Stonecrop Hylotelephium 'Ruby Glow'

Water

Stonecrop plants like the Hylotelephium 'Ruby Glow' prefer to be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, which could mean watering approximately once a week during active growing seasons like spring and summer. During the dormant period in fall and winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks or less, depending on humidity and temperature. When you do water, soak the soil thoroughly until excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot, using up to a few gallons for a large outdoor plant or several ounces for a smaller indoor pot. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's critical to ensure proper drainage and to avoid letting the plant sit in water.

Light

Stonecrop thrives in conditions where it can receive full sun for at least six to eight hours a day, making it ideal for a sunny spot in the garden or by a south-facing window. These plants can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade may result in leggy growth and fewer blossoms. To promote healthy growth and vibrant colors in the 'Ruby Glow', ensure it gets ample sunlight daily, only providing shade during the hottest parts of the day if temperatures are excessively high.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for Stonecrop is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day with a slight drop at night. They can survive short periods of colder weather down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. Similarly, they can endure heat above 75 degrees Fahrenheit but may need some protection from the most intense afternoon sun. Ensuring proper ventilation can help the plant cope with temperature fluctuations.

Pruning

Stonecrop should be pruned to remove spent flowers after blooming to encourage a tidy appearance and possibly a second bloom. In late fall or early spring, remove any dead or damaged tissue to maintain plant health and shape. Pruning can be done annually, and the best time for a major trim is in the early spring when new growth begins to show.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Stonecrop 'Ruby Glow' grows best in well-draining soil with a pH of about 6.0 to 7.5. A suitable soil mix can consist of 1 part potting soil, 1 part coarse sand or perlite, and 1 part peat or compost to aid drainage and provide nutrients. It's vital to avoid soil that retains too much moisture as this can lead to root rot.

Repotting

Stonecrop 'Ruby Glow' generally needs to be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and provide space for growth. It's best to repot in the spring when the plant is entering a period of active growth.

Humidity & Misting

Stonecrop 'Ruby Glow' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in typical household conditions. This succulent prefers drier conditions and does not require high humidity, making it well-suited to indoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Stonecrop 'Ruby Glow' in bright light indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant Stonecrop 'Ruby Glow' in full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Stonecrop 'Ruby Glow' starts its life as a seed, requiring well-drained soil and exposure to sun for successful germination. The seedling emerges in spring and grows into a rosette of fleshy, deep-purple leaves, entering a vegetative state throughout the growing season. As a perennial, it enters dormancy in the fall, with top growth dying back and the plant relying on its root system to survive the winter. In late spring to early summer, the plant exits dormancy, and the growth cycle resumes with new shoots emerging from the base. During the summer, it produces clusters of star-shaped, ruby-red flowers, attracting pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed before returning to dormancy, thus completing its annual cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: The Hylotelephium 'Ruby Glow', commonly known as Stonecrop, is commonly propagated by stem or leaf cuttings. The ideal time to propagate Stonecrop is during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate via stem cuttings, a 2 to 4-inch segment of the stem is snipped off just below a node. This cutting should then be allowed to callous over for a few days in a warm, dry area. Once the cut end has hardened slightly, it can be placed in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should start to root within a few weeks. This method is simple and efficient, allowing gardeners to create new plants from their existing stock with relative ease.