Crassulaceae
Phedimus kamtschaticus (Kamchatka Stonecrop)
Phedimus kamtschaticus
An exceptionally resilient, low-maintenance plant. Water using the soak-and-dry method every 14 days during the growing season, letting soil dry completely between waterings. Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil. Fertilize every 90 days in spring and summer. Repot every 2 years. No misting or rotation needed.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
-34° - 35°C
30% - 60%
Categories
What is Kamchatka Stonecrop?
Kamchatka Stonecrop (Phedimus kamtschaticus) is a easy-care plant from the Crassulaceae family. Phedimus kamtschaticus, commonly known as Kamchatka Stonecrop or Orange Stonecrop, is a low-growing succulent perennial in the Crassulaceae family. Native to rocky slopes of the Russian Far East, northern China, Japan, and Korea, this tough groundcover produces star-shaped golden-yellow flowers in s...
Kamchatka Stonecrop grows up to 20cm, spread of 60cm, watering every 14 days, -34°C – 35°C, 30–60% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Kamchatka Stonecrop tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Kamchatka Stonecrop is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Kamchatka Stonecrop?
TLDR: Kamchatka Stonecrop needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between -34-35°C with 30-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Kamchatka Stonecrop?
Use the soak-and-dry method: water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again — typically every 14 days in summer. In winter, reduce watering drastically as excess moisture can cause root rot during dormancy. Once established, this plant is extremely drought-tolerant and can survive months without supplemental water.
How Much Light Does Kamchatka Stonecrop Need?
Requires full sun — at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily — for the most abundant flowering and compact growth. It tolerates partial shade but tends to become leggy and produce fewer flowers. Ideal for sunny borders, rock gardens, green roofs, and exposed slopes.
What Is the Best Soil for Kamchatka Stonecrop?
Thrives in poor, well-draining soils — sandy, gravelly, or amended with 50% coarse sand or perlite. Does not tolerate waterlogged or heavy clay soils, as excess moisture around roots causes crown and root rot. Ideal pH ranges from 6.0 to 8.0. No need for rich, fertile soil — it actually performs better in lean conditions.
What Pot Should You Use for Kamchatka Stonecrop?
Terracotta or unglazed ceramic pots with large drainage holes are ideal, as the porous material helps excess moisture evaporate. For garden use, no container is needed — plant directly in well-prepared, well-draining ground.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 90 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Kamchatka Stonecrop and Where Does It Come From?
Phedimus kamtschaticus, commonly known as Kamchatka Stonecrop or Orange Stonecrop, is a low-growing succulent perennial in the Crassulaceae family. Native to rocky slopes of the Russian Far East, northern China, Japan, and Korea, this tough groundcover produces star-shaped golden-yellow flowers in summer over a mat of fleshy, bright green scalloped leaves that turn shades of orange and bronze in autumn. Its remarkable cold hardiness — surviving down to -34°C (-29°F) — combined with drought tolerance and fast spreading habit makes it one of the most versatile and low-maintenance groundcover plants available for temperate and cold climates.
How to Propagate Kamchatka Stonecrop?
Clump Division
Division is the easiest and most reliable propagation method. Divide every 2-3 years to rejuvenate the plant and control spreading.
- 1 Dig up the entire clump carefully in spring or early summer
- 2 Separate the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each division has roots attached
- 3 Replant divisions directly in the garden or in containers with well-draining mix
- 4 Water lightly and place in a bright location until established
Materials needed:
Stem Cutting
Avoid overwatering during rooting. Use a cactus and succulent mix for best drainage and rooting success.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem segment 5-10 cm long using clean pruning shears
- 2 Remove leaves from the bottom third of the cutting
- 3 Allow the cut end to callous for 1-2 days in a dry location
- 4 Insert into slightly moist succulent or cactus mix and place in bright indirect light
Materials needed:
How Big Does Kamchatka Stonecrop Grow?
TLDR: Kamchatka Stonecrop can reach up to 20cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
20cm
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Traditional use in Asian folk medicine for treating wounds, burns, and inflammation; crushed leaves applied topically as a natural anti-inflammatory.
- Used as a circulatory stimulant in traditional Asian herbal medicine.
Culinary Uses
- Young leaves and stems are edible when cooked, consumed as a vegetable in traditional Asian cuisine.
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Kamchatka Stonecrop?
TLDR: Kamchatka Stonecrop is susceptible to 7 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Meaning & Symbolism
Kamchatka Stonecrop symbolizes resilience and endurance. It thrives in some of the harshest environments on earth — rocky, windswept slopes at high altitudes — embodying the ability to flourish under adversity with quiet, understated beauty.
Fun Facts
Phedimus kamtschaticus can survive temperatures as low as -34°C, making it one of the most cold-hardy succulents in the world.
In traditional Asian medicine, its leaves have been used for centuries to treat burns and wounds as a topical anti-inflammatory.
It is so effective as a groundcover that it is used in green roof systems across Europe and North America.
In its native habitat, it grows on rocky slopes at altitudes of up to 1,800 meters in the Russian Far East.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Kamchatka Stonecrop?
Is Phedimus kamtschaticus toxic to pets?
How cold-hardy is Kamchatka Stonecrop?
Can I grow it as a groundcover between stepping stones?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Peruvian peppertree | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ⚠️ |
