Photo: Evan M. RaskinCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Woodland Stonecrop Plant Care
Sedum ternatum Michx.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its scalloped green leaves arranged in whorls of three, this plant originates from North America and is commonly found in rocky woods and slopes. Plant collectors are drawn to Sedum ternatum for its ability to thrive in shaded areas, making it a versatile addition to any garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Woodland Stonecrop?
Water Woodland 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 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Woodland Stonecrop?
Woodland Stonecrop (Sedum ternatum) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Sedum genus. Woodland Stonecrop is native to the forest understory. Woodland Stonecrop is also known as Whorled Stonecrop, American Stonecrop.
Woodland Stonecrop displays a low-growing, spreading succulent growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Woodland Stonecrop produces star-shaped clusters in shades of pink, red, white, or yellow.
How Often Should You Water a Woodland Stonecrop?
Sedum ternatum 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 Woodland Stonecrop Need?
Woodland Stonecrop thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Woodland Stonecrop Prefer?
Sedum ternatum grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Woodland Stonecrop prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Woodland Stonecrop?
Well-draining sandy or loamy soil mix with added perlite or pumice. Good drainage is essential for Woodland Stonecrop to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Woodland Stonecrop?
Feed Woodland Stonecrop every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Woodland 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 Woodland Stonecrop?
Woodland Stonecrop can be propagated through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to stonecrop plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Woodland Stonecrop Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Woodland 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 Woodland Stonecrop?
Woodland 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 Woodland Stonecrop Need?
Woodland Stonecrop grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Woodland Stonecrop is native to the forest understory.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Woodland 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.
Woodland 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 ternatum Michx., family Crassulaceae (first published in Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 277 (1803)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Woodland 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: Evan M. Raskin, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 8b, 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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