Dudleya caespitosa (Coast Dudleya): Growing and Care Guide

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.

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.

About Dudleya caespitosa

Botanical Name	Dudleya caespitosa
Common Name	Coast Dudleya
Family	Crassulaceae
Plant Type	Succulent
Origin	California
Maintenance	Low
Height	4-8 inches
Width	4-8 inches
Light	Bright, Indirect Light
Bloom season	Spring, Summer
Water needs	Low, Moderate
Soil	Well-Drained, Loamy
Tolerant	Drought
Toxicity	Non-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).

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

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.

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.

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.

Common Problems

FAQ