Brainy Gardener

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    What's Hot

    Dudleya farinosa (Bluff Lettuce): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023

    Dudleya caespitosa (Coast Dudleya): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023

    Dudleya cymosa (Canyon Liveforever): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest
    Brainy Gardener
    • Home
    • Houseplants
    • Succulents and Cacti
    • Bromeliad
    • Contact
    Brainy Gardener
    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Dudleya caespitosa (Coast Dudleya): Growing and Care Guide

    Dudleya caespitosa (Coast Dudleya): Growing and Care Guide

    By Milo MasonMarch 3, 2023
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email

    Dudleya caespitosa, commonly called Coast Dudleya, is a low-growing succulent with a basal rosette of fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves. It’s native to the coastal cliffs and rocky slopes of California, from San Francisco to Baja California.

    Dudleya Caespitosa
    Dudleya caespitosa (“190504 218 Fallbrook Garden Tour – House 3 on Barsky Lane, Dudleya caespitosa, Dudleya virens ssp hassei ‘Anacapa’, Dudleya virens, all guessing, Opuntia microdasys” by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    Its leaves can range in color from red to orange-red, and in the spring, it produces clusters of white to pink flowers on tall stalks.

    in this article:

    • care
    • pruning
    • repotting
    • propagation
    • blooms
    • pests
    • common-problems

    About Dudleya caespitosa

    Botanical NameDudleya caespitosa 
    Common NameCoast Dudleya
    FamilyCrassulaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginCalifornia
    MaintenanceLow
    Height4-8 inches
    Width4-8 inches
    LightBright, Indirect Light
    Bloom seasonSpring, Summer
    Water needsLow, Moderate
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy
    TolerantDrought
    ToxicityNon-toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)9-11

    Dudleya caespitosa Care

    Light

    Dudleya caespitosa grows best in bright light, but it can tolerate low amounts of shade. This plant does best when it gets a few hours of direct sunlight each day, but avoid placing it in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day as excessive heat may burn its leaves.

    Dudleya caespitosa also grows well under fluorescent lights as long as they get enough light each day, so they do not have to compete with other plants for nutrients from the soil.

    Soil

    The Dudleya caespitosa needs well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A good potting mix will have equal parts peat moss, sand, loam, and compost. The potting mix should be slightly acidic (pH 6-7), but you can adjust its acidity by adding lime if needed.

    Water

    Dudleya caespitosa needs only moderate watering with room temperature water once every two weeks if you live in an area where temperatures rarely drop below freezing during winter months, while plants left outside during summer months need more frequent watering because they are exposed to higher temperatures than indoor plants are exposed to during winters when temperatures are cooler outside than inside your home or

    Temperature

    Dudleya caespitosa prefers temperatures between 20 Fahrenheit and 50 Fahrenheit. In the wintertime, when temperatures drop below freezing, it’s best to keep this plant indoors, so it doesn’t freeze in the cold weather outside.

    Humidity

    The humidity requirements are moderate to low (40%-60%). This plant can easily handle drier conditions but prefers some degree of moisture in the air.

    Fertilizer

    This succulent does not require fertilizer; however, if you want to give it a boost, use organic fertilizers like fish emulsion or compost tea once per month during the growing season (April through September).

    Dudleya Caespitosa Cheat Sheet
    Dudleya caespitosa cheat sheet

    Pruning

    The best time to prune this Dudleya is during the spring months when its growing season has just begun. Pruning will help keep your plant healthy and looking its best!

    Potting and Repotting Dudleya caespitosa

    The best season for repotting is fall and spring. You should not repot this plant in winter because the plant will not be able to recover over the course of the season.

    Repot Dudleya caespitosa when it becomes rootbound or when its roots are growing out of the drainage holes in the pot. If you don’t repot it when it needs it, then you will notice that its leaves start to turn yellow and fall off. The plant also may begin to wilt because there is not enough room for new roots to grow.

    Prepare

    • Use a well-draining soil mix that is composed of coarse sand, perlite, and organic matter.
    • Select a pot that is slightly larger than the current pot and has drainage holes.
    • Place the plant in a location with bright light and moderate temperatures.
    • Tools like a trowel, pruning shears, and gloves can be useful during repotting.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Choose a pot for this Dudleya that is slightly larger than the original pot.
    2. Gently remove the plant from its old container, taking care not to damage the leaves or roots.
    3. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and trim excessively long roots.
    4. Fill the new container with a well-draining soil mix.
    5. Place the Dudleya in the new container and backfill it with soil, gently pressing down to secure the plant.
    6. Water the plant thoroughly and allow it to drain.
    7. Place the plant in a location with bright, indirect sunlight and avoid watering for a few days to allow it to acclimate to its new environment.

