Diseases of the Sedum Plant

Sedums are succulent plants that give a garden color and an unusual texture. According to Carolina Country.com there are more than 420 species of sedums. They're also known as "stonecrop" because several wild species can grow in rocky conditions. Unlike most plants, even the worst soil can nourish sedums. Because they're succulents the plants can tolerate drought. On the other hand, excess moisture or standing water can quickly kill a sedum.

Leaf Blotch

Leaf blotch or botrytis is a gray mold attacking sedum leaves and flowers. The mold causes the formation of dark round blotches with leaves and flowers turning brown and eventually dying. All diseased plant parts should be removed and thrown away. A plant that's totally infected should be destroyed. Infected plants can be sprayed with a fungicide that's sulfur or copper based. According to Yardener.com, two applications should be given, five days apart.

Crown Rot

Crown rot is a disease in which sedums decay at the soil line. It's caused by fungus living in soil. Any infected plants, as well as surrounding soil, should be removed and discarded to prevent the fungus from spreading. Sedums shouldn't be replanted in an infected area for about a year or two. Although there isn't a cure for the disease, careful cultivation around neighboring plants can allow soil to dry out which reduces the spread of the fungus.

Rust

Rust is a disease attacking the leaves of sedums. It involves powdery spots on the undersides of leaves. The problem rarely harms sedums, but it makes plants unattractive. It's important to remove all infected leaves and destroy them. Rust problems can also be reduced by controlling weeds both in and around a garden because weeds contribute to rust disease. Rust can be avoided by periodically spraying plants with wet sulfur several weeks before this disease is expected to appear. Plants should be spaced widely apart so air can circulate. When watering avoid wetting leaves as this also helps prevent rust.

Stem Rot

Stem rot attacks a plant's vascular system. Initial signs of the disease can be seen in a plant's lower leaves turning yellow. Then the plant starts to wilt. About two weeks after an infestation a plant turns black and then dies, according to the North Dakota State University Extension Service. The problem is controlled by removing and then destroying any infected plant parts. The top soil surrounding an infected plant should also be removed. Infected soil should be replaced by new soil.