Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:29 pm
Sedum pachyphyllum, also known as the blue jelly bean sedum, many fingers plant, blue jelly bean succulent, or sedum jelly bean, has an unusual appearance and makes an eye-catching addition to garden beds and containers.
For most succulents, blue-green leaves are the norm, but the blue jelly bean succulent takes this color to another level. Although these compact plants grow only about 8 to 10 inches tall and wide, they are quite a showstopper!
Without fail, sedum pachyphyllum is one of the first succulents that beginners learn about. For one thing, its leaves really do look like blue jelly beans. Plus, they’re happy in almost any type of light and soil condition, making them an ideal choice if you’re just getting started with your succulent collection.
If you’re looking to add an extra touch of color to your home garden or indoor space, this plant can work well in both settings as long as you’re willing to meet its light requirements.
Origin and distribution
Sedum pachyphyllum is a species of flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae, native to central Mexico. The blue jelly bean succulent has been distributed to other parts of the world, including the United States, where it is grown as an ornamental plant.
The sedum jelly bean plant gets its name from its many blue-green finger-like leaves. Each leaf is fleshy and up to 3 cm long. The flowers are white or pink and appear in summer. It prefers well-drained soil, with adequate water during the growing season and drought tolerant once established.
Sedum pachyphyllum propagation
Sedum pachyphyllum is easy to propagate. To propagate sedum jelly beans, simply snip off a finger and stick it in well-draining soil. The cutting will soon form roots and begin to grow.
You can also propagate sedum jelly beans by division. Simply divide the plant into several sections, making sure each section has roots attached. Plant the sections in well-draining soil and water regularly until established. The cuttings should root within about two weeks, but propagation may take longer for more mature plants.
In addition to being propagated from cuttings, many fingers plants may be propagated from seeds or from purchased plants. If you have an existing many fingers plant that you would like to increase in size, start by removing one of the older leaves at the end of a stem or branch.
Next, place the leaf on top of moist soil with only its base touching the surface. Mist the soil daily and keep it moist. Once new growth begins, move the new plant to its own pot so that the original plant doesn’t become overgrown.
Sedum pachyphyllum care information
Sedum pachyphyllum is a blue jelly bean succulent that is native to Mexico. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can handle full sun to partial shade. The plant does best in well-draining soil and can tolerate occasional neglect. Water the plant deeply, but allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. Propagate by stem or leaf cuttings.
Light requirement
This succulent prefers bright, direct sunlight but can tolerate some shade. If the leaves begin to lose their color, that’s a sign that it’s not getting enough light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so be sure to give them some protection from the hot afternoon sun.
Soil/potting mix
A well-draining soil is a must for succulents, so be sure to use a mix that contains plenty of perlite or sand. You can make your own succulent potting mix by combining two parts of all-purpose potting soil with one part perlite.
If you’re using a commercial potting mix, just make sure to add some extra perlite to the top layer.
Watering
This succulent is drought tolerant and can handle long periods of time without water. When watering, make sure to fully soak the soil and then allow it to dry out completely before watering again.
If the leaves start to wrinkle, that means the plant is thirsty and needs more water. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so be careful not to give too much water at once.
If this happens, remove any excess moisture from the soil with a towel or paper towel and discard any dead roots. Then, repot in a smaller pot and continue watering as usual.
Fertilizer
A good succulent fertilizer will have a higher concentration of phosphorus than nitrogen. This is because phosphorus promotes flowering and succulents generally don’t need a lot of nitrogen.
You can find a fertilizer with a 2-10-10 or 5-10-5 ratio. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plant, not directly on the plant itself.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for Sedum pachyphyllum is between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves will start to turn red. If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves will start to turn purple.
Sedum pachyphyllum can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers moderate temperatures.
Humidity
All succulents need some humidity, but Sedum pachyphyllum is one of the more tolerant species when it comes to dry plant by grouping it with other plants, using a pebble tray, or misting it with water. Just be sure not to overwater, as too much moisture can lead to root rot.
The ideal humidity range is 40-50% RH. To increase the relative humidity around your Sedum pachyphyllum, place it in an area where there are lots of other plants, use a pebble tray filled with water so that its surface remains moist, or mist it with water from time to time. Be careful not to over-water though!
Pruning
Although Sedum pachyphyllum is a succulent, it can still benefit from pruning. Pruning will help to shape the plant, remove any dead or dying leaves, and encourage new growth.
To prune your Sedum pachyphyllum, start by removing any dead or dying leaves. Then, cut back any leggy stems to encourage new growth. Finally, shape the plant to your desired look.
If you want an open-topped shrub, pinch off the tips of the branches when they reach 6-8 inches tall. If you prefer a full shrub with shorter branches, simply pinch off about 2 inches below where you want them to stop growing.
When to repot
The best time to repot your Sedum pachyphyllum is in the spring when the plant is actively growing. You’ll know it’s time to repot when the roots start to come out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that’s only one size larger than the current one. Overpotting can cause the soil to dry out quickly and harm the roots, so be careful not to go too big!
A simple rule of thumb for how much potting mix you need is half as deep as the height of your container. Add some more water-retaining granules if necessary. Planting too deeply can cause rot while planting too shallowly will leave little room for root growth over time.
Dormancy/Winter rest
Sedum pachyphyllum plants enter a state of dormancy during the winter months. This is a period of rest for the plant in which growth slows down and the plant conserves energy.
The leaves may change color and the plant may appear to be dead, but this is just the plant’s way of surviving the cold winter months. Once spring arrives, your plants will begin to grow again.
During this time, they need extra care because they are more sensitive to being over-watered or fertilized. One thing you can do is wait until the soil has warmed up before watering it. You can also avoid fertilizing your plant if you want it to go dormant again next year.
Sedum pachyphyllum flower & fragrance
The flowers of the Sedum pachyphyllum are a beautiful blue color. They are very fragrant and have a sweet smell. The blooms are small, but they cluster together in large groups. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Growth rate
The growth rate of the Sedum pachyphyllum is very slow. You can expect it to take a few years for this succulent to reach its full size. The blue jelly bean succulent is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much water or fertilizer. It is an ideal plant for beginners or those who do not have much time to care for their plants.
Toxicity
Sedum pachyphyllum is a succulent plant that is commonly known as the blue jelly bean. All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested, and it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The plant contains saponins, which are toxic to humans and animals. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of this plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
USDA hardiness zones
Sedum pachyphyllum thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9. It is native to the southwestern United States and can withstand periods of drought. They are used as ground cover plants, but they also look nice in hanging baskets or as houseplants.
Pests and diseases
These succulents are generally pest and disease-free. However, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects can occasionally be a problem. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry out completely between watering. Too much sun can cause the leaves to turn red or brown.
If this happens, simply move the plant to a shadier spot. Sedums need excellent drainage and cannot tolerate soggy roots. They also do not like wet feet, so when planting them in pots make sure they don’t sit in water.
When repotting, use a potting mix designed for cacti and succulents rather than garden soil; this will help provide better drainage as well as nutrients specific to these plants’ needs.
