How to Grow Dudleya

ByStephen Albert

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Dudleya are perennial succulents that form dense rosettes of ovate to linear, fleshy succulent leaves that are covered with a heavy coat of chalky powder. Tubular, bell- or star-shaped, yellow, white, or red panicles grow from the leaf axils in spring or early summer.

Dudleya can be grown outdoors in borders in warmer climates. It can be grown as a houseplant in all regions.

Dudleya is a genus of 40 species. Dudleya are native to the Southwest United States and Mexico.

Get to know Dudleya

  • Plant type: Succulent in the Crassula Family
  • Hardiness temperature: Winter 35℉ (1.7℃)
  • Shape and size: Mostly white-ringed leaves partially encircle the stem in spiral rosettes; some species create mats; grow as tall as 2 feet
  • Flowers: Infloreseences pring out of the leaf axils; blossoms are arrned in panicles are yellow, orage, or red
  • Bloom time: Spring or early summer
  • Common name: Dudleya
  • Genus name: Dudleya
  • Family name: Crassulaceae
  • Origin: Southwest United States and Mexico
Dudleya brittonii
Dudleya brittonii

Planting Dudleya

  • Grow Dudleya in a sunny location; only those without rings can be grown outdoors in summer
  • Grows Dudleya in a cactus mix.
  • Outdoors grow Dudleya in well-drained, humus-rich soil.

How to water and feed Dudleya

  • Water Dudleya moderately. Do not get the leaves wet.
  • Apply a cactus-succulent fertilizer monthly during the growth period.

Dudleya care

  • Propagate Dudleya by seed or cuttings from spring to summer.

Dudleya species to grow

  • Dudleya brittonii. Powdery white, brittle leaves form a single rosette; can reach 2 feet wide; bears pale-yellow blossoms.
  • D. farinose. Small clustering habit with pale yellow, summer blooms; inflorensences can reach 14 inches (35cm) tall.

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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