Sedum - Adolphi Compact
Sedum adolphi 'Compactum' is a charming and low-growing succulent celebrated for its tightly packed clusters of small, vibrant leaves that often take on warm hues under sufficient sunlight. This cultivar offers a more diminutive and dense version of the popular Sedum adolphi, making it an excellent choice for adding textural interest and subtle color to small containers, rock gardens, and succulent arrangements.
Key Features of Sedum adolphi 'Compactum'
- Compact Growth Habit: Forms very tight and dense clusters of small leaves, creating a mounding or spreading effect.
- Small, Fleshy Leaves: The leaves are small, fleshy, and typically oblong to cylindrical with rounded tips.
- Golden to Orange Coloration: Leaves often display beautiful shades of golden yellow to warm orange, especially when exposed to bright sunlight and cooler temperatures.
- Glossy Surface: The leaves often have a somewhat glossy or waxy appearance.
- Low-Growing and Spreading: Maintains a low profile and tends to spread, making it a good ground cover in miniature landscapes.
- Star-Shaped White Flowers: Mature plants can produce clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers, often appearing in the spring.
Care for Your Sedum adolphi 'Compactum'
- Light: Thrives in bright, indirect to full sunlight to achieve the best coloration and compact growth. Insufficient light can lead to green, leggy growth.
- Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
- Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering is a significant risk. Reduce watering during the dormant winter months.
- Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures and is generally tolerant of mild frost, but protection from severe freezing is recommended.
- Humidity: Adapts well to typical household humidity levels. Good air circulation is beneficial.
Maintenance for a Thriving Plant
- Removing Dead Leaves: Regularly remove any dead or dried leaves from the base of the stems to maintain a clean appearance and prevent potential issues.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning is usually required, but stems can be trimmed to maintain shape or control spread.
- Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant has outgrown its container. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger with drainage holes. Spring or early summer is the best time for repotting.
- Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests like mealybugs and aphids. Treat any infestations promptly.
- Fertilizing: Generally does not require heavy feeding. A diluted balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer).
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
- Stem Cuttings: The easiest and most common method. Take healthy stem cuttings a few inches long, allow the cut ends to callus over for a day or two, and then plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots establish.
- Leaf Cuttings: Select healthy, plump leaves and allow the cut end to callus for several days. Place the callused leaf on top of well-draining soil or slightly bury the callused end. New plantlets may emerge.
- Division: Mature, clumping plants can be carefully divided at the roots and repotted into separate containers.
Sedum adolphi 'Compactum' is a delightful and easy-to-grow succulent that offers vibrant coloration and a charmingly compact growth habit. Its versatility makes it a wonderful addition to various succulent displays, bringing a touch of warm color and textural interest.
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.