Sedum Spurium Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Red Carpet” Succulents (2024)

Are you looking for another mesmerizing succulent to add to your plant collection? You came to the right place! We present you with an eye-catching specimen that will bring life to any garden with its curious foliage and alluring flowers. Not only does this plant look absolutely gorgeous, but it is also very easy to grow and care for no matter how experienced you are in the garden!

Sedum spurium, commonly referred to as the Two-row Sedum, Red Carpet, Caucasian Stonecrop, or Dragon’s Blood, is a species of flowering plants in the Crassulaceae family. This low-growing evergreen succulent can be found growing in the sub-alpine meadows and on rocky sites. It is native to Africa and also naturalized in many regions of North America and Europe.

There are several cultivars of Red Carpet plants that found a place in many gardeners’ hearts. They have become quite popular ornamental houseplants worldwide thanks to their low-maintenance features and hypnotic appearance. Although these succulents are mostly grown outdoors in rock gardens, as edging plants or groundcovers, many gardeners prefer to keep them indoors in adorable containers. It is up to you!

About Sedum Spurium

• These creeping plants look amazing when grown among other taller species of succulents, cacti, or Snake plants.
• When grown outdoors in gardens, the flowers produced by Sedum spurium succulents are natural magnets for butterflies and honeybees.
• Unlike most succulents, these species are even less picky. They can survive in a wide range of light conditions and temperatures.
• Watering-wise, they do not enjoy lots of moisture. These plants are drought-tolerant and they can go without water for long periods. These Sedums will not hesitate to show some discontent regarding their watering routine, so you’ll easily notice when its time to add more water.
• Sedum spurium plants appreciate fertilizing as much as watering−in moderation. They require feedings only a few times during their active growing season.
• Dragon’s Blood plants are generally resistant to deer and rabbits, but they can be occasionally bothered by slugs, snails, aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.
• Sedum spurium plants are hermaphrodites, having both male and female organs. These species are also self-fertile.
• The flowers produced by these succulents are highly attractive to several species of insects. During the summer, their flowers are pollinated by these organisms.
• Their thick and juicy leaves are considered edible in some cultures and can be consumed raw or cooked. It is said that they are astringent and have a slightly bitter taste.
• Although these plants are not highly toxic to humans and animals, they are not recommended for consumption. If large quantities are ingested, their leaves can cause gastrointestinal problems.

Sedum Spurium Features: An Overview

• They belong to the large Sedum genus that includes up to 600 species of flowering succulents. The members of this genus are usually known as stonecrops.
• Sedum spurium is a herbaceous perennial dwarf composed of dense mats that can reach between 12 and 28 inches (30-70 cm) in width and up to 6 inches (15 cm) in height.
• These succulents produce a large number of creeping or procumbent stems of 2 to 6 inches (5-15 cm) in length. They are sterile, rooting, and often purple.
• Their foliage is formed of glossy, tiny, and round-shaped leaves that can grow opposite each other or, quite rarely, alternately arranged.
• The leaves found on Sedum spurium plants are grouped in beautiful fleshy rosettes that can come in various shades of green to blue-greyish and even purple.
• When exposed to proper light conditions, their bright green leaves can turn a pleasant burgundy tint, especially on their edges. In autumn, the foliage can turn a pleasant-looking red almost entirely.
• During their blooming period, from spring to fall, Red Carpet plants exhibit interesting inflorescences that measure from 4 to 12 inches (10-30 cm) in length. Each inflorescence contains other 3-5 branches filled with 15 to 30 blooms.
• Their star-shaped flowers are pretty small and present five (rarely six) slender petals. They mostly appear in bright pink tones, but some specimens have also shown lovely shades of red, dark pink, light purple, or white.

Growing Sedum Spurium

Sedum spurium plants can withstand almost any lighting conditions, making them very attractive to growers who are passionate about outdoor gardening. They do well in full sunlight to partial shade all-year-round without any major problems. When planting your succulents outside, you can place them in the sunniest spot of your garden or on a covered patio without worrying about their lighting requirements. For potted plants grown indoors, it best to choose a location where they can receive plenty of bright and indirect light.

