Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Stonecrop Plant Care
Sedum spectabile Boreau
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's thick, succulent leaves form dense rosettes, creating a striking visual display in any garden. Originally from East Asia, Sedum spectabile is a favorite among plant collectors for its ability to attract pollinators and its low-maintenance nature.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Stonecrop?
Water Stonecrop every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Stonecrop Native To?
What Is the Stonecrop?
Stonecrop (Sedum spectabile) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Sedum genus. Stonecrop is native to China and Korea. Stonecrop is also known as Showy Stonecrop, Ice Plant.
Stonecrop displays a low-growing, spreading succulent growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Stonecrop produces star-shaped clusters in shades of pink, red, white, or yellow.
How Often Should You Water a Stonecrop?
Sedum spectabile requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Stonecrop Need?
Stonecrop thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Stonecrop Prefer?
Sedum spectabile grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Stonecrop prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Stonecrop?
Well-draining sandy or loamy soil mix with added perlite or pumice. Good drainage is essential for Stonecrop to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Stonecrop?
Feed Stonecrop every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Stonecrop?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Stonecrop?
Stonecrop can be propagated through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to burros tail plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Stonecrop Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list 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 Stonecrop?
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 Stonecrop Need?
Stonecrop grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Stonecrop is native to China and Korea.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
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 Sedum genus — compare its care with other Sedum species on PlantoScan.
Sedum is part of the Crassulaceae plant family — browse all Crassulaceae genera and species.
Stonecrop thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Sedum Species
Other Sedum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sedum spectabile Boreau, family Crassulaceae (first published in Mém. Soc. Acad. Maine Loire 20: 116 (1866)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list 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.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
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