Succulents are popular houseplants. One of my all-time favorites is the Sedum Adolphii Golden Glow. Gorgeous and tough, the Sedum Adolphii will not mind if you forget to water it for a while. They are low-maintenance and versatile plants that can be grown in a variety of conditions.
If you are a new houseplant parent, here is an easy guide to Sedum Adolphii Care that will ensure the proper cultivation, propagation, and growth of this beautiful succulent plant.
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Sedum Adolphii Overview
Native to Mexico, the Sedum Aldophii plant is a perennial succulent variety that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is part of the Genus Sedum that consists of over 4oo species in the wild. The Sedum Adolphii immediately caught the attention of plant enthusiasts because of its attractive appearance that adds a lot of charm to any garden.
Houseplant growers have been producing hybrids of the Sedum Adolphii succulent plant on a large scale. Some of the popular cultivars or varieties of the Golden Sedum are the Sedum Adolphii Firestorm, Sedum Adolphii Green, and the Sedum Adolphii Lime Gold.
In 2014, the Huntington Botanic Garden introduced the Firestorm Sedum variety to the houseplant world. The banana-shaped leaves of this succulent are about 2 to 3 inches in size with pointed ends.
Sedum Aldophii is also known as Golden Sedum, Sedum Adolphii Golden Glow, Adolph’s Sedum, Sedum Nussbaumerianum, and possibly many others. From late winter to spring, the plant will produce lightly fragrant white flowers in umbel-like inflorescences.
| Botanical Name | Sedum Aldophii |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Sedum |
| Commonly Known Names | Golden Sedum, Golden Glow, Adolph’s Sedum |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Sunlight | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering | Medium water requirement |
| Soil | Well-draining soil |
| Temperature | Between 15° – 25°C (59° – 77°F). |
| Humidity | Ideal humidity level between 40% and 60% |
| Propagation | Propagation by seed, leaf and stem cuttings |
| Re-Potting | Every 1-2 years |
| Pests and Diseases | Resistant to pests and disease |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic and safe to humans and pets |
Sedum Adolphii Golden Glow Features
The Golden Sedum is an ornamental, flowering succulent that possesses a combination of beauty, toughness, and versatility. It can survive even in poor conditions that most houseplants cannot. It is drought tolerant and thrives indoors or outdoors, in rock gardens, or mixed this succulent creeper with annual and perennial plants.
The trailing Sedum Aldophii can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height and 24″ (61 cm) in width. This high-colored succulent is a rangy creeper that forms miniature rosettes of golden-green color, football-shaped leaves that can reach up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm). The tips of the foliage turn red when exposed directly to sunlight for a considerable period.
When grown in the sun, the foliage of the Golden Sedum produces orange-red highlights that make this succulent plant a visual delight. When the rosettes are at a certain maturity, they grow new leaves at the center, unique to the plant.
Sedum Adolphii Flowers
The Sedum Adolphii produces white flowers. The flowering of the Golden Sedum is not very common. However, when they produce flowers, usually in the Spring, you will see white, star-shaped flowers that add an appealing contrast to the golden-green shade leaves.
The white blossoms of the Golden Glow Sedum have a subtle fragrance. The Firestorm variety of the Sedum Adolphii has also been known to produce star-shaped white flowers in the late winter to early spring.
Toxicity
Like other succulents in the Sedum Genus, the Sedum Adolphii plants are not toxic to humans and animals. Thus, it is safe for your pets and kids. The Golden Glow Sedum does not contain allergens found in many houseplants like the Philondrons or Anthurium plants.
Deer and Rabbit Resistance
While many houseplant enthusiasts consider the Sedum Adolphii deer and rabbit resistant, the plant is not entirely deer- or rabbit-proof. In the wild, deers and rabbits don’t usually eat them. These grazers do not like the bitter taste and sticky texture of the succulents – but they will still munch on them when there is nothing else to eat.
Sedum Adolphii Care Guide
The care for Sedum Adolphii is pretty straightforward and easier than most houseplants. As low-maintenance plants, they can be grown in a variety of conditions. However, some houseplant parents may still need help caring for their succulents, especially in propagating and transplanting Sedum Adolphii plant.
This Golden Sedum care guide below will show you how to care for your Sedum Adolphii and ensure they grow and thrive in your home!
Ideal Growing Place
Pretty hardy and easier to care for, the Golden Sedum plant is a fast-growing succulent that is perfect for growing in hanging baskets indoors or outdoors, in green roofing gardens or rock gardens.
However, the Sedum Adolphii plants are not cold-hardy plants. If you live in a location that gets colder than 20° F, it would be wise to place the sedum plant indoors. It thrives well and is happy in full to partial sunlight. Just be sure to put the plant in a spot in your garden that receives a good amount of afternoon sun.
Water
Sedum Adolphii has a typical medium watering requirement for a succulent. I always recommend using the “soak and dry” method. When you water, let the soil dry out completely in between waterings.
Once the Golden Sedum becomes fully grown and self-sufficient, their built-in survival mechanisms developed in the wild will kick in. Your Sedum Adolphii is known to survive without water for weeks. But that does not mean that you have to forget your responsibility to care for the plant.
