[3] Petrosedum forsterianum has two types of shoots: creeping, non-flowering ones that take root as they spread, and upright, flowering stems.

The non-flowering shoots have tightly packed, scale-like leaves clustered at their tips, giving them a cone-like appearance.

They are typically green or bluish-green, measuring 10–15 mm, and remain on the plant even after dying, turning brown over time.

[1] The British population is distinguished by a compact and slow-growing rather than creeping habit, whereas the North African plants have distinctly bluish-purple foliage.

[5] When in bloom, the flowering stems of Petrosedum forsterianum stand upright, reaching 10–40 cm.

The sepals, small leaf-like structures at the flower's base, are triangular with a pointed tip and grow up to 3 mm long.

[7] This plant adapts well to a range of soils as long as good drainage is provided, performing best in dry to moderately moist conditions with plenty of sunlight.

[5] Apart from the British and diploid North African populations, this species spreads too aggressively for a typical rock garden.

While fully hardy across temperate climates, it prefers shadier, wetter conditions than its close relatives.