When it comes to temperatures, these succulents can grow happy and healthy even in the most extreme conditions. Sedum spurium plants are cold hardy and perfect for outdoor gardens, as they can tolerate below-freezing temperatures that drop to -22 °F (-30 °C). If you live in a region where winters are harsh, these plants will be an excellent addition to your garden!

Planting Sedum Spurium

Red Carpet succulents are known for their ability to survive in soils that are poor in nutrients. These plants are perfect for beginner succulent-lovers who have no idea about the quality of soil found in their garden. For optimal growth, you must plant your succulents in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal growing medium for these plants is a commercial potting soil formulated for succulents and cacti.

Due to their fast-growing habit, potted Sedum spurium plants must be transplanted in other containers pretty often. Keep in mind that these succulents will be more receptive to repotting if done in spring and the soil is completely dry before you begin this process. Look for a pot that is one size larger than the current one and transplant your baby carefully.

As long as their foliage and soil remain dry, your plants will have no problem with intruders. If you notice any suspect organisms on your Sedum spurium, you can simply remove them from the plant. Moreover, the unhealthy parts which are severely infested can be treated with rubbing alcohol, neem oil, or suitable insecticides/pesticides.

Dragon’s Blood Stonecrop Sedum Spurium, From Amazon

Watering Sedum Spurium

Are you the forgetful type of gardener? No worries! Most succulents are easy-going and very forgiving when it comes to watering and Sedum spurium succulents are no different! Thanks to their succulent leaves, these plants are highly tolerant of drought. They can survive for a long period without water and humidity, even for several months if their environmental requirements are met.

Sedum spurium succulents usually require watering once every week in warmer temperatures, but the frequency may vary depending on the season. Make sure you always check the soil’s moisture in-between waterings to avoid waterlogging or any soggy conditions.

Your plants will do just fine if they are provided with water only twice a month. However, you should watch out for common signs of under-watering once in a while. If these succulents are thirsty, their leaves will start to get wrinkly and lose their particular plumpness.

Sedum spurium species grow at a pretty fast pace, so they do not require much help from fertilizers. Moreover, these succulents can thrive without lots of nutrients and get their energy mostly from sunlight and soil. Your plants will benefit from feedings with a diluted low-nitrogen fertilizer once or twice during their active growing period.

Propagating Sedum Spurium

Sedum spurium plants are so friendly and cute, that you cannot miss the chance to have more creeping beauties in your garden! And with the Christmas holidays around the corner, they can make for a great gift for family members and friends. Luckily, these succulents can be propagated through cuttings by any type of gardener, even those who lack a bit of experience.

Sedum spurium responds well to propagation if the cuttings are taken from the top half of the plant just a few inches below the leaves. If you want to avoid any future damage, you should take the cuttings using a sharp and sterilized garden knife. Make sure you remove all the leaves from the lower part of the stems to not dig them into the potting soil.

Once the cuttings have been taken, you must allow them to dry out for a few days in a warm and shaded spot. When the cut side of the stems is hardened and presents a dry callous, your cuttings are ready to be planted in the propagation medium. For optimal results, you can dip the cuttings in rooting hormone to encourage faster and healthier growth.

Fill a pot or bed with a fresh succulent mix and plant your cuttings in the substrate. The baby Sedum spurium will need lots of moisture to grow properly, so you should provide them with water once or twice a day. If the cuttings are placed in a location where they can receive plenty of bright and indirect light, they will usually root in a few weeks. Once the babies have developed a strong root system, they are ready to be transplanted in their individual pots.

In Conclusion

Charming, friendly, and easy-going: a mix that every gardener secretly dreams of! Sedum spurium plants are by far one of the easiest types of succulents to grow and care for. With their versatility and tolerance of a large spectrum of environmental conditions, they are suited for both indoor and outdoor spaces no matter what region you live in. And if you are a beginner gardener, there is no better houseplant to start your journey with!

Are you growing Sedum spurium a.k.a. Red Carpet Stonecrops? Share your experience in the comments below!

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