Sedum nussbaumerianum vs Sedum adolphii: 6 Interesting Differences and Similarities

Sedum nussbaumerianum and Sedum adolphii are excellent succulents to add to your home garden—not only do they look great, but they’re also extremely low-maintenance plants.

However, given their similarities, both plants are often confused. To prevent that and ensure that you’re getting the right plant home (unless you’re bringing both home!), here’s how to tell Sedum adolphii apart from Sedum nussbaumerianum.

Read on for the differences and similarities between Sedum nussbaumerianum vs Sedum adolphii, as well as how to care for both.

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Sedum Nussbaumerianum vs Sedum Adolphii: Differences

Here are the major differences between Sedum nussbaumerianum and Sedum adolphii.

1. Rosettes

Sedum adolphii plants feature golden-colored rosettes, resembling a football. Sedum adolphii is also called golden sedum and golden glow.

Sedum nussbaumerianum, also known commonly as Coppertone Sedum, forms rosettes, as well, but are thicker than their cousins. Additionally, the rosette tends to be pointed, compared to the rounded leaves of the Sedum adolphii.

2. Shape and Color of the Leaves

The leaves of the Sedum adolphii have a distinct banana shape and are blunter and yellower than the Sedum nussbaumerianum.

The leaves of the Sedum nussbaumerianum, on the other hand, are almond-shaped, instead of banana-shaped, and smaller and shinier than golden sedum.

3. Response to Stress

When exposed to sunlight, the leaves of the Sedum adolphii have a tendency to turn red, from their usual dark green.

When exposed to sunlight, the leaves of the Sedum nussbaumerianum turn copper under stress, instead of the red that the Sedum adolphii adopts.

Sedum Nussbaumerianum vs Sedum Adolphii: Similarities

Here are the major similarities between the Sedum nussbaumerianum and the Sedum adolphii.

1. Flowering Period

Both plants flower during the spring months.

2. Flowers

Both plants produce white flowers, though Sedum adolphii may also produce yellow flowers. The flowers are star-shaped, with the Sedum nussbaumerianum’s flowers growing in clusters.

3. Growing Pattern

Both plants, as mentioned earlier, grow in rosettes, though minor differences exist between the rosettes.

Additionally, both plants grow in a trailing manner.

How To Care For Sedum Nussbaumerianum and Sedum Adolphii

Though both plants don’t need much attention, the right care and attention will go a long way in ensuring that your plants live their longest and best life.

Here’s how to care for both plants.

Caring for Sedum Adolphii

The below tips will help you care well for your Sedum adolphii:

• Sedum adolphii plants thrive in partial shade and full sunlight. Six hours of full sunlight a day is necessary; you’ll know by their changing leaf color that they’re receiving adequate sunlight.
  
• These plants don’t tolerate cold, so keep them indoors during the winter, taking them out only for sunlight, if required.
  
• Follow the usual watering routine for these as you would for other succulents, which is to soak the soil and ensure that it is completely dry between watering days. Excess water can easily cause waterlogging and kill the plant.
  
• Use a diluted fertilizer only during the plant’s growing months, which are between spring and summer.
  
• Like all succulents, Sedum adolphii require well-draining soil, even though they may survive in other types of soil mixes, as long as the soil isn’t prone to waterlogging.
  
• If you’re transplanting, ensure that the plant is replanted at the same depth as earlier. Diving the plant once in four years may help the plant propagate well.

Caring for Sedum Nussbaumerianum

The below tips will help you keep your Sedum nussbaumerianum in excellent health:

• These plants require a minimum of six hours of full, direct sunlight, though they can also survive in partial shade. You’ll know by the copper color of the leaves that the sunlight is sufficient.
  
• Water the plant sparingly, around once in ten days. This will allow the soil to drain and dry sufficiently before it’s watered again. Sedum nussbaumerianum requires very little water and is highly sensitive to overwatering.
  
• A well-draining mix of soil is essential for the plant’s proper development, growth, and good health. Cactus mix can also work well for these plants, with gravel, vermiculture, or perlite added to enhance draining capabilities, if necessary.
  
• Sedum nussbaumerianum plants require temperatures between 60°F (16°C) and 70°F (21°C) and humidity between 40% and 60%. Cold and heat drafts are harmful to the plant, so keep the pot away from such spots.
  
• Only fertilize with a diluted fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) or once in a few months.
  
• The pot needs to have an outlet for excess water to escape; at least one draining hole needs to be present in the pot.
  
• If you’re repotting the plant, do so only in spring.

Closing Remarks

Both Sedum nussbaumerianum and Sedum adolphii share more similarities than differences, with the primary similarity being that they make great houseplants!

Both plants are easy to look after and care for, requiring only minimal attention to thrive.

Having said that, ensure you’re giving them attention at the right time to prevent the plants from dying, such as the right environment, the right soil, and of course, love!