Dudleya           

Family. Crassulaceae.

Origin. California, Mexico.

Description. Dudleya is an elegant small succulent plant that forms a rosette of succulent, wide, flat, light green or white waxy leaves. The diameter of the leaf rosette is 30 - 45 cm. A waxy coating prevents the evaporation of water from the surface of the leaves. In some species, the tips of the leaves turn burgundy in good light. During the flowering period, a tall peduncle with many small red-orange, yellow or red flowers appears on the side of the rosette.

Height. Up to 50 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

A heat-loving plant, in the warm season a temperature range from 21 to 29 ° C is suitable for growing dudleya. In winter, the content should be cool, but not lower than 10 ° C. Varieties with a waxy coating tolerate lower temperature conditions. 

Lighting

The location should be brightly lit, with light shading on particularly hot summer days.

Care

Dudleya can be taken out into the fresh air during the warm season, but keep it protected from direct sunlight.

Substrate

Adapts well to most soil types, but this plant must be provided with good drainage. The substrate for dudleya must have a neutral pH. Ready-made soils are ideal for cacti and succulents. 

Feeding

Every month during the period of active growth, apply fertilizers for cacti and succulents in half the concentration. During the dormant period, feeding is stopped.

Flowering time

Summer, long flowering. 

Air humidity

There is no need for spraying in the warm season. In winter, you can sometimes spray instead of watering in the morning so that the dudleya rosette has time to dry before nightfall. 

Soil moisture

Watering during the growth period is moderate - succulents easily tolerate drought and suffer from over-watering. During each watering, it is necessary to completely saturate the soil with water, but then allow it to dry before the next watering. In winter, reduce watering so as not to dry out the earthen ball. Getting a large amount of water into the outlet can cause the plant to rot. 

Transplant

Dudleya can be kept in the same pot for several years in soil that is quite poor in nutrients. Replant in spring every 3 years. 

Reproduction

Propagated by fresh seeds, which produce the first shoots within 10-20 days after sowing. Spread the seeds evenly over the soil surface and cover with glass. Place the pot in a bright place without direct sunlight. When shoots appear, the glass can be gradually opened, increasing the ventilation time. Daughter rosettes and leaf cuttings. When propagating by cuttings, the cut site must be slightly dried.

Pests and diseases

Rotting due to stagnation of water or too frequent watering, the leaves become soft. If over-watered, powdery mildew may appear.

Among the pests, the plant can be attacked by aphids, spider mites and mealybugs.  

Note

Some specimens, with proper care, have a long lifespan and can reach 50–100 years in indoor conditions.