Jelly Bean Plant

By Alissa Bright  UCCE Master Gardener

Sedum rubrotinctum

Planting Area: USDA zone 9

Size: Can grow up to 7-8”tall

Bloom Season: Perennial (bring indoors during frost season)

Exposure: Full Sun

Pruning needs: None

Water Needs: The rule of thumb for succulents is to underwater, and water deeply once the soil is completely dry. You can either use a moisture meter or your finger to feel if the top inch is dry before soaking the top 1”of soil, roughly every 9-14 days. Do not overwater!

Snapshot: This Mexican native, aka “jelly bean plant”or “pork and beans”, Sedum rubrotinctum is the chubby-leaved succulent that can save your green-thumb status.  While its colorful, green, red-tipped leaves are fragile when bumped or moved, the jelly bean plant is one of those plants you won't have to worry about when you leave for vacation.  It prefers to be ignored and under-watered and can survive in well-drained soil. 

            This succulent is exceptionally tolerant of full sun and drought but needs protection from frost.  Thankfully, it easily propagates new plants, and will readily grow roots from both stem cuttings and leaves.

            Warning to fur parents: even though this succulent is named after a tasty treat, the “jelly bean plant”can be mildly toxic for your pets.

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