Crassulaceae
Japanese Stonecrop: Ground Cover Plant
Sedum makinoi
An extremely hardy plant that thrives with little water and plenty of light. Ideal for beginners due to its low maintenance.
Every 21 days
Bright indirect
-15° - 35°C
30% - 50%
Categories
What is Japanese Stonecrop?
Japanese Stonecrop (Sedum makinoi) is a easy-care plant from the Crassulaceae family. Sedum makinoi is a perennial creeping succulent plant native to Japan. It is characterized by its small, rounded, fleshy, bright green leaves that form a dense and attractive carpet. During the summer, it produces small, star-shaped yellow flowers that stand out against the foliage. It is an excelle...
Japanese Stonecrop grows up to 15cm, with spread of 45cm, watering every 21 days, -15°C – 35°C, 30–50% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Japanese Stonecrop tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 42 days.
How to Care for Japanese Stonecrop?
TLDR: Japanese Stonecrop needs Bright indirect, watering every 21 days, and temperatures between -15-35°C with 30-50% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Japanese Stonecrop?
Water only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Drastically reduce watering during the winter months.
How Much Light Does Japanese Stonecrop Need?
Prefers direct sunlight or very bright indirect light. If the plant begins to stretch (etiolation), move it to a sunnier location.
What Is the Best Soil for Japanese Stonecrop?
Use a well-draining mix, such as 50% potting soil and 50% coarse sand or perlite.
What Pot Should You Use for Japanese Stonecrop?
Terracotta or ceramic pots with drainage holes are recommended to allow the substrate to dry out completely.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 60 days
Rotate
Every 90 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Japanese Stonecrop and Where Does It Come From?
Sedum makinoi is a perennial creeping succulent plant native to Japan. It is characterized by its small, rounded, fleshy, bright green leaves that form a dense and attractive carpet. During the summer, it produces small, star-shaped yellow flowers that stand out against the foliage. It is an excellent choice for rock gardens, ground cover in sunny areas, or as a trailing plant in pots and hanging baskets.
How to Propagate Japanese Stonecrop?
Stem cuttings
- Do not water for the first few days after planting to prevent rot.
- 1 Cutting
Cut a healthy stem piece about 2 inches (5 cm) long.
- 2 Callousing
Let the cutting dry in the shade for 1 or 2 days until a callus forms.
- 3 Planting
Insert the base of the stem into slightly moist succulent soil.
Materials needed:
Clump division
- This is the fastest way to obtain new established plants.
- 1 Removal
Carefully remove the plant from the pot or ground to avoid damaging the roots.
- 2 Division
Manually separate the plant sections, ensuring each part has roots and foliage.
- 3 Replanting
Plant the divisions in their new locations and water lightly.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Japanese Stonecrop Grow?
TLDR: Japanese Stonecrop can reach up to 15cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
15cm
Spread
45cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Japanese Stonecrop?
TLDR: Japanese Stonecrop is susceptible to 7 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Symbolizes endurance, patience, and the ability to thrive in adverse conditions.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily | Easy | Low light | 4d | ⚠️ |
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low light | 8d | ⚠️ |
| ZZ Plant | Easy | Low light | 18d | ⚠️ |
