Sedum vs Crassula: 7 Interesting Differences and Similarities

Technically, both Sedum and Crassula plants are succulents, but this does not make them the same kinds of plants. In fact, these are two different genera, with each of them having its own unique set of features.

If you are planning to learn more about Sedum vs Crassula or want to try growing them at home, you can read about their similarities and differences below.

Sedum vs Crassula: Differences

Here are some key differences between the two genera.

1. Origin

Sedum plants are succulent flowering plants that are native to certain regions across North and South Africa. They also tend to grow naturally in some parts of South America. Usually, they prefer sandy, loose and even poor soil for their growth, thus growing even in otherwise detrimental soil.

Crassula plants usually grow naturally in South Africa, although they have also become naturalized in most other parts of the world due to the large extent to which they are cultivated.

2. Appearance

Sedum plants have small leaves, although the size can vary a bit depending on the species. The leaves are thick and fleshy while the flowers can be of various colors. The leaves usually grow in rosettes.

Plants of the Crassula genus generally have small and rounded leaves, with most species following this leaf size too. The leaves can either grow in rosettes, stacks or clumps, lending unique shapes to the plant.

3. Species

Sedum plants are a lot more diverse and varied in terms of the number of species within the genus. There are up to 500 plant species, with many of them also having their own varieties.

The Crassula genus contains around 200 plant species.

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4. Lifespan

Sedum plants are perennial plants and tend to have a pretty long lifespan, especially since they can reproduce new growth even if older growth dies out. Many such plants can often survive for several decades at a time.

Crassula plants are evergreen with woody stems and can survive for a few decades.

5. Flowers

The flowers of Sedum plants have five to six petals and several stamens. They are star-shaped and can be of various colors, usually blooming in summer and fall.

Crassula plants, on the other hand, have smaller flowers that grow in clusters. These grow in the months of spring.

Sedum vs Crassula: Similarities

The two genera tend to share a few similarities too, some of which you can go through below.

1. Stonecrop Family

Both genera in question here belong to the Crassulaceae family, which is why there are some features that are bound to be similar. For instance, the climates and soils that they grow in and the thickness levels of the stems and leaves are due to the family they belong to.

2. Succulent Leaves

Both Sedum and Crassula plants have succulent leaves, which means that the leaves can hold water for a while and provide it to the plant to survive in dry climates. The leaves of Sedum plants are generally thicker as compared to those of the Crassula.

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How to Care for Sedum and Crassula

Here are some aspects you should account for when it comes to caring for Sedum and Crassula plants.

• Make sure you provide 4-6 hours of direct sunlight to both plants, along with some shade in the afternoon, especially if it tends to get too hot where you live. If this kind of direct light is not possible, bright and indirect sunlight for a long time can also work.

• Make sure the soil drains out the extra water well so that there is no risk of fungal infections and rotting. The soil should also have a bit of coarseness in the form of sand, rocks and gravel. Make sure the soil pH is closer to neutral or even minutely acidic.

• You will need to ensure that you establish a watering routine for your plants, although it is important that you do not overwater them.

Since both plants are succulents, they can store a bit of water in their leaves that can help them get through dry conditions, so you should wait for the soil to become dry first, although a bit of moistness can work for Crassula plants.

• You can add some organic or diluted fertilizer to both plants when the growing season is about to begin. You should not fertilize the Sedum plant again for the rest of the year.

Parting Thoughts

It is clear by now that both Sedum and Crassula genera are of the same family, which means that they share certain characteristics, such as succulent leaves and similar care conditions. However, there are multiple differences between them, especially in terms of their origins, appearance, species, lifespan and flowering pattern.

If you are growing these plants at home, make sure you maintain the soil, light, watering and fertilizing conditions so that they can thrive and grow well.