Sedum Kamtschaticum

Sedum Kamtschaticum, commonly known as Orange Stonecrop, is a succulent very different from other sedums we talked about before. It comes from Russian Far East, where harsh conditions rule. These conditions made this plant strong and adaptable to any environment. That’s why you need to know it!

Sedum Kamtschaticum Physical Characteristics

Orange Stonecrop’s leaves are thick with lance shape. They are green in color and they are one of the reasons why this plant can adapt to every part of this world – they help this sedum capture and retain water!

Like almost every sedums that we talked about, this one also blooms and produces small, star-shaped flowers. But, instead of the being yellow, these flowers are orangey-yellow. You can see them during late spring or early summer when Orange Stonecrop blooms.

This plant doesn’t grow very tall. It’s usual height is between 4 and 6 inches (10 and 15 centimeters). But, it can spread up to 18 inches(45 centimeters), making it great for using as ground cover!

Images from the community

Sedum Kamtschaticum Care

Sunlight: Sedum Kamtschaticum needs at least 6 hours of bright direct sunlight every day in order to thrive. If you live in a region with intense summer heat provide some afternoon shade, but be careful – too much shade can lead to improper growth and reduced flowering.

Temperature: This sedum grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. It can withstand very cold temperatures, down to -40°F (-40°C).

Water: Water every 2-4 weeks during active growing season, and reduce to once a month during dormancy. It’s important to water this sedum deeply and only the base. Never water leaves – they retain water and too much of it can cause fungal diseases.

Soil: Get soil that drains well. This sedum retains water in it’s leaves so excessive water can cause big problems, like root rot for example. Learn how to make your own well-draining soil here.

Fertilizer: Give it nutrients once a year during active growing season. This plant’s native environment is nutrient-poor, so too much of them can lead to lush growth.

Growth

For healthy growth and a bushier look, it’s good to prune this sedum’s dead leaves and leggy stems. The best time to for pruning is spring, when Orange Stonecrop enters it’s growing season.

Around this time you can also repot this plant if you notice it’s too big for it’s current pot. Just get a one size bigger pot and you’re good to go!

Propagation can be done through division. Choose a healthy plant and divide into pieces – each piece should have it’s own root system. Let the pieces callus(usually takes day or two) and plant them in well-draining soil. Another way is through cuttings – take a healthy leaf/stem cutting and let it form a callus. Plant it in well-draining soil and water lightly.

Commonly asked questions about Sedum Kamtschaticum

A thread from SomervillainSB: “Brown tips starting to form on stonecrop grown from cutlings – Sedum kamtschaticum var. floriferum ‘Weihenstephaner Gold’ – is that likely from too much water or fertilizer?”

Answer: Too much water or fertilizer can cause tips to go brown – but, there are other factors as well. This sedum needs a lot of bright direct sun to thrive. Also, if you didn’t already, make sure to get well-draining soil – excess water that stays in soil can damage this plant!