Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:31 pm
Although sedeveria lilac mist succulent has become very popular in recent years, many people who buy this succulent are unfamiliar with how to care for it properly.
Succulents are an amazing option for both beginners and longtime succulent collectors alike, because they’re so easy to care for. With the sedeveria lilac mist succulent, you don’t even need to water them very often!
Sedeveria lilac mist succulent care isn’t especially difficult, but it does take some effort to ensure the plant doesn’t dry out too much in between waterings and to keep it from getting scorched in the sun.
Here are some tips on how to keep Sedeveria Lilac Mist healthy and happy, along with the basics of what you should know about succulent culture in general.
Origin and distribution
Sedeveria lilac mist is native to South Africa. It’s a succulent type of plant, which means it stores water in its leaves and branches rather than in its roots. For that reason, Sedeveria isn’t suited for living outdoors year-round; these plants are sensitive to temperature and won’t survive freezing temperatures.
They also tend to suffer more from pests and disease when grown outside. So you may want to put your Sedeveria inside for the winter months. When you do, make sure you know how much light your plant needs: too little light will cause the tips of the leaves to turn brown and fall off.
Too much light can burn the plant. If you notice any burning or leaf loss, adjust your lighting accordingly! And finally, be careful not to overwater your Sedeveria lilac mist succulent, they don’t like being wet all the time!
Sedeveria lilac mist propagation
The most popular form of sedeveria lilac mist propagation is through leaf cuttings. You can also propagate by leaf cuttings or air layering. To root a cutting in water, be sure to clean a sharp knife and use it to slice off a healthy portion of a stem. Then submerge that stem into an inch or two of warm water (75 degrees F).
Place your cutting under bright light—but not direct sunlight—with its leaves up and roots down. Change the water every day or so. After three weeks, when you see some roots emerging from the bottom, pot the succulent up with potting soil and place it in indirect light but still close to the window.
Water sparingly until you see new growth emerge from the top of the soil. When all the old leaves fall off, this indicates that your sedeveria lilac mist has rooted itself successfully.
If desired, pinch off excess plantlets at the base and replant them in pots. When planting sedum outdoors after hardening them first indoors for about six weeks, choose an area where they will get full sun exposure.
Sedeveria lilac mist care information
Sedeveria lilac mist is a low-maintenance plant that’s very easy to care for. In fact, it only requires two things: lots of light and water. The Sedeveria does need lots of light to thrive, so give it plenty of direct sunlight and keep it out of drafty areas.
Light requirement
Sedeveria lilac mist are commonly grown indoors and will do fine in a north-facing window with indirect light. You can also grow them outside during summer, so long as they get plenty of sun.
However, you’ll need to bring them inside once fall temperatures approach freezing (or when frost is predicted). For ideal growth, plants should be positioned at least 12 inches from an east or west-facing window; south-facing windows will provide too much direct light.
Soil/potting mix
A good succulent mix will be gritty, porous and well-draining. It should not hold a lot of water. One of my favorite succulent mixes is equal parts soil, perlite and pumice.
If you cannot find soil specifically made for succulents, you can use a standard potting mix with added grit or sand to increase drainage. Avoid bark-based mixes, they retain too much moisture and cause root rot in succulents.
Fill your pot one-third full with potting mix. Gently tap the sides of the pot to level out the surface. Place your sedeveria into the pot so that it’s roots are just below the surface of the soil.
Add more potting mix around it, firming it down gently with your fingers so that it is resting on top of but not completely submerged in the soil.
Do not pack it tightly; allow space between individual clumps of dirt so that air can reach the roots. Top off with a thin layer of potting mix (don’t worry if you have some exposed soil).
Watering
Water your Sedeveria lilac mist only when it feels like it needs water. Letting sedevarias dry out slightly is actually good for them; they may require less water, and their leaves are more succulent as a result. You should also be sure not to overwater your sedvereria; overwatering can cause root rot and other problems that can kill your plant.
The general rule of thumb is that if the soil isn’t completely saturated (i.e., you can poke a finger into the dirt without resistance), then you don’t need to water again until the top inch or so of soil dries out. Remember: It’s always better to under-water than over-water!
Fertilizer
To boost your sedeveria lilac mist growth and health, fertilize it weekly with a succulent fertilizer. When choosing a fertilizer, look for one that contains macro-nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) as well as micronutrients (magnesium, iron, and zinc).
As with all houseplants, use a fertilizer diluted to half strength. Before you feed your Sedeveria Lilac Mist, water it thoroughly to give it time to absorb some of that moisture.
