Sedum nussbaumerianum ‘Coppertone’ (Coppertone Stonecrop)

Sedum nussbaumerianum ‘Coppertone’ is a succulent known for its glossy, pointed leaves that go from gold green to beautiful shades of copper, orange, and amber in bright sunlight. It's Native to Mexico and its an easy-going plant that forms rosettes that spread into beautiful clusters, making it a great plant for containers, rock gardens, and mixed succulent arrangements.

What Makes It Special?

Coppertone Stonecrop is one of the easiest succulents to make change colors. As it receives more sunlight, the leaves develops copper and orange colors that almost glow. It’s fast-growing, beginner-friendly, and adds warmth to any succulent collection throughout the year.

Key Facts

Scientific Name: Sedum nussbaumerianum

Common Name: Coppertone Stonecrop

Family: Crassulaceae

Native Range: Mexico

Growth Form: Clumping succulent with branching stems and compact rosettes.

Common Use: Containers, rock gardens, hanging baskets, and succulent arrangements.

How to Care for It

Light

Coppertone thrives in bright light and full sun. Six or more hours of sunlight each day brings out the copper coloring, while lower light will keep the leaves greener and may cause the stems to stretch.

Water

Water deeply, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. Rather than watering on a schedule, watch the plant for signs of bring thirsty like slightly softer or lightly wrinkled leaves. A deep soak followed by a complete dry-out is much healthier than frequent light watering.

Soil

Use a fast-draining succulent mix with plenty of airflow around the roots.

If you grow indoors or tend to overwater add extra pumice or perlite to your soil. This lets water drain more quick, which means you’ll likely water a little more often, but the roots won’t stay wet for long periods.

At our nursery, we intentionally use a mix that retains a bit more moisture because our plants live outdoors in warm Southern California and we only water every couple of weeks. If you’re watering more often, you’ll want a much faster-draining soil. The goal isn’t watering less or more, it’s making sure the roots aren’t sitting in wet soil for too long.

Temperature

Thrives between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Protect it from frost and extended freezing temperatures.

Fertilizer

Feed once or twice during spring and summer with a diluted succulent fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter when growth naturally slows down.

Blooming

Mature plants produce small  white flowers during late winter or early spring. 

Pet Safety

May cause mild to moderate symptoms if ingested, such as vomiting or stomach upset. We recommend keeping out of reach of pets.

Humidity

Coppertone prefers low humidity with good air circulation. It grows best in dry environments.

Propagation

It is easy to propagate from stem cuttings and fallen leaves. Let cuttings callous for a few days before placing them on dry succulent soil, then water spritz lightly once roots begin to develop.

Troubleshooting

Leaves staying green?
Your plant likely needs more sunlight. Gradually increase sunlight to bring out its signature copper coloring.

Leaves becoming soft or translucent?
This is often a sign the roots are staying wet too long. Check that the soil is drying completely between waterings and increase the amount of pumice or perlite in your mix.

Wrinkled leaves?
Wrinkled leaves usually indicate the plant is thirsty. Give it a deep soak and allow extra water to drain completely from the drainage holes.

Long, stretched stems?
This is called etiolation and happens when the plant isn’t receiving enough light. Move it to a brighter location gradually so not to burn.

Thanks for Growing with Succly

Snap a pic, tag @Succly, and show us where your Coppertone Stonecrop lives. Bonus points if it’s in bloom! 🌼

Keep Learning About Succulent Care

Watering Succulents
Learn why overwatering isn’t about how often you water, but how long the soil stays wet.
→ Read our Watering Guide

Find the Right Succulent Soil
There isn’t one “perfect” succulent soil. Discover how to choose or mix the best soil for your growing environment.
→ Read our Succulent Soil Guide

Succulent Care 101
Everything you need to know about light, watering, repotting, dormancy, and keeping your succulents thriving.
→ Read Succulent Care 101