Sedum aldophii (SEE-dum ad-OL-fee-eye) is a beautiful perennial succulent native to Mexico commonly referred to as Golden Sedum.
It is part of the genus sedum and falls into the Crassulaceae family.
Its a popular succulent because of its attractive appearance and adds a lot of character to any garden.
Caring For Golden Sedum Plants
Size and Growth
Golden sedum is a fast growing and fast spreading plant that grows to 10″-12″ inches tall.
It spreads to be about 2′ feet wide with beautiful rosettes about one and a half inches long.
This plant is hardy in USDA zones 8b to 11.
Flowering and Fragrance
Golden sedum is characterized by fleshy evergreen leaves with a slight yellow-gold or pinkish tint.
The plant flowers with star-shaped white and yellow flowers during late winter bloom time season.
Light and Temperature
A light loving plant, golden sedum enjoys full sun or partial shade. It should ideally get at least six hours of sunlight a day.
The leaves also take on a slightly reddish-orange or gold tint when exposed to strong light.
The plant is tolerant to heat but not cold hardy so if you live in a place where temperatures drop lower than 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it is best to pot the plant indoors.
However, it does not grow quite as well indoors due to its high need for sunlight.
Watering and Feeding
Golden Sun has the same watering needs as most succulents. It is sensitive to overwatering and needs ‘watering with care.’
Test the dryness of the soil before watering to make sure you do not end up overwatering.
The plant needs to be fed only during the active growing months of spring and summer. Once a month, using a diluted fertilizer at ¼ strength should suffice.
Soil and Transplanting
Although this sedum can grow in most varieties of soil, it is best to use a porous, well-draining, sandy mixture to avoid diseases that can happen in waterlogged soil.
Add gravel for extra drainage.
When transplanting Golden Sedum, make sure you plant it at the same depth in its new pot was planted in previously.
You should ideally divide your plant every four years to promote further growth.
Grooming and Maintenance
If your plant looks untidy, trim it back down.
NOTE: Sedum kamtschaticum is known as the golden creeping sedum
Propagating Golden Sedum
Golden sedum propagates easily due to its fast growth.
Propagate by leaves or cuttings. To use cuttings, cut off a stem from the sedum and allow the cut to dry over a few days.
Once the cuts dry and callous over, lay it down on a bed of well-drained soil, and wait for roots to form.
Water it when the soil gets dry.
Golden Sedum Pest or Disease Problems
This plant is fairly resistant to pests and diseases.
However, it can develop diseases if it is left to grow in waterlogged soil.
Suggested Uses For Golden Sedum
There are many uses for the Golden Sedum due to its attractive appearance and easy maintenance.
It is ideal for rock gardens and as a drought tolerant ground cover or a nice sunny spot where it can pair well with a variety of other sedums and flowering plants like Sedum Voodoo and Golden Goddess.
It can also be cultivated as a hanging plant or used for green roofing.
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