On hotter days, the sedum plants need more watering. Conversely, reduce watering the plant during the winter. The best to water the plant is to check the dryness of the soil. If the 1-2 inches of the soil is dry, pour some water into the plant but not too much excess water.
Sunlight
The Golden Glow Sedum loves an abundance of light. Unfortunately, this also means that growing them indoors in the partial shade can be challenging. But you can do it as long as you follow the plant’s care instructions, such as:
- Place the succulent in a well-lit spot that gets adequate sunlight for around 6 hours per day.
- Provide bright light or direct full sun exposure during the day by relocating it to a spot where it can receive sunlight, such as near a window
- Put the plant in an east or west-facing window that receives sunlight during the day.
The Sedum Adolphii does not like it when other plants or objects shade its succulent leaves.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for the Sedum Adolphii plant is between 65°F to 80°F. Sedums cannot handle cold and freezing conditions. Be sure to relocate your Golden Sedums to a warmer spot indoors before the fall.
If you live in a region where the temperature falls below 20 °F, I recommend growing your Sedum Adolphii in a container. If you use this method, it will be easier for you to move the plant and put it in a room that is protected from the cold winter weather.
Soil
Golden Sedum Adolphii grows best in well-draining soil. For best-growing results, get a rich combination of the following:
- 2 parts potting soil
- 2 parts coarse sand
- 2 parts peat
- 1 part perlite or crushed charcoal
You can also use cactus or sandy soil and add some to enhance the level of drainage. Soggy or waterlogged soil can lead to root rot problems. Adolphii plants do not like being submerged in moist soil for a long time.
Humidity
Sedum plants are fine with a range of humidity levels. Therefore, they do not require extra efforts to maintain the moisture level of the environment, unlike most houseplants.
I don’t recommend misting the foliage of your Golden Sedum or most succulents, for that matter. This can also benefit the plant as it will prevent causing other common houseplant problems like final infection and root rot.
Fertilizer
During the spring and summer season, fertilizing the Sedum Adolphii once a month is enough. You can use a diluted fertilizer or succulent fertilizer. I recommend ½ teaspoon of water-soluble fertilizer per gallon of water.
In the fall and winter, there is no need to fertilize.
Pinching
Pinching or pruning the Golden Sedum is not necessary. However, there are benefits to grooming them from time to time. Removing older leaves and rosettes from the Sedum plant will improve its healthy growth. It can also prevent the Sedums from becoming too big and thick in certain areas.
Pinching dead or infected leaves enhances the air movement around the plants’ surface. When your Golden succulent has grown too large in its planter’s edge, prune it back.
Potting and Re-potting
Repot the Sedum Adolphii every 1-2 years. When the succulent outgrows its current container, it is time to transplant it to a bigger pot with a drainage hole. Your Golden Sedum needs enough space for new stems and roots to develop. The best time for repotting is during spring.
Growth Zone
The ideal growth zone for the Sedum Adolphii is between USDA hardiness zones 9a and 11b from 20 F to 50 F. Thus, you can have your Sedum Adolphii succulent plant grown outdoors without the hassle of transferring them indoors.
Common Pests, Toxins, Diseases & Other Problems
Sedum Adolphii has no serious issues when it comes to common pests or diseases. If you see signs of aphids and flies, you can quickly get rid of them by spraying insecticidal soap over the foliage.
To prevent roots rot, be sure not to allow your succulents to sit on soggy or waterlogged soil.
Propagation
You can propagate Sedum Adolphii by seed, leaf, and stem cuttings. The best time to propagate and grow Sedum Adolphii is during spring and summer.
For leaf-cutting propagation:
- Cut a few healthy leaves from the mother plant
- Be sure to cut finely
- Let the leaf cuttings dry for a day or two to form a callus
- Place the leaves on well-draining soil
- Water adequately and allow 3 to 5 weeks for the roots and shoots to develop.
For stem-cutting propagation:
- Cut 5 to 7 inches long stem cuttings from the mother plant
- Plant the stem cuttings in moist soil at about 3 inches deep.
- Place the new plant in a well-lit spot with direct sun exposure.
Sedum Adolphii Mature Timeline
Week 1–3: Put the new plants in a well-lit and warm spot. Be sure to keep the soil moist until the cuttings begin to grow.
Week 3-4: Root development will be seen during this time. Maintain the moisture of the growing mix moist with adequate watering once the potting soil gets about 90% dry.
Week 4-8: Provide good care during this growing period by meeting the right growth conditions for the Sedum Adolphi. Shoot development will start to show around the 5th week.
Week 8 and onwards: During this time, the Golden Sedum plant will start to become self-sufficient.
The Bottom Line
Don’t hesitate to grow Sedum Adolphii plants in your home. This succulent variety is excellent for anyone new to gardening or indoor planting. Many passionate houseplant parents started with succulents, for they are easy to care for and maintain.
If you have any doubts and questions about these Golden Glow succulent plants, be sure to bookmark this comprehensive guide to Sedum Adolphii care for future reference.
