Jelly bean succulents (Sedum rubrotinctum) are evergreen, low-growing perennial succulents that are native to Mexico. Also commonly mentioned as “pork and beans” or “banana cactus”, jelly egg succulents are a neighborhood of the Sedum genus within the Crassulaceae. they appear beautiful in succulent arrangements or grown on their own. because of their sprawling growth habit, mature jelly egg succulents also can be used as ground cover.
These cute succulents are a hybrid of Sedum pachyphyllum and Sedum stahlii and are characterized by small chubby leaves that turn bright red/bronze in hot, sunny conditions. they will be grown successfully indoors as a houseplant or outdoors within the warmer climates: USDA Zones 9 through 11. In colder climates, jelly egg succulents are often container-grown outdoors in summer and overwintered indoors.
As with most succulents, jelly egg succulents are low-maintenance and don’t require much attention so as to thrive. This makes them perfect for beginners and neglectful gardeners alike!
| Botanical Name | Sedum rubrotinctum |
| Common Name | Jelly bean succulent, jelly bean plant, pork and beans, Christmas cheer, banana cactus |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Mature Size | 6 to 12 inches tall |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Sandy, well-drained |
| Soil pH | Neutral, alkaline |
| Bloom Time | Spring, summer |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Hardiness Zones | 9-11, USA |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets and humans |
Jelly Bean Succulent Care
Jelly bean succulents are great plants for beginners because they thrive on neglect. they will tolerate drought, they don’t require pruning or frequent repotting, and that they are extremely easy to propagate.
They thrive with much sunlight and don’t tolerate excess moisture. Place this adorable succulent during a sunny, hot location and water it infrequently and it’ll be happy!
Light
Lots of bright, direct sunlight is required so as for jelly egg succulents to thrive. fully sun conditions, the ideas of the leaves will turn red or orange with heat stress. a totally green plant or leggy, elongated growth are both indications that the plant isn’t receiving enough sunlight and will enjoy a brighter location. In extremely hot climates, a location that receives a few hours of shade is often beneficial.
If grown indoors, it’s unlikely that the plant will turn red unless it’s situated directly under a grow light. Nevertheless, make sure that you select a location that receives a minimum of six hours of full sun, like a west- or south-facing window.
Soil
Jelly bean succulents tolerate a good range of well-drained soils. These plants don’t tolerate excess moisture well and are extremely vulnerable to plant disease. Succulent and cactus soils are ideal because they’re typically high in the inorganic matter (such as perlite and pumice) and low in organic matter (such as peat and coco coir).
Water
This succulent requires little or no water so as to thrive. jelly egg succulents are familiar with long periods of drought with short bursts of moisture. When grown indoors, allow the soil to dry out thoroughly between waterings.
Before applying water, wait until the plump leaves of the jelly egg succulent have a ‘puckered’ appearance to make sure that the plant is thirsty. If you’re growing jelly egg succulents outdoors, you likely won’t get to provide supplemental water because rainfall should be sufficient.
Temperature and Humidity
These desert-dwellers do best in hot, dry conditions and can struggle to survive in overly humid environments. they’re not frost-tolerant, although they will grow well outdoors if temperatures don’t drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.7 degrees Celsius).
Fertilizer
Jelly bean succulents don’t require regular fertilization and had the best in nutrient-poor conditions. you’ll apply an all-purpose cactus and succulent fertilizer within the early to mid-spring to assist support healthy growth throughout the season, it’s not necessary. Over-fertilizing jelly egg succulents may result in root burn or discolored leaves, so apply sparingly.
Are jelly egg Succulents Toxic?
Don’t be fooled by this succulent’s tasty name – jelly egg succulents are considered mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested. Keep this plant out of the reach of curious pets and youngsters.
Symptoms of Poisoning
Jelly bean succulents are unlikely to cause serious harm unless they’re ingested in large quantities, however, ingesting them or coming in touch with the sap can still cause some unpleasant side effects. Irritation or burning around the affected area are often expected, alongside excessive drooling, and mild swelling.
Propagating jelly egg Succulents
These succulents are very easily propagated by cuttings and leaf propagation. Any fallen leaves will grow roots and eventually become a replacement plant. you’ll also remove leaves manually to start out propagation by gently twisting the leaf off of the stem of the plant until it pops off the stem. you would like to avoid breaking the leaf or the stem because roots will only grow from the bottom of the leaf when it’s fully intact.
Once removed, lay the leaves on top of well-draining soil and place them during a location that receives bright, indirect light.
You can propagate jelly egg succulents in new containers, otherwise, you also can place the leaves at the bottom of the ‘mother’ plant which can provide some shelter from harsh sunlight. don’t water the leaves until roots have developed, then water sparingly as you’d with a mature plant.
Potting and Repotting jelly egg Succulents
Jelly bean succulents are slow-growing and don’t mind being pot-bound. As such, they are doing not require frequent repotting and may usually have the best within the same container for up to 2 years.
As with most succulents, jelly egg succulents have shallow root systems, so choosing the proper container to grow them in is vital. Avoid containers that are too deep, because the soil might hold an excessive amount of moisture below the basic system and cause plant disease.
Shallow containers with drainage holes are perfect for jelly egg succulents. they have a tendency to also had best in terracotta pots because the clay helps to soak up excess moisture within the soil.
Overwintering
If you’re growing jelly egg succulents outdoors, it’s important to notice that these succulents aren’t frost-tolerant and must be overwintered indoors in USDA zones 8 and lower.
In the late summer to early fall, obtain the plants and transplant them into containers. Place them during a location indoors that receives a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day , ideally ahead of a west- or south-facing window. you’ll expect to ascertain the plant drop leaves or change in color because it acclimates to indoor conditions.
Common Pests/Diseases
Jelly bean succulents are vulnerable to some common pests like mealybugs and scale. If you notice an infestation, use a cotton swab and lotion to get rid of any visible pests from the plant, then use insecticidal soap to treat the plant. Continue this treatment until the infestation is resolved.
Fungus gnats also can sometimes be a drag if the soil is just too moist. For succulents, this will usually be resolved quickly by letting the soil dry out for extended periods of your time to exterminate any larvae that are thriving within the moist soil. once you resume watering, use a 10:1 mixture of water and peroxide to exterminate any remaining larvae.