    Propagating Dudleya caespitosa by offsets(Step-by-Step)

    1. Look for offsets on the plant during the late spring or early summer.
    2. Use a sharp, clean knife to separate the offset from the parent plant.
    3. Let the offset dry and callus over for several days.
    4. Plant the offset in a well-draining soil mix.
    5. Water sparingly and provide bright, indirect light.
    Dudleya Caespitosa Flowers
    Dudleya caespitosa flowers (“DUDLEYA (dudleya caespitosa) piedras blancas -2” by Sloalan is marked with CC0 1.0.)

    Blooms

    This plant produces tall, thin stalks that are adorned with clusters of small, bright yellow flowers in the spring and early summer. These flowers have five petals and are usually less than an inch in diameter. They bring a bright splash of color to the plant’s blue-green foliage and are a favorite among pollinators.

    Related: Dudleya cymosa (Canyon Liveforever): Growing and Care Guide

    Toxicity

    Dudleya caespitosa is also non-toxic to humans and pets. It is a great plant for pet owners or families with young children.

    NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.

    Common Pests

    Aphids

    Aphids can weaken plants and cause distorted growth. They are often found on the undersides of leaves. Use a stream of water to dislodge them, or use insecticidal soap.

    Mealybugs

    Mealybugs feed on the sap of the plant and produce a cottony substance that can cover the plant. This can lead to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Treat these pests by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

    Spider Mites

    Spider mites can cause yellowing and mottling of leaves. They are difficult to see with the naked eye but can be controlled by misting the plant regularly or using insecticidal soap.

    AVOID

    • Overwatering
    • Placing under harsh sunlight
    • Using poorly drained potting mediums
    • Fertilizing during dormancy

    Common Problems

    • Overwatering: Overwatering is a common problem for Dudleya caespitosa, which prefers well-draining soil and minimal water. To avoid this problem, let the soil dry out completely between watering sessions.
    • Sunburn: Dudleya caespitosa can burn if exposed to direct sunlight for too long. It’s important to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to avoid sunburn.
    • Overfertilization: Overfertilization can cause Dudleya caespitosa to become leggy and weak. To avoid this problem, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer sparingly during the growing season.

    FAQ

    Dudleya caespitosa prefers to be planted in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun.

    Overwatering is the most common cause of death for Dudleya caespitosa. It can also be affected by root rot and fungal diseases.

    Dudleya caespitosa is not considered rare but may be difficult to find in nurseries.

    1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA
    2. Royal Horticultural Society. RHS
    Share. Facebook Pinterest Tumblr Email
    Milo Mason

    Milo Mason is a self-proclaimed plant whisperer. With a passion for gardening, houseplants, and all things outdoors, Milo has been cultivating indoor plants for the past five years with an interest in perennials and succulents. He enjoys sharing his insights and research on plant species when it comes to care tips.

    Related Posts

    Dudleya farinosa (Bluff Lettuce): Growing and Care Guide

    Dudleya cymosa (Canyon Liveforever): Growing and Care Guide

    Dudleya pulverulenta (Chalk Dudleya): Growing and Care Guide

    Comments are closed.

    Don't Miss

    Dudleya farinosa (Bluff Lettuce): Growing and Care Guide

    Dudleya caespitosa (Coast Dudleya): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023

    Dudleya cymosa (Canyon Liveforever): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023

    Dudleya pulverulenta (Chalk Dudleya): Growing and Care Guide

    March 3, 2023
    About Us
    About Us

    Brainy Gardener is a gardening blog that offers practical, real-life tips and inspiration to help you know how to garden successfully. The website has in depth, well written and clear articles on all sorts of topics and plants, from hydroponics to specific plants like daisies or succulents, houseplants, plant problems

    Email Us: info@brainygardener.com

    Our Picks

    Stem Rot: A Common but Devastating Disease for Garden Plants

    February 1, 2023

    Say Goodbye to Rust Diseases: A Comprehensive Guide for Houseplant Owners

    January 31, 2023

    The Healthy Houseplant Handbook: All About Bacterial Leaf Spot

    January 30, 2023

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest gardening tips from Brainy Gardener.

    © 2023 BrainyGardener.com. All rights reserved.
    • Home
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms of Use
    • Contact

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.