Sedum Rubrotinctum (The Pork and Beans Succulent)

If you ever come across a succulent with round bean-like green leaf structures with red-hued tips, you have probably encountered the Pork and Beans succulent. This little beauty also goes by the alias Jelly bean plant, Jelly-beans, or scientifically identified as the Sedum Roborotinctum. This Sedum succulent looks phenomenal in any location- outdoor or indoor, as a single crop, or in a terrarium. It adds cheer, life, and character to any background, kitchen window, outdoor garden, and the insipid bookshelf you have in your study.

With that said, let’s get to know more about this Sedum succulent.

The plant generally has a bright green color on the majority part, and the color slowly gradients towards a red hue at the tip of every leaf. These tips darken and acquire a darker red color when the plant has been exposed to the scorching sun. This succulent is green all year round and has a woody stem, which arises up to 8 inches or 20 cm high. When the plant is active during the spring, it sprawls small beautiful star-shaped yellow flowers.

Requirements For Growing Sedum Rubrotinctum

1. Sunlight

Jelly-beans succulent does well under the direct full sun. And for that reason, it may not be an ideal indoor plant. But if you choose to grow it indoors, you have to provide it with artificial lighting that meets all the requirements. With this plant, you do not have to worry if the sun burns hot, and this is because of the red tips. The red pigmentation darkens and spreads further on the plant when the hot sunbeams shine on it to protect the plant from getting burnt and scorched to death.

2. Water

Any Sedum is known to be a hardy plant. Which means they generally require very little care and attention. Therefore, the watering is done sparingly where you only water the plant when the soil feels dry, which is also called the soak and dry method.

3. Soil

Pork and beans succulents do not need any unique soil mix. But a ground with good drainage, ventilation, and just a touch of organic matter is sufficient. Like any other succulent, the Jelly-beans plant hates being socked in water. Because the roots get suffocated and rot, soil with a free flow of water and air is essential. We recommend this mix from Bonsai Jack for all succulents and cacti.

4. Temperature

Just like most Sedums, Pork and beans do enjoy the hotter climates. When the temperature gets too cold to the freezing point, it kills the succulent.

5. Fertilizer

The fertilizer application is not a must if the soil has a bit of organic matter. But if you choose to use it, a dilute NPK fertilizer is ideal. The manure is applied in liquid form, diluted in water.

6. Pest & Disease Control

The Pork and beans succulents are lucky plants, as their chances of getting infested by pests or infected by a disease are very slim. However, when you overwater the plant, the roots will rot, spreading further from the root upwards.

How To Propagate The Pork & Beans Succulent

This succulent is one prolific one that can quickly grow from a leaf that falls from the plant naturally or from cut leaves done manually. You gently twist the leaf you wish to pluck from the stem for the cuttings and tenderly pull it away. Be sure not to cause any unnecessary stress on the stem or the newly cut leaf to avoid infections or failure to proper new root growth.

After getting a few leaf cuttings, lay them on tissue paper and place them at a location far from direct sunlight to allow them to be callous. Once the new roots emerge, you may advance and place the leaf in a soil mix.

Stem cuttings are also possible to propagate a new Pork and beans succulent. Here, you use a sterile sharp knife or gardening scissors to make a clean slanting cut across the stem. You then place the cut stem cutting on a clean surface and leave it to be callous for a few days, just like the leaves. And once the newly formed roots emerge, you proceed to anchor the stem in a well-drained soil mix.

Another way to propagate a Pork and Beans succulent are by dividing the plant in half when it is most active in spring. Again, when you use this method, use a clean and sterile sharp blade to make a clean cut from the top of the succulent down to the roots. And you should pay close attention to the roots, not to damage them. Once you have successfully separated the parts, place each in a moderately well-drained and well-aerated soil mix and water.

The watering of the propagated materials is only done when the soil is dry to avoid overwatering, which may kill the succulent even before it starts flourishing.

Final Thoughts

If you love some greens and reds, this beauty is succulent. It looks stunning, but it is easy to take care of and propagate succulents. If you wish to have a fully covered garden, in no time, the crop will drop leaves on its own and spread further. Imagine the view. Marvelous, right?