Jelly Bean plants are trending. They are easy to grow outdoors, but make a really great simple to care for house plant. The photo above is a plant that I’ve always grown outside, but now I’m going to bring part of it indoors. The plump round leaves look like small jelly beans, hence its common name. The leaves turn red in the sun, which gives it a nice color contrast. When not in direct sunlight, the leaves remain green as seen in the photo below.

Both photos are of the same plant. The first was taken on the sunny side of the plant and the second was from the side that’s in the shade most of the day.

It enjoys hot sunny weather, so make sure to place  in a sunny window, or if in an apartment, a balcony will be a good place.  Be sure to bring it inside once frost is expected. In the spring it produces bright yellow star shaped flowers.

It can drop leaves either from over or under watering. It’s best to use a pot that drains well. When soil is dry, give the entire plant a thorough soaking and then drain well. Let the soil dry once more before watering. As with most succulents, water more during the summer growing season and less in winter.

The same when applying fertilizer. Do not fertilize in winter when plant is not actively growing. You should feed your plant monthly during the summer. Use a liquid fertilizer at 50% of the manufacturer’s instructions.

It’s very easy to propagate the Jelly Bean plant. Take a leaf or stem from your plant and let it dry overnight. The next day, place the stem into some dampened cactus soil or sit the leaf on top. It will take 3-4 weeks to produce roots. Keep out of direct sunlight until you see new growth.

This is a fun succulent to grow and easy to care for. I read in several articles that they do make great house plants, and now I am going to give it a try. I will be sure to let you know. Perhaps you are already growing your own Jelly Bean plant indoors. If so, please let me know.