Sedum adolphi Raym.-Hamet
Golden Sedum
Sedum adolphi, known as 'golden sedum' or 'golden glow sedum', is a succulent in the family Crassulaceae described by Raym.-Hamet, native to the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. Its oblanceolate leaves are a striking yellow-gold to orange under full sun, contrasting with the deep green they adopt under lower light conditions. It forms a semi-erect clump of branching stems reaching 25–35 cm in height, making it one of the most visually striking sedums for its luminous coloration.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© Dryas (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)
CC BY-SA 3.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Sedum |
| Growth Habit | Semi-erect to upright stems branching to form dense clumps. Moderate to fast growth rate. Lower branches tend to prostrate under leaf weight, creating a natural cascading habit. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC). Widely cultivated as an ornamental. Its wild populations in Hidalgo are considered stable. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Type | Well-drained mineral soil, slightly sandy. Tolerates somewhat more organic matter than other sedums but without excess. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Oblanceolate, fleshy leaves, 3–5 cm long, arranged in a dense spiral around the stem. Bright yellow-gold to orange under full sun; medium green in partial shade. Surface smooth and glossy, without pruina. Apex acute.
ecoWhite, 5-petaled, star-shaped flowers grouped in terminal cymes. Blooms in winter–spring. Small and delicate, but very numerous.
ecoFleshy, cylindrical stems, 5–10 mm in diameter, becoming woody at the base with age. Branch spontaneously, especially after pruning.
ecoFibrous root system of moderate depth. Relatively drought-resistant thanks to water storage in leaves and stems.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Well-drained mineral soil, slightly sandy. Tolerates somewhat more organic matter than other sedums but without excess.
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
- 1 Cut stem segments 8–12 cm with clean scissors or a knife.
- 2 Remove leaves from the bottom 3 cm of the cutting.
- 3 Callous in ventilated shade for 24–48 hours.
- 4 Plant in dry to slightly moist substrate; water lightly after one week.
- 1 Remove a mature leaf with a twisting motion.
- 2 Callous for 24 hours and place on moist substrate.
- 3 Mist every 3–5 days until shoots appear (4–7 weeks).
Prune the longest stems to stimulate branching and keep the plant dense.
Overwatering, which rots the roots.
Every 2 years in spring; the species accepts transplanting well and grows vigorously afterward.
Balanced succulent fertilizer at half dose, once in April and once in June; none in autumn–winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets according to major registries. Safe in family gardens.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Plant Health
Mealybug: inspect leaf axils and stem bases; treat with isopropyl alcohol or neem oil.
Root rot from overwatering or poorly drained substrate.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"The golden coloration of Sedum adolphi is due to a high concentration of carotenoids (xanthophylls and beta-carotenes) in leaf vacuoles, which accumulate in response to high irradiance and act as secondary photoprotection. This biochemical mechanism differs from anthocyanins (responsible for red in other sedums) and gives this species a differentiated chromatic palette of great ornamental value."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟡 MediumVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.