Sedum Rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant): How To Care For It Best

Types of Succulents / By

This type of succulent is a relative newcomer to the biological world; it was only in 1948 that it was officially determined that it is a distinct species. Despite its long-delayed identification, it has quickened its pace into the hearts of succulent gardeners and is now in a place of fondness and wonderment in their gardens.

How to Identify Jelly Bean Plant

It is rather simple to identify one of these plants because the thick bulbous leaves are shaped like jelly beans. Not only is the shape of each leaf reminiscent of the popular candy, the red color they turn when placed under healthy stressors makes them look even more like jelly beans. It also produces yellow flowers during Springtime.

Jelly Bean Plant can be misidentified as a Sedum Rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’ also known as Jelly Bean Aurora. Both of these succulents resemble jelly bean candies, but they do have a couple of features that help to differentiate them from one another. These features are:

  • Jelly Bean Plant has leaves that are green and red; whereas, Jelly Bean Aurora has leaves that are green and pink
  • The flowers produced by Jelly Bean Plant are a darker yellow than the flowers produced by Jelly Bean Aurora

Where Does Jelly Bean Plant Grow

This plant is a native of Mexico.

Uses of Jelly Bean Plant

Jelly Bean Plant is a highly decorative succulent. It is a fabulous plant to display in an indoor container, an outdoor succulent garden, or as a tabletop centerpiece. Consider planting one in a hanging planter and allowing it to dangle loosely over its sides, or, consider using them as ground cover outside, or, consider placing one in a tiny planter on a bookshelf. This plant is extremely versatile and will make an excellent decoration no matter where it is placed.

How to Grow Jelly Bean Plant from Seed

Since propagating a Jelly Bean Plant from cuttings is so easy, it is not very common to grow this plant from seeds.  But, if you are game to try, here are the basic steps to follow:

  1. Plant the seeds in a pot filled with potting soil designed for succulents
  2. Place the pots in a tray filled with water so the soil will absorb the water from the bottom
  3. Place the tray of pots in a warm area (64 – 68 degrees Fahrenheit) with indirect sunlight
  4. Add water to the tray to keep it moist but not soggy

It will take about a month before you will see any signs of successful germination from the planted seedlings.  Evidence that the seeds are sprouting will be tiny leaves above the soil.  Once the seedlings have grown into healthy plants, they can be cared for as you would a mature Jelly Bean Plant.

Jelly Bean Plant Growing Conditions

Jelly Bean Plant has the typical needs of any succulent: plenty of heat and sunlight, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering.

When to Plant Jelly Bean Plant

It is recommended that Jelly Bean Plant is planted during the warm, sunny months of spring and summer.

How to Plant Jelly Bean Plant

This is one of the easiest succulents to plant. You almost don’t need to do anything, just pick a spot that is sunny and has well-draining soil, then set the plant into the soil or place a leaf on top of the soil. Jelly Bean Plant will send out roots quickly and will establish a new plant in a few seasons.

Jelly Bean Plant Water Requirements

The water requirements of the Jelly Bean Plant are also typical of most succulents.  Since this plant is susceptible to root rot, it is best to use the soak and dry method when watering it.  The steps for doing this are as follows:

  1. Fill a tray or a sink with a few inches of water.
  2. Set the plant container in the tray making sure that the water is not so deep that it will run over the top of the container.  The point of watering in this way is so that the roots will soak up the water and the leaves will not get wet.
  3. Let the plant soak in the water for fifteen minutes.  This will allow the root system to soak up water from the bottom of the container.
  4. Take the plant container out of the water.
  5. Place the plant container in a spot where the excess water can drain from the hole in the bottom.
  6. Repeat this only when the soil around the plant is dry.

Jelly Bean Plant Sun Requirements

This plant is not tolerant of cold or rainy weather so it cannot be placed in the ground outside if it is not within USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. Also, this plant does not grow well indoors, so it must be kept outside as much as is possible.

When considering where to plant or place this plant’s container, find a spot that will get at least six hours of full to partial sunlight each day. Also, make sure that its planter or ground plot will be able to drain off the water well.

Best Jelly Bean Plant Fertilizer

During its growing season (spring and summer), Jelly Bean Plant can be given a quarter to a half dose of low Nitrogen fertilizer each month. Try Joyful Dirt Organic Houseplant Fertilizer for an exceptional and safe option.

Best Jelly Bean Plant Companion Plantings

This plant looks absolutely amazing by itself, but it also looks really nice alongside other plants. So, consider providing your Jelly Bean Plant with one of these companion plants. It is a great way to colorize and texturize a succulent garden or your home décor.

Oerocereus Celsianus

This plant is odd and stunning. You might recognize it from its more common nickname, ‘Old Man of the Andes’. Its spiky, hairy, cylindrical body will look striking next to a few clusters of Jelly Bean Plant. The colors and the textures are sure to contrast and complement one another in a fun and entrancing manner.

Tips for Caring for Old Man of the Andes Cacti:

  • Provide six hours per day of partial to full sun
  • Water with the soak and dry method
  • Keep outdoors as much as possible
  • Bring indoors when temperatures are lower than 10 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Do not place in a ground plot outside when in a zone that is numbered lower than USDA Hardiness Zone 8a

Pros:

  • It can be propagated from seed and from cuttings
  • It can grow in-ground or in containers
  • Its needs are typical of most succulents and cacti
  • It is generally not toxic

Cons:

  • It doesn’t grow well when kept indoors
  • It is not cold hardy
  • It can grow up to 10 feet tall

Faucaria Tigrina ‘Tiger’s Jaw’

While this is a tiny plant, it is definitely distinct and full of character. Its strong features include thick, green triangular leaves that are trimmed with spiky teeth. It does look a bit like a jawline. Let’s look at why you will want a Tiger’s Jaw plant in your garden or home.

