Introducing the jelly bean plant, also known as 'Sedum rubrotinctum'! These evergreen, low-growing perennial jelly beans succulent hail from the sunny lands of Mexico and are also known as pork and beans succulent or banana cactus, because of their jelly bean-shaped leaves.

Jelly bean succulent is a cross between Sedum pachyphyllum and Sedum stahlii, and they have small, chubby leaves that turn bright red or bronze in full (bright) sunlight. It is frequently grown as a ground cover in rock gardens or dish gardens.

As the jelly bean plant matures, this succulent grows about 8 inches tall and 20 inches in diameter, has a trailing growth habit, makes wonderful ground covers, and can also be displayed in lovely arrangements.

Sedum rubrotinctum Aurora (Pink Jelly Bean), a stunning variety of Sedum rubrotinctum jelly beans, has chubby, jelly bean-shaped leaves that begin green and turn a lovely shade of pink when exposed to bright sunlight.

The flowers of jelly bean plants are small, star-shaped, bright yellow flowers that bloom in clusters at the tips of their stems. While the flowers are not the main attraction of this plant, they add a lovely touch when they appear during the spring and summer months.

To propagate your jelly bean plants, stem or leaf cuttings can be used. Both are simple and have a high success rate.

The stunning jelly bean succulents are a favorite among houseplants that are easy-going but still gorgeous. The stems with colorful leaves of this little guy trail over the side of their container, perfect for hanging baskets!

Watering Needs 

Like other succulents, the jelly bean plants, are prone to rotting if their roots are constantly submerged in moisture. Your jelly bean succulent prefers a watering schedule that mimics its natural habitat.

In the spring and summer, during the active growing season, you'll want to water your succulent jelly bean thoroughly but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. This helps prevent overwatering, which can cause the Sedum rubrotinctum roots to rot.

In the fall and winter, during the dormant season, your jelly bean plant goes into a period of rest. During this time, it requires even less water. You can reduce the frequency of watering to once every few weeks or even once a month. It's important to remember that succulents like the jelly bean plant are more tolerant of underwatering than overwatering.

As a drought-tolerant plant, the jelly bean sedum has developed an effective mechanism for storing water in its leaves. Oftentimes, people worry about under-watering their plants when they're actually giving Sedum rubrotinctum too much water. Succulents, in particular, don't thrive well in damp, moist soil, which can lead to root problems.

Light Requirements 

When growing the jelly bean plant indoors, it thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near a window that receives plenty of sunlight, but make sure to protect your jelly bean plants from direct exposure to intense sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day. A south-facing or west-facing window is usually ideal, as it provides the right balance of light intensity. If you don't have a window with sufficient light, you can also use artificial grow lights to supplement the natural light.

If planted outdoors, it loves basking in the full sun. Find a location in your garden or patio that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. When grown in direct sunlight, the color ranges from bright green leaves to red-tipped leaves, with the brightest hues. It adds a gorgeous splash of color to potted arrangements.  However, it's important to note that the jelly bean plant can also tolerate partially shaded areas, especially in regions with intense summer heat. Just make sure it still gets a few hours of direct sunlight to keep it happy and healthy.

If the leaves start to stretch or become pale, it may indicate that your jelly bean succulent needs more light. If the leaves become scorched or develop brown spots, they may be getting too much direct sunlight.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The Sedum species favors very airy, sandy soil that drains well. Planting your Sedum rubrotinctum in ordinary wet soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and, most likely, root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally, use our specialized potting mix that contains organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your jelly bean plants and other succulents to thrive. 

Ideally, you should look for a natural fertilizer with an approximate blend of 5-10-15 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen. The best choice is to use organic fertilizers, as they last longer and keep your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage jelly bean succulent health and nutrient absorption. 

Hardiness Zones & More 

When grown indoors, your jelly bean succulent generally prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. Your jelly bean succulent can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures during the winter months, but it's best to keep it away from drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations. As for humidity, the Sedum rubrotinctum jelly bean plant can handle average indoor humidity levels, so you don't need to worry too much about providing extra humidity. Just make sure the air isn't too dry, especially during the winter when indoor heating can cause dryness.

When growing the jelly bean succulent outdoors, it thrives in warm temperatures. It is typically hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, which means it can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F. If you live in a colder climate, it's best to bring the jelly bean plant indoors or provide some protection during the winter months. As for humidity, the jelly bean plant can handle a range of humidity levels, from drier to more humid environments. Just ensure that the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the jelly bean succulents (Sedum rubrotinctumm) are captivating succulents with their bean-shaped leaves and trailing growth habit. With their vibrant green foliage and occasional bursts of colorful flowers, they add a touch of whimsy to any space. A succulent tends to live for many years and grows slowly. Plant them in the spring after the weather warms up. Propagating these succulents is relatively easy, whether through stem cuttings or fallen leaves. Jelly bean succulents are a delightful addition to any succulent collection, bringing charm and beauty to both indoor and outdoor settings. If you're looking for a unique and low-maintenance plant, the jelly bean succulent is definitely worth considering!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to add something truly exceptional to your garden. Order your very own jelly bean Sedum rubrotinctum today!