Rice (Sedum dasyphyllum)

El Sedum dasyphyllum It is a small succulent plant, which can be had in planters or in hanging pots, as well as in rockery gardens. Its stems are composed of small leaves, and of a beautiful color. In addition, it produces flowers of an interesting ornamental value.

But if this seems little to you, you should know that it grows well indoors as long as they are bright, so that even if you do not have an outdoor space to put it, you can always enjoy it indoors.

Origin and characteristics of Sedum dasyphyllum

Our protagonist is a non-cactus succulent plant or crass plant whose scientific name is Sedum dasyphyllum. It is popularly known as rice dishes. It is a species native to southern and central Europe that has become naturalized in countries such as Denmark, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, and even Great Britain. Specific, it is seen a lot on walls as well as rocky or stony landings.

It is perennial, which means that it lives for several years. Its leaves measure 3-5 millimeters, are glaucous in color and have an ovoid or rounded shape. They are also pubescent and fleshy.. The flowers have 5-6 white petals with pink lines, and are grouped in inflorescences which are composed of a reddish / pink stem.

What are the care it requires?

El Sedum dasyphyllum it is a small crass, barely reaching five centimeters in height. That is why it is very interesting to have it in a pot, since it is also easy to maintain and it will hardly take time. So how do you take care of it so that it lasts ... as long as it has to last? We tell you:

Location

It is a plant that needs light to grow, but this can be direct (that is, the one that would reach you if you were outside in full sun or indoors near a window with clear views), or indirect (for example, on a table placed in the center of a table in a room).

Earth

• Garden: as we have mentioned, it grows on stony ground. It tolerates limestone well, but to avoid problems it is advisable to make a planting hole of about 40 x 40cm and fill it with pumice or masonry sand (gravel) whose thickness is about 4mm. Of course, it can also be planted in the recesses of the rocks, with some soil.
• Flower pot: this must have holes in its base, which will serve as a drain. Fill it with pumice, or stone gravel about 4mm thick.

Irrigation

Irrigation must be low. What's more, it only needs to be watered when the substrate or the soil is dry. More or less, and depending on the weather, it will be watered once a week during the summer and every ten-fifteen days the rest of the year. During the winter the waterings have to be spread out more, especially if there is a risk of frost or if there is a forecast of rain, since in those months the plant hardly grows, which added to the fact that the land takes longer to dry, an excess of water it would rot its roots in a matter of a few days.

In case of having it in a pot, do not put a plate under it unless you always remember to remove the water that has been left over after watering your Sedum dasyphyllum. It is also not a good idea to have it in a pot without holes, as the root system would suffocate with constant contact with stagnant water.

Use rainwater or suitable for human consumption. If you can't get it and the one you have is from the tap very rich in lime, fill a bucket with water and let it sit overnight. The next day, use only the water from the top half of the container, as it will have the lowest concentration of lime.

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It is advisable to pay it from early spring to after summer with a specific fertilizer for cacti and succulents, in liquid format. But yes, the instructions specified on the packaging must be followed to the letter, because otherwise there could be a risk of overdose, and if this happened, you would lose the plant.

Multiplication

The easiest and fastest way to get new copies is multiplying it by stem cuttings, in spring. To do this, you have to do the following:

1. First, cut a stem with a pair of scissors.
2. Then, fill a small pot - 6,5cm in diameter - with pumice.
3. Then plant the stem in the center of it.
4. Finally, water and place the pot outside in semi-shade, or indoors in a room with light.

In a few days, maximum two weeks, it will begin to emit its own roots.

Plagues and diseases

It is very resistant, but can be attacked by snails and slugs.

Planting or transplanting time

En spring, when the minimum temperature is higher than 15 degrees Celsius.

Being a small plant, it will only require two or three pot changes throughout its life.

Rusticity

Withstands cold and frost up to -7ºC if it is sheltered, but it is better not to drop below -2ºC.

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