas where you want to encourage the flow of energy, like in corridors or near stagnant spaces.Zodiac Sign Compitability
White Stonecrop don't have zodiac signs compitability
Plant Symbolism
Resilience: White Stonecrop's ability to thrive in challenging conditions symbolizes resilience and adaptability. It reminds us to persevere through difficulties.
Simplicity: The plant's low-maintenance nature represents simplicity and the beauty of the natural world in its most straightforward form.
Endurance: White Stonecrop's enduring growth reflects steadfastness and longevity.
Renewal: In some contexts, the annual renewal of White Stonecrop can symbolize fresh starts and the cyclical nature of life.
Water
Water your White Stonecrop sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Typically, this means watering once every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). In winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to once a month or less.
Light
White Stonecrop thrives in bright sunlight. Here are some guidelines for providing the best light conditions:
Place your White Stonecrop where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. South or west-facing windows are ideal for indoor plants. Outdoors, choose a location with full sun exposure.
While it loves sunlight, White Stonecrop can tolerate partial shade, especially in very hot climates. However, it may become leggy and less compact in low light conditions.Temperature
Ideal Temperature: It thrives in temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) during the growing season.
In winter, it can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 40°F (4°C). During this dormant period, it's essential to reduce watering to prevent root rot in cold, damp soil.
White Stonecrop is not frost-tolerant, so if you're growing it outdoors in colder regions, consider bringing it indoors or providing protection when temperatures drop below freezing.Pruning
Pruning White Stonecrop is generally straightforward and helps maintain the plant's shape and appearance. Here are some tips: When to Prune: The best time to prune White Stonecrop is in spring or early summer, just as the growing season begins. Avoid pruning during the dormant winter months. Purpose: Pruning serves various purposes, such as removing dead or damaged leaves, encouraging bushier growth, or controlling the plant's size. Tools: Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to make precise cuts. Ensure your tools are disinfected to prevent the spread of diseases. Method: To prune, simply snip off the unwanted stems or leaves at their base. You can also pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage branching and create a fuller appearance. Deadheading: Remove spent flower heads as they wither to encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
Cleaning
Regularly
Soil
Use a commercial succulent or cactus potting mix, or create your own by mixing regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand. Aim for a soil mix that provides good aeration.
White Stonecrop roots are susceptible to rot if they sit in waterlogged soil. Ensure your pot has drainage holes, and choose a loose, gritty soil mix to promote excellent drainage.
Succulents generally prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. A pH level around 6.0 to 7.0 is suitable for White Stonecrop.Repotting
Repotting White Stonecrop is necessary periodically to refresh the soil, assess root health, and allow the plant space to grow. Here's a general guideline:
Young White Stonecrop plants may need repotting every 2-3 years.
Mature plants can go longer between repottings, typically 3-4 years.
Repot in spring when the growing season begins, and the plant shows signs of new growth. Choose a pot that's slightly larger than the current one to provide ample room for root expansion.Humidity & Misting
White Stonecrop is well-suited to low-humidity environments, which makes them excellent indoor plants. They don't require high humidity levels and can tolerate dry conditions typical of indoor spaces. Here are some humidity-related tips:
Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%, which is comfortable for humans and ideal for most succulents.
Unlike some tropical plants, White Stonecrop doesn't require misting or additional humidity.Suitable locations
Indoor
White Stonecrop can be grown indoors with proper care. Place it in a bright location with indirect sunlight. Use well-draining succulent soil and water sparingly to prevent root rot. Maintain moderate humidity levels, and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Outdoors, White Stonecrop thrives in well-draining soil under full sun to partial shade. Ensure the soil is not waterlogged, as it prefers drier conditions. Water moderately and allow the soil to dry between watering sessions. This hardy succulent is suitable for rock gardens, containers, or ground cover.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Planting (Spring): The life of White Stonecrop typically begins in the spring. This is the ideal time for planting this hardy succulent. Choose a location or container with well-draining soil and place the young plant or cuttings. Ensure that the last frost date has passed in your region before planting outdoors.
Early Growth (Spring - Summer): After planting, White Stonecrop starts its active growth phase. It sends out new shoots and leaves, gradually spreading to form a low carpet-like ground cover. Regular but cautious watering is essential during this period, allowing the roots to establish.
Flowering (Late Spring - Summer): White Stonecrop is known for its attractive star-shaped white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The precise timing can vary depending on local climate conditions. These blossoms create a beautiful contrast against the succulent's green foliage and are particularly appealing to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Late Summer (Summer - Early Fall): As summer progresses, the plant continues to thrive, soaking up sunlight and storing energy. The succulent leaves retain water, helping the plant endure drier conditions.
Autumn (Late Fall): Toward late fall, White Stonecrop may start to prepare for the winter months. In some regions, the foliage may acquire a reddish or coppery hue as temperatures drop. This change in color adds aesthetic appeal to the garden.
Winter (Late Fall - Winter): White Stonecrop is a hardy succulent that can tolerate cold temperatures. During winter, the plant goes into a semi-dormant state. While it doesn't actively grow during this period, its robust structure allows it to endure freezing conditions.
Spring Renewal (Late Winter - Early Spring): When the weather begins to warm in late winter or early spring, White Stonecrop awakens from its semi-dormant state. New growth emerges from the established root system, and the succulent resumes its active growth phase.Propogation
Propogation time
Spring
White Stonecrop (Sedum album) can be propagated through several methods, and the ideal time for propagation varies depending on the method used:
Division: Division is one of the easiest ways to propagate White Stonecrop. It's typically done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Here's how to do it:
Dig up the mature White Stonecrop plant.
Gently separate the individual rosettes or clusters from the main plant.
Replant these divisions in well-draining soil, either in the garden or containers.
Leaf Cuttings: This method can be done throughout the growing season, from spring to early fall:
Snip healthy leaves from the White Stonecrop plant.
Allow the cut ends to callus (dry) for a day or two.
Plant the callused ends of the leaves in a well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix.
Water lightly and place them in a bright, indirect light location.
Stem Cuttings: Stem cuttings are best taken during the growing season, usually in late spring to early summer:
Snip a healthy stem section (about 2-3 inches long) from the White Stonecrop plant.
Allow the cut end to callus for a day or two.
Plant the callused end of the stem in a well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix.
Water lightly and provide bright, indirect light.
Pests
Spider mite, Mealybug, Aphid, Slugs and snails
Diseases
Root Rot, Powdery mildew, Leaf spot