Sedum rubrotinctum is a showy and colorful succulent plant that looks great in rock gardens. Also called “jelly bean plant”, and “pork and beans plant”, this succulent is easy to care for and makes a great addition to any succulent collection.
This low-growing plant has plump, bean-shaped leaves with red tips that intensify under sunlight and cooler temperatures. This gives the plant a colorful, jelly bean-like appearance – hence one of its common names.
Jelly bean plant is happy in a container indoors and can also be grown as a ground cover outside. Keep reading to learn how to grow and care for this tender succulent.
Sedum rubrotinctum overview
Below is a list of plant details for jelly bean succulent.
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Genus: Sedum
- Botanical name: sedum rubrotinctum
- Common names: pork and beans, jelly bean plant, Christmas cheer
- Native to: Mexico
- Size: 6-12 inches tall and 8-12 inches across
- Hardiness zones: Only cold hardy in zones 9-11. In other zones, grow it as an indoor plant.
- Toxicity: Considered toxic to humans and pets (especially cats). Ingesting the plant leads to an upset stomach and the sap can cause skin irritation.
- Bloom time: Spring and summer. The plant has small yellow star-shaped flowers.
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How to grow jelly bean plant
Jelly bean plants prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade. The red coloring on the leaf tips is more pronounced with increased sunlight.
Soil and temperature needs
The plant likes warmer temperatures in the 65-75°F range (18-25°C). It is not frost-tolerant. If temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), bring your jelly bean plant indoors.
Jelly beans succulent thrives in dry conditions. High humidity can cause rotting issues if the soil remains too moist.
Like all succulents, a well-draining soil mix is needed for sedum rubrotinctum since the plant is prone to root rot. You can choose a specially formulated soil for succulents, or add perlite and coarse sand to ordinary potting soil.
Watering and fertilizing requirements for jelly bean plant
A good way to water is the “soak and drain” method. To do this, bring the plant to the sink and give it a good soak, allowing the water to drain out of the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot.
Be sure to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Jelly bean plants are quite drought-tolerant.
Look for a fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) ratio, or use a diluted succulent fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).
Avoid fertilizing when the plant is dormant.
Diseases and insects
Like most succulents, fungal diseases caused by over-watering are something to watch out for with sedum rubrotinctum. Limp leaves that easily fall off are a sign of fungal disease.
Insects like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale can also be a problem with jelly bean plants. If found, they can be treated with neem oil.
How to propagate jelly bean plant
Get new plants for free by propagating sedum rubrotinctum from stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and offsets. When leaves fall off, they easily root and form new plants.
Allow cuttings to callous over for 1-2 days before planting in well-draining soil. Water sparingly until new growth appears.
Since roots grow along the stems of jelly bean plants, stem cuttings are an effective propagation method.
Where to purchase sedum rubrotinctum
I found my jelly bean plant at a local garden center but they are also normally sold in larger stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot.
The farmer’s market is a great place to purchase succulents. Pork and bean succulents are also available online:
- Purchase jelly bean plant at Mountain Crest Gardens (my favorite online supplier of succulents).
- Buy sedum rubrotinctum on Etsy.
- In addition to fully grown plants, Amazon also has live succulent cuttings of jelly bean plants.
Be sure to check out these tips for buying succulents. This guide gives information on what to look for when buying, both locally and online.
Share this post about growing jelly bean plants on Twitter
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🌿🫘 Want a colorful, easy-care succulent? Check out my tips on growing the jelly bean plant (sedum rubrotinctum)! It is perfect for beginners and adds a pop of color to any garden. 🌞🌵 Learn more on The Gardening Cook. #GardeningTips… Share on XPin sedum rubrotinctum growing tips for later
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You can also watch our succulent care video on YouTube.
Tips for Growing Sedum Rubrotinctum
Sedum rubrotinctum, also known as "jelly bean plant", and "pork and beans plant", is an easy-care succulent with a low growing habit.
The tips of the plump leaves turn red with more intense sunlight. Here are some growing tips to help you get the most out of your jelly bean plant.
Materials
- 1 Jelly bean succulent (sedum rubrotinctum)
- Potting soil - specialty succulent mix
Tools
- Watering can
- Succulent fertilizer - half strength
Instructions
- Sunlight needs - Full sun to partially filtered light. The plant will develop reddish tips as you provide more sunlight.
- Watering needs - Water thoroughly and be sure to allow the plant to dry out between waterings. The plant is quite drought-resistant.
- Soil - Choose a well-draining cactus or succulent soil.
- Cold hardiness - Zones 9-11. The plant can take temperatures down to 60°F. (18-27°C)
- Common names - Jelly bean plant, pork and beans succulent.
- Toxicity - Lightly toxic to both humans and pets (especially cats). Ingestion causes stomachache and sap causes skin irritation.
- Propagation - Pot up offsets, or propagate stem or leaf cuttings. Allow the leaves to callous over and then plant.
- Fertilization - Use a diluted succulent fertilizer (half-strength) monthly during the spring and summer. Don't fertilize in fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
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