Tips for Caring for Tiger’s Jaw:

  • Provide six hours per day of partial to full sun
  • Water with the soak and dry method
  • Keep outdoors as much as possible
  • Bring indoors when temperatures are lower than 20 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Do not place in a ground plot outside when in a zone that is numbered lower than USDA Hardiness Zone 9a

Pros:

  • It only grows up to 3 inches tall
  • It propagates through offsets and seeds
  • Its needs are typical of most succulents and cacti
  • It is generally not toxic

Cons:

  • It doesn’t grow well when kept indoors
  • It is not cold hardy

Haworthia ‘Concolor’

This is another tiny succulent that will look lovely next to a Jelly Bean Plant. It, too, has uniquely shaped and colored leaves. Not only is it tiny, quaint, and cute, it is really easy to care for, making it ideal for beginner gardeners. Here are a few more reasons to get one.

Tips for Caring for Haworthia Concolor:

  • Provide six hours per day of partial sunlight if kept outdoors
  • Provide six hours per day of filtered sunlight if kept indoors
  • Water with the soak and dry method
  • Bring indoors when temperatures are lower than 30 degrees Fahrenheit

Pros:

  • It only grows up to 6 inches tall
  • It propagates through offsets and seeds
  • Its needs are typical of most succulents and cacti
  • It is generally not toxic
  • It is beginner-friendly
  • It grows well when kept indoors
  • It produces white blossoms in Spring or Fall

Cons:

  • It is not cold hardy
  • It can easy be overwatered

Jelly Bean Plant Diseases and Common Problems

Jelly Bean Plant is susceptible to several types of problems. These are:

  • Leaves that drop
  • Leaves that are wilted
  • Etiolation
  • Root rot

Jelly Bean Plant Treatments and Maintenance

The most common problems faced by this plant do have treatment options. Let’s discuss how to deal with each one individually.

Leaves that drop

This is very common since the leaves of a Jelly Bean Plant are very delicate. Leaves can fall off if something brushes against them, if the plant is moved, or if the plant is overwatered. If leaves are falling off just because someone or something touches them or moves the plant, the best thing to do is be extra careful around it and place it in a spot where it will not be bumped.

If, however, the leaves fall off because of overwatering, you should notice that they are mushy, transparent, or discolored. If this is the case, the plant will need to be dried out and possibly replanted in new, dry soil.

Leaves that are wilted

Wilted leaves are a sign that the Jelly Bean Plant may need a drink. The simple solution is to water it as normal and watch it to see if it begins looking healthy again.

Etiolation

A plant with etiolation will grow stems that are long, thin, and naked of leaves. This is a sign that the Jelly Bean Plant is not getting the proper amount of sunlight. Simply move the plant to a spot where it can get more sunlight during the day. The long stems can also be pruned back to encourage healthy regrowth.

Root rot

Dealing with root rot is a very difficult process that doesn’t guarantee success, so it is always best to prevent it from even occurring.  To prevent root rot, take the time to learn how to properly water a succulent.  But, if it has already begun, follow these steps to help the plant survive:

Allow the plant to dry out

This technique can be done if the root rot has not spread to the stems.  What it entails is taking the plant out of the soil and letting them layout for a few days so the excess water will evaporate.  Once this has been done, they should be replanted in fresh, clean, and dry soil.

Remove any of the rotten parts of the plant

Trim off any areas of the plant that are rotting, then allow the plant to callous for a few days.  Without letting it callous, the chances of the succulent surviving are very slim.

Jelly Bean Plant Repotting Instructions

Jelly Bean Plant is a quick-growing plant that also propagates itself quickly. For these reasons, it may be necessary to replant a Jelly Bean Plant regularly since it can outgrow its containers quickly. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Select a new container that is well-draining and will allow the plant to have room to grow.
  2. Select a potting soil mix that is well-draining.
  3. Carefully remove the plant from its current container to reduce the number of leaves that fall off.
  4. Fill the new container with the potting soil mix.
  5. Create a small hole(s) for the plant(s) to rest in.
  6. Carefully set the plant into the hole.
  7. Spread the potting soil around to make sure the hole is filled.
  8. Water in the soak and dry method.
  9. Place the container in a warm, partially sunlit spot.

Tip: Fallen leaves can be placed on top of the potting soil mix and many of them will root and grow from there.

Where to Buy Jelly Bean Plant Seeds Online

If you are interested in growing a Jelly Bean Plant of your own from seed, these online shops are a great place to purchase seeds.

Where to Buy Jelly Bean Plant Plants Online

If you are interested in growing a Jelly Bean Plant that is already in a mature stage, these online shops are a great place to purchase one.

FAQs

Question: Is Jelly Bean Plant Toxic?

Answer: Yes, unfortunately, this plant is known to be toxic to humans and animals. This is why it is recommended that you always use gloves when handling this plant and keep it away from animals and small children.

Question: How Fast Can Jelly Bean Plant Grow?

Answer: This is a fast-growing plant that can grow roots in less than a month. To keep it safe from sunburn while it is growing roots, it will need to be placed in a spot that gets bright, but indirect sunlight until it is established.

Question: How Big Can Jelly Bean Plant Grow?

Answer: Despite its fast-growing rate, it stays rather small. It usually gets no bigger than a foot tall and it can be pruned back if it is too long.

Concluding Thoughts

Jelly Bean Plant is cute and quaint and certainly worthy of a spot in any succulent garden. This plant offers wonderful color and attractive texture wherever it is placed. So, where will you place this enthralling plant in your home?

Research Citations

Read more plant-related guides below:

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