🌿Morphology

A perennial, branched succulent with relatively open growth, which develops long, reddish-toned stems upon which numerous rosettes form. The leaves are fleshy, lanceolate, relatively narrow, slightly convex, and have a shiny surface.

The most striking feature of this form is its variegation, with areas of light green combined with cream, pale yellow, and, under certain conditions, pink and red areas. The distribution of the non-chlorophyllous zones is irregular and can vary significantly between plants and even between different shoots on the same specimen.

With high light, cool temperatures, and some water restriction, the leaves and stems can considerably intensify their pink, orange, and reddish hues.

🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family

Family: Crassulaceae.

‘Joyce Tulloch’ is a horticultural hybrid, so it does not have its own natural distribution. Its exact origin is undocumented; it is considered likely that it comes from a cross of Sedum versadense × Sedum lucidum, although this parentage should be considered presumed, not confirmed.

Both species attributed as possible parents are Mexican. Sedum versadense is distributed throughout central Mexico to Oaxaca and appears as a succulent subshrub in subtropical environments; S. lucidum is native to Veracruz and is associated with seasonally dry tropical environments.

❄️ Temperature

USDA Zone: 9a–11b

It tolerates minimum temperatures down to -4°C. It can be grown outdoors in mild Mediterranean climates, provided there is excellent drainage. Cool temperatures also favor the expression of red pigments, but the combination of intense cold and wet substrate should be avoided.

☀️ Lighting

Indicative DLI PAR: 15–25 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹.

It needs plenty of light to maintain compact growth and correctly express its variegation. Direct sun or a very bright exposure is recommended, performing a progressive adaptation if it comes from shaded conditions.

Insufficient lighting causes longer stems, open rosettes, and a predominantly green coloration. In contrast, the combination of high radiation and cool temperatures enhances the pink, orange, and red tones characteristic of this cultivar.

💧 Growth cycle and watering

Opportunistic. It shows growth mainly during periods of moderate temperatures, especially spring and autumn. It can maintain activity during other times if conditions are favorable, but intense heat can slow its development.

During the active period, it is recommended to provide abundant watering, then allowing the substrate to dry completely before watering again.

During episodes of extreme heat or intense cold, watering should be spaced out. Good ventilation and fast drainage are especially important because variegation implies less photosynthetically active surface, and it is not advisable to keep tissues continuously hydrated.

🌸 Flowering

Flowering occurs mainly during the spring. The inflorescences appear above the stems and are formed by numerous small, star-shaped, white flowers.

The flowering is particularly attractive when it coincides with the intense contrast between the white flowers and the reddish and cream tones of the foliage.

🌿 Nutrition

During the active growth period, Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended, applied in moderation. An excess of nitrogen should be avoided, especially in a variegated form, to maintain compact growth and avoid excessively tender tissues and overly long stems.

This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a high-tech square pot, with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.

9x9 cm black Gourmet pot