Caucasian Stonecrop Plant Care
Phedimus spurius (M.Bieb.) 't Hart
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Phedimus spurius, the Caucasian stonecrop or two-row stonecrop, is a species of flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae. It is a low-growing, spreading succulent with stems that creep along the ground and root as they grow.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Caucasian Stonecrop?
Plant Caucasian Stonecrop in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Caucasian Stonecrop?
Caucasian Stonecrop (Phedimus spurius) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Phedimus genus. Caucasian Stonecrop is also known as Stonecrop.
Caucasian Stonecrop displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Caucasian Stonecrop produces small star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Caucasian Stonecrop?
Water a young or newly planted Caucasian Stonecrop every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Caucasian Stonecrop Need?
Caucasian Stonecrop thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Caucasian Stonecrop Prefer?
Phedimus spurius tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Caucasian Stonecrop prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Caucasian Stonecrop?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Caucasian Stonecrop to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Caucasian Stonecrop?
Feed Caucasian Stonecrop every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Caucasian Stonecrop?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Caucasian Stonecrop is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Caucasian Stonecrop?
Caucasian Stonecrop can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Caucasian Stonecrop?
Prune Caucasian Stonecrop while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Caucasian Stonecrop in Winter?
Caucasian Stonecrop is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Caucasian Stonecrop?
Caucasian Stonecrop can be propagated through leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aizoon stonecrop plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Caucasian Stonecrop Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Caucasian Stonecrop, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Caucasian Stonecrop?
Caucasian Stonecrop is susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Caucasian Stonecrop Need?
Caucasian Stonecrop grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Caucasian Stonecrop as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Caucasian Stonecrop is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Phedimus genus — compare its care with other Phedimus species on PlantoScan.
Phedimus is part of the Crassulaceae plant family — browse all Crassulaceae genera and species.
Caucasian Stonecrop thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Phedimus spurius (M.Bieb.) 't Hart, family Crassulaceae (first published in Evol. & Syst. Crassulac. : 168 (1995)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Caucasian Stonecrop, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
