Crassulaceae
Needle Stonecrop (Sedum lineare)
Sedum lineare
Grow Needle Stonecrop in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil, watering only once the soil has fully dried out. It is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant succulent suited to both garden beds and containers.
Every 10 days
Direct sun
10° - 29°C
% - %
Categories
What is Needle Stonecrop?
Needle Stonecrop (Sedum lineare) is a easy-care plant from the Crassulaceae family. Sedum lineare, commonly known as Needle Stonecrop or Carpet Sedum, is a mat-forming succulent groundcover native to eastern China, Japan, and Taiwan. It has slender, branching stems covered in narrow, light green leaves arranged in whorls of three. In late spring to early summer it produces small st...
Needle Stonecrop grows up to 23cm, spread of 30cm, watering every 10 days, 10°C – 29°C. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Needle Stonecrop tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Needle Stonecrop is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 20 days.
How to Care for Needle Stonecrop?
TLDR: Needle Stonecrop needs Direct sun, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between 10-29°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Needle Stonecrop?
Water deeply, then let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Cut back further in winter.
How Much Light Does Needle Stonecrop Need?
Prefers full sun for at least 6 hours a day; tolerates partial shade, though growth becomes leggier and less colorful.
What Is the Best Soil for Needle Stonecrop?
Use a light, well-draining mix such as a succulent/cactus blend or sandy soil; avoid waterlogged conditions.
What Pot Should You Use for Needle Stonecrop?
Shallow, wide pots with drainage holes, or hanging baskets that let the trailing stems cascade.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 90 days
What Is Needle Stonecrop and Where Does It Come From?
Sedum lineare, commonly known as Needle Stonecrop or Carpet Sedum, is a mat-forming succulent groundcover native to eastern China, Japan, and Taiwan. It has slender, branching stems covered in narrow, light green leaves arranged in whorls of three. In late spring to early summer it produces small star-shaped yellow flowers. Extremely tough, it tolerates poor soil, drought, and full sun, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, and hanging containers.
How to Propagate Needle Stonecrop?
Stem cutting
Avoid overwatering in the first weeks; excess moisture can rot the stem before it roots.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem segment at least 2 inches long
- 2 Let the cut end callus over for 1-2 days in a shaded spot
- 3 Plant in well-draining soil and keep lightly moist until rooted
Materials needed:
Clump division
Division is the fastest method since new divisions already have established roots.
- 1 Carefully remove the plant from its pot or bed
- 2 Separate sections that already have roots and stems
- 3 Replant each section in well-draining soil
Materials needed:
How Big Does Needle Stonecrop Grow?
TLDR: Needle Stonecrop can reach up to 23cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
23cm
Spread
30cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Crushed fresh plant used topically as a traditional poultice for burns and scalds
Culinary Uses
- Leaves edible raw or cooked, eaten sparingly
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Needle Stonecrop?
TLDR: Needle Stonecrop is susceptible to 6 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.
Southern Blight
Southern blight is a devastating soilborne fungal disease caused by Athelia rolfsii (formerly Sclerotium rolfsii), affecting over 500 plant species including vegetables, ornamentals, and fruit crops. The fungus survives in soil through resting structures called sclerotia that resemble mustard seeds and can remain viable for years.
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.
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
Symbolizes resilience and simplicity, thriving where little else can survive in poor, rocky soil.
Fun Facts
Forms dense mats that can spread over large areas in a short time
Its slender, needle-like leaves give it the common name Needle Stonecrop
Native to several provinces of China, as well as Japan and Taiwan
Can survive in rocky, poor soils where few other plants thrive
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Needle Stonecrop?
Does Needle Stonecrop need full sun?
Is Needle Stonecrop toxic to pets?
How do I propagate Needle Stonecrop?
Why are the leaves on my Needle Stonecrop rotting?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
