Sedum Makinoi

Golden Japanese Sedum, Makino’s Sedum or simply Sedum Makinoi is a succulent native to Japan. The plant that’s been used in traditional Japanese medicine also found it’s place in many homes and gardens around the globe. Let’s find out why this sedum is so special and how it can transform your garden!

Sedum Makinoi Physical Characteristics

The leaves of Makino’s Sedum are green, spoon-shaped and small. Maybe the leaves of your sedum get reddish or purple, but don’t worry – they can get red edges and that’s usually because of the environment in which this plant grows.

You can also see flowers on this plant. Sedum Makinoi blooms during late spring and early summer. It produces very small, star-shaped flowers, yellow in color.

The maximum height this plant can reach is about 24 inches (60cm), that’s why it’s great to use as ground cover.

Images from the community

Sedum Makinoi Care

Sunlight: 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight is perfect for the growth of Makino’s Sedum. This plant can grow under direct sunlight too, but keep in mind – direct light can make the leaves of this plant get reddish on the edges.

Temperature: Ideal temperature ranges between 18°C-24°C (65°F-75°F). This plant is cold hardy – it can withstand cold temperatures as low as -6°C (20°F), but extreme heat is a different story. Hot temperatures can generally harm this plant in many ways.

Water: Water deeply and wait for soil to dry out between waterings. Water once every 1-2 weeks during growing season, and reduce watering during cooler months – once every 3-4 weeks is preferable. Always beware of overwatering – excess water which stays in soil can lead to root rot which can be deadly for this sedum.

Soil: Like every other succulent, this one also prefers well-draining soil. It prevents excess water to stay in the soil making sure the roots stay healthy. So, with that in mind get the soil with good drainage – my recommendation is cactus or succulent potting mix.

Fertilizer: Fertilize only during active growing season, once a month. During every other month I advise you to avoid fertilization – too much nutrients can lead to leggy growth and I’m sure you don’t want that to happen!

Growth

Pruning and repotting are very important for a healthy growth of Makino’s Sedum. Make sure to remove dead and yellowing leaves and trim overgrown stems. Do this after flowering. Repot after plant becomes root bound – if you see the roots pop-up on the surface, it’s time for moving the plant to the new pot. Make sure the new home for your sedum is one size bigger this time!

Propagation is also beneficial for growth of Golden Japanese Sedum. You can use a leaf or stem cutting for multiplication. The process for both is pretty much the same – cut a healthy stem/leaf and let it form a callus(usually takes 1-2 days). Then plant the cutting in well-draining soil and water lightly in the beginning. Place the container with the cutting under bright, indirect sunlight.

A commonly asked question about Sedum Atlantis

A thread from u/madnerdy: “What is wrong with my japanese stonecrop (sedum makinoi)? Losing leaves in clumps.”

Answer: Couple of things can lead to drooping leaves. Overwatering is one of them. Follow my watering instructions and and watch your plant get back it’s old shine! Make sure to also get a well-draining soil and provide plenty of bright indirect sunlight.