How to Care for Japanese Woodland Sedum

Put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands from injury. Pull weeds and clear debris from the ground surrounding the Japanese woodland sedum. Spread a 1/2-inch layer of compost over the ground around the plant. Cover the compost with 2 inches of mulch. Keep the compost and mulch 2 inches away from the sedum's stems to prevent rot from forming.

Water the sedum when the top 3 inches of soil becomes dry or when less than 1 inch of rain has fallen during the previous seven days. Apply 1 inch of water from a garden hose directly to the ground surrounding the plant. Water the sedum in the morning to allow the leaves and stems to dry before nightfall. Never over-water the plant to the point that the soil becomes soggy.

Fertilize the Japanese woodland sedum in the spring once new growth begins. Spread 1 tablespoon of 10-10-10 nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium slow-release granular fertilizer over the surrounding ground. Mix the granules into the top 3 inches of mulch and soil with a rake or garden fork. Water the area thoroughly.

Cut back dead stems with a pair of pruning shears after the first hard frost in the fall. Make each cut 1 to 2 inches above ground level.

Divide the Japanese woodland sedum every three to four years, in the spring once it produces new stems. Dig in a circle around the plant with a trowel, keeping 4 to 6 inches away from its outer stems. Dig to a depth of 8 to 12 inches. Push the trowel underneath the root ball to cut the plant from the ground. Cut the plant apart with a knife, dividing it into sections each containing healthy roots and shoots. Replant as many divisions as desired, spacing them 12 inches apart. Do not plant the divisions deeper than they were previously growing. Water the plants thoroughly.