How to Grow and Care for a Jelly Bean Plant

The Jelly Bean Plant (Sedum rubrotinctum), also called Pork and Beans, is a popular succulent known for its playful appearance. This plant features small, plump leaves that cluster along its stems, resembling jelly beans. Its low-maintenance nature makes it an appealing choice for new and experienced gardeners. The leaves also change color, adding to its whimsical charm.

Jelly Bean Plant Care Guide

Light

To maintain the vibrant colors of your Jelly Bean Plant, adequate sunlight is important. The plant thrives with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. This exposure beneficially “stresses” the plant, causing the tips of the green leaves to turn red. While it can tolerate partial shade, the colors will be less intense. During intense heatwaves, move the plant to a location with afternoon shade to prevent scorching.

Soil

Proper soil is important for preventing root rot. A gritty, well-draining soil mix is necessary for the health of Sedum rubrotinctum. You can purchase a pre-made cactus or succulent mix or create your own by combining two parts cactus mix with one part perlite to enhance drainage.

Water

Water this succulent using the “soak and dry” method. This involves watering the plant thoroughly until water drains from the pot, then allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This technique mimics its natural arid conditions and prevents root rot. Wrinkled leaves can indicate underwatering, while yellow, mushy leaves often signal overwatering.

Temperature

Sedum rubrotinctum is a resilient plant that handles a range of temperatures. It can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C), making it suitable for outdoor growing in many climates. It can be grown as a ground cover or in containers outdoors and adapts well to typical household temperatures indoors.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing a Jelly Bean Plant is not necessary for its health, as these succulents are adapted to nutrient-poor soil. If you wish to encourage more vigorous growth, you can apply a balanced succulent fertilizer during the spring growing season.

Propagating Your Jelly Bean Plant

Propagating a Jelly Bean Plant is easy and can be done from leaves or stem cuttings. The leaves are delicate and often fall off with a light touch, which is a natural propagation strategy. Simply placing these fallen leaves on top of well-draining soil is often enough for them to sprout new roots.

For stem cutting propagation, use a clean tool to snip a piece of stem. Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus over a day or two, which is an important step to prevent rot. Once calloused, insert the cutting into a pot with a well-draining soil mix. Mist the soil every few days until the new plant establishes roots.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with its easy-going nature, you might encounter a few issues. If your plant suddenly drops a large number of leaves, overwatering is the likely culprit; this is different from the occasional leaf that falls off when handled. Soft, mushy stems or black spots are also signs of excess water and potential root rot. A “leggy” or stretched-out appearance, known as etiolation, occurs when the plant is not receiving enough light. Pests like mealybugs and aphids can be treated by wiping them off or using an insecticidal soap.

Toxicity Information

When introducing any new plant into a home with pets or small children, understanding its toxicity is important. There is conflicting information regarding the toxicity of Sedum rubrotinctum. Some sources state the plant is toxic to humans and pets if ingested and that handling it may cause skin irritation. Given the mixed reports, it is wisest to exercise caution and keep the plant out of reach.