Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’, also known as Pork and Beans or Jelly Beans, is a popular succulent known for its unique, rounded leaves and striking red color. If you’re new to caring for Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’ care.
First things first: let’s talk about the ideal growing conditions for Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’. These succulents prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Be sure to use a succulent-specific potting mix or create your own by mixing equal parts potting soil, perlite, and sand.
Watering Sedum Rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’
When it comes to watering, its important to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common mistake when it comes to succulent care, so be sure to use the soak and dry method to avoid this. To do this, thoroughly water the soil and then allow it to dry out completely before watering again.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing Sedum isn’t necessary, but if you do, use a balanced, diluted fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label, as over-fertilizing can lead to excess growth and reduced flowering.
Repotting Sedum Rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’
When it comes to repotting Sedum, it’s generally recommended to do so every two to three years. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot and be sure to use well-draining soil. Its also a good idea to gently shake off the old soil and remove any excess roots before repotting.
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How can I tell if my Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’ jelly bean succulent is getting too much water?
Some signs that your Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’ jelly bean succulent is getting too much water include:
- Leaves dropping off. Excess water can cause leaves to drop prematurely. Check that you’re allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Soft or swollen stem. If the stem looks soft, swollen, or mushy, it is likely rotting from overwatering. Allow it to dry out and the stem should firm up again if the rot is caught early.
- Mold or mildew. Excess moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth on the soil surface or on the succulent leaves and stem. If you see any fuzzy white or black growths, let the soil dry out.
- Yellowing leaves. While some leaf yellowing is natural, excessive yellowing can be a sign of overwatering. Yellow lower leaves are usually a good indicator that the succulent has been too wet.
If you notice any of these signs, stop watering your Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’ jelly bean succulent and allow it to dry out. Only resume watering once the soil is dry. If the stem has rotted, you may need to propagate from a leaf or stem cutting. With care, overwatered Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’ jelly bean succulents can recover, but they are prone to rot so it’s best to err on the side of too dry rather than too wet.
Instructions for propagating Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’ jelly bean succulents:
- To begin, select healthy leaves or 3-6 inch stem cuttings from your Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’ jelly bean succulent plant. It’s important to choose healthy cuttings to ensure that the new plant will grow successfully. Once you have your cuttings, allow them to dry out for a few days. This is important because if the cuttings are too moist, they may be susceptible to infection or rot.
- After the cuttings have dried out, you can choose to dip the cut ends into rooting hormone. Rooting hormone is not strictly necessary, but it can help to promote the growth of new roots. If you choose to use rooting hormone, follow the instructions on the package carefully.
- Next, plant the cuttings in a pot with well-draining soil suitable for succulents. It’s important to use soil that drains well because jelly bean succulents are sensitive to excess moisture. You can create your own succulent soil mix using a combination of sand, perlite, and potting soil, or you can purchase pre-made succulent soil.
- Once you have planted the Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’ cuttings, cover the pot with a plastic bag to create humidity. This helps to promote root growth. Place the pot in a warm area with indirect sunlight, such as near a window. Avoid placing the pot in direct sunlight, as this can cause the cuttings to dry out too quickly.
- After about a week or two, check the cuttings for roots. Once the new succulent has developed 1-2 inch roots, you can transplant it to a larger pot. Gradually adjust the plant to lower humidity levels by removing the plastic bag for longer periods of time each day. This helps the plant to acclimate to its new environment.
With careful attention and patience, your Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’ jelly bean succulent cuttings will establish into new plants. However, be sure to avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can cause the cuttings to rot before they are fully rooted and established. Water your new plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. With proper care, your jelly bean succulent will grow into a beautiful and healthy plant.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’ is a low-maintenance succulent that is perfect for beginners. With proper light, soil, watering, and fertilizing, these beautiful plants will thrive and bring a pop of color to any space. Just be sure to follow our care guide and you’ll be on your way to succulent success.
