How to Grow and Care for Jelly Beans Plant (Sedum rubrotinctum) Indoors
Some links in this post may be affiliate links
Botanical name: Sedum rubrotinctum
Family: Crassulaceae
Common names: Jelly Beans Plant, Pork and Beans Plant
Description
Sedum rubrotinctum commoly called Jelly Beans Plant or Pork and Beans Plant bears short succulent leaves about 1/2 in. long that resemble jelly beans. The leaves change color from green to red in bright light as a protective adaptation.
Though the stems are upright in young Jelly Beans Plants, they eventually grow long enough to trail over the sides of the pot, creating a hanging plant display.
Jelly Beans Plant grows easily and can tolerate all types of soil except those that are poorly drained.
Flower
The Pork and Beans Plant flowers are bright yellow and they sprout from between the leaves.
Origin
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Beans Plant) is native to Mexico.
Where to Buy
Jelly Beans Plants are available online at Etsy. Buy Jelly Beans Plants (Sedum rubrotinctum) online from Etsy.
Photo Credit: Shoppee Philippines
Sedum rubrotinctum Care Indoors
Jelly Beans Plant (Sedum rubrotinctum) thrives in bright light to full sunlight, average warmth and moderately moist, fertile, loose, free-draining soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Sedum rubrotinctum requires repotting only when it becomes pot-bound. Pruning is necessary to keep the plant neat as well as discourage pest and disease infestations. Keep reading for these growing conditions and how to fix them.
Light Requirements
Jelly Beans Plant grows best in bright light to full sunlight. It can also grow under a grow light where natural light is inadequate.
Should you choose to take it outdoors, gradually acclimatize the plant and place it in a shaded place to avoid scorching the leaves.
Watering
Water Jelly Beans Plant thoroughly during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist.
Decrease watering in the cold period as growth is minimal at this time to maintain the soil slightly moist but do not let it dry out completely.
Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to stem-rot.
Take care not to wet the leaves as it can lead to rotting or water from the bottom instead.
Use water that is at room temperature to avoid plant shock as it can result in reduced growth.
Temperature
Average warmth temperatures between 18-260C are ideal for Jelly Beans Plant. The sudden change in temperature between day and night is excellent for this succulent.
Humidity
Jelly Beans Plant has no need for high humidity. Average room humidity is adequate for this plant.
Fertilizer (Feeding)
Feed Jelly Beans Plant monthly during the growing period with a balanced, liquid fertilizer but do not feed during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time.
Repotting
Repot Jelly Beans Plant only when the plant has become pot-bound. Use a shallow rather than a deep pot for the plant as it has shallow roots.
A clay pot is preferable because it is porous and therefore allows the soil to dry out faster. The pot should be only 1 size larger than the current one.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.
Soil
The best soil for Jelly Beans Plant should be sandy or rocky soil to avoid getting soggy soil. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough.
Cactus and Succulents soil is ideal as it drains easily. Purchase quality Cactus and Succulents Soil for Sedum rubrotinctum online from Etsy.
Pruning
Pruning Jelly Beans Plant requires the removal of dead and diseased leaves to maintain the plant neat and tidy as well as discourage pest and disease infestations.
Propagation
Jelly Beans Plant (Sedum rubrotinctum) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from leaf cuttings as they root easily.
How to propagate Jelly Beans Plant from leaf cuttings
Take leaf cuttings from a healthy Jelly Beans Plant Allow the cuttings to dry (callus) for 1-3 days before planting to avoid rotting.
Insert the cuttings in moist, free-draining soil. Water lightly by misting, only when the soil is dry and avoid getting the soil soggy as it can lead to rotting.
Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place, away from direct sunshine until there is new growth. Roots take about 3-4 weeks to develop.
Photo Credit: World of Succulents
Sedum rubrotinctum Problems Indoors
Jelly Beans Plant (Sedum rubrotinctum) problems indoors include leaf drop, leaf spots, rotting, yellowing, shrivelled leaves, pests and diseases. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Leaf drop
Leaf drop in Jelly Beans Plant is caused by overwatering or underwatering. Water Sedum rubrotinctum thoroughly during the growing season and allow the top soil to dry out between waterings.
Avoid overwatering by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining.
Significantly to reduce watering during the cold season and never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.
Rotting base, yellowing and shriveled leaves
Rotting plant base followed by yellowing and shrivelled leaves in Jelly Beans Plant is an indication of basal stem-rot disease which is brought about by overwet conditions.
Reduce watering during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time. Also, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
Pests
Common pests in Jelly Beans Plantare Mealy Bugs and Scale Insects. Isolate the affected plant to reduce spread to other houseplants and treat it with Neem oil to get rid of the pests.
Brown soft spots
Brown soft spots in Jelly Beans Plant is leaf spot disease which is enhanced by poor air circulation. Ensure there is free air circulation at all times to discourage disease infestation. Read on how to treat leaf spot disease in houseplants.
Is Jelly Beans Plant toxic?
Jelly Beans Plant (Sedum rubrotinctum) is non-toxic to humans and pets. However, the plant may cause skin irritation when touched and stomach pains and irritation if ingested.