Temperature
Sedeveria lilac mist plants are cool-weather succulents, so they prefer temperatures between 50–65 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping your sedeveria at an optimal temperature helps it grow and bloom faster. If you find that your plant is too cold or hot, move it to a cooler or warmer location accordingly.
Humidity
Unlike most other succulents, Sedeveria lilac mist prefers high humidity, especially when they’re young. If you’re growing a new Sedeveria from seed, it’s best to grow it in a shallow pot that allows the extra moisture to evaporate.
The ideal humidity range is 60-70%. You can increase the humidity by misting the plant with water or by placing it on a pebble tray and watering them every day. To get an idea of how much your plant needs, place your finger under the leaves; if there’s noticeable moisture on your finger, then it needs more water than usual.
Pruning
If a stem begins to look too leggy and unattractive, it can be pruned off just above where one or two leaves are present. This will encourage a new growth point. As always, succulents should never be allowed to sit in water; they may rot if they are overwatered and potted in porous soils such as cactus potting soil, which quickly dries out.
Sedeveria lilac mist prefers to be watered from the top so that the leaves stay dry. It is best to allow them time between watering so that their roots have time to absorb the moisture before more is added.
To encourage blooming, plants should be given slightly less water during cooler months. Sedeverias are not considered poisonous but do contain small amounts of oxalic acid which could irritate the sensitive skin and the mouths of young children who chew on them.
When to repot
Sedeveria lilac mist needs to be repotted often because they tend to grow quickly. Repot in spring or summer, when your Sedeveria has filled out its pot. After re-potting, trim off any damaged roots and expose them to fresh air. Then give it a little bit of water.
Within a week or two, you should see new growth emerging from the soil! A healthy Sedeveria will produce three or four offsets (baby plants) during its first year of growth and one offset per year thereafter.
Dormancy/Winter rest
Unlike most succulents, Sedeveria lilac mist is more tolerant of winter temperatures and can be kept outdoors through a cold-winter climate. They will go dormant in mid-to-late fall, developing a thicker stem and shriveling leaves until temperatures rise again.
In colder climates, they’ll usually keep their greenery into early spring and then drop them. In warmer climates like San Diego or Phoenix, they’ll only go into dormancy for a few weeks or months in late fall/early winter.
If you plan on overwintering your Sedeveria outside, it’s important to bring it inside before the first frost. It’s also best not to cut back any branches or leaves during this time as the plant will use them for energy when it begins growing again in the spring.
Sedeveria lilac mist flower & fragrance
Sedeveria plants are also known as Flowering Stonecrop. The flowers of Sedeveria plants are white, sometimes with a tint of pink to purple or red. The fragrance is reminiscent of lilacs in springtime and honeydew melons.
Growth rate
Sedeveria lilac mist succulents grow slowly and prefer to remain small, only growing to a maximum of 6 inches (15.2 cm) tall with a spread of around 12 inches (30.5 cm).
They are slow-growing plants that will require little maintenance as they age, so you can give them minimal care. Also called lion’s tail, these succulents are somewhat resilient and even thrive in less-than-ideal environments!
Toxicity
Sedeveria lilac mist is non-toxic and therefore considered safe around humans and pets.
USDA hardiness zones
Sedeveria lilac mist thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. These succulents require a full-sun location and should be watered sparingly. A well-draining soil is needed, but any potting mix that is mostly sand or gravel with some organic material works well.
Make sure to fertilize this plant every other month during the growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to one-half the recommended strength for house plants. Remember, too much watering can cause this succulent to rot so it’s important not to overwater them.
Pests and diseases
Sedeveria lilac mist is susceptible to attacks from a variety of pests and diseases. Spider mites will suck on your plant and cause yellowing, browning, leaf drop, and death. Mealybugs look like little balls of cotton and consume both sap and nutrients from your plant.
Fungus gnats lay eggs in moist soil, which later become larvae that feed on roots until they reach adulthood and fly off. If you notice any damage, check for these pests or other issues with your plant’s environment.
Cut back the damaged leaves and use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to control the pest. You can also prevent mealybug infestations by keeping plants clean and giving them plenty of light so their leaves dry quickly after watering.
Conclusion
In summary, Sedeveria lilac mist is a drought-tolerant succulent that prefers bright light and can be grown indoors or outdoors. It should be kept warm in cooler months but take care not to overwater it during these months. If you follow these guidelines for caring for your sedeveria you will have many healthy and beautiful plants to enjoy for years to come!
