Dudleya cymosa (Canyon Liveforever): Growing and Care Guide

Dudleya cymosa, also known as Canyon Liveforever, is a perennial succulent native to the coastal bluffs, canyons, and rocky slopes of California and Baja California.

It forms rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves in shades of blue-gray to reddish-brown. In the spring and summer, it sends up stalks topped with clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of red and orange.

About Dudleya cymosa

Botanical Name	Dudleya cymosa
Common Name	Canyon Liveforever
Family	Crassulaceae
Plant Type	Succulent
Origin	California, Oregon
Maintenance	Low
Height	4-6 inches
Width	4-6 inches
Light	Bright, Indirect Light
Bloom season	Spring, Summer
Water needs	Low, Moderate
Soil	Well-Drained, Loamy
Tolerant	Drought
Toxicity	Non-toxic
Hardiness (USDA)	6-10

Dudleya cymosa Care

Light

Dudleya cymosa requires partial sun to light shade. It will not thrive if exposed to full sun all day long. The plant should receive bright indirect light with some direct sunlight during the early morning hours or late afternoon/early evening hours.

Soil

This plant grows in rocky areas, so it needs well-draining soil that is high in organic matter. You can use potting soil or make your own mixture using equal parts peat moss and sand.

Water

Dudleya cymosa requires moderate watering and can be allowed to dry out between waterings. Water only when the soil feels dry about an inch below the surface of the soil. Water thoroughly until water runs through drainage holes, and then allow the potting medium to dry out between waterings again until it feels dry again an inch below the surface of the soil.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range required by Dudleya cymosa is between 20 Fahrenheit and 50 Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below this range, then the plant will suffer frost damage. If the temperature rises above this range, then too much heat can cause the leaves to burn and turn brown.

Humidity

Dudleya cymosa does not require high levels of humidity like many other succulents. It prefers lower levels of humidity, but it can handle average room conditions as well.

Fertilizer

You don’t need to fertilize this plant often because it has shallow roots and doesn’t absorb nutrients very well from the soil. Feed with a diluted fertilizer every couple of months during spring and summer if your plants aren’t growing well or if they are turning yellowish-green in color at their tips or edges.

Pruning

Prune Dudleya cymosa when new growth begins in spring or summer. Use sharp scissors to cut away dead leaves, stems, or rosettes of this plant. Dudleya cymosa should only be pruned if these areas are browning or dying due to disease or pest damage.

Potting and Repotting Dudleya cymosa 

Potting and repotting your Dudleya cymosa is an essential part of keeping this succulent healthy and thriving. The best time to repot your Dudleya cymosa is in the spring or fall, as these seasons provide the optimal conditions for your plant to recover. During the winter months, it is best to avoid repotting, as the plant may not be able to recover well in cold temperatures.

When repotting your Dudleya cymosa, choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one, as this will give the roots more space to grow. It is also important to use a well-draining soil mix that is specifically formulated for succulents. Once you have repotted your plant, be sure to water it lightly and keep it out of direct sunlight until it has had time to acclimate to its new environment.

Prepare

How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

1. Gently remove the plant from its old container, taking care not to damage the leaves or roots.
2. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and trim excessively long roots.
3. Fill the new container with a well-draining soil mix.
4. Place the Dudleya in the new container and backfill it with soil, gently pressing down to secure the plant.
5. Water the plant thoroughly and allow it to drain.
6. 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 cymosa by offsets(Step-by-Step)

1. Wait until late spring or early summer to find offsets on the plant.
2. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the offset from the parent plant.
3. Let the offset dry and callus over for several days.
4. Plant the offset in well-draining soil.
5. Water sparingly and place it in a location with bright, indirect light.

Blooms

This plant produces clusters of small, red-yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers grow on tall, thin stems and are usually less than an inch wide. They are delicate and add a touch of grace to the plant’s already stunning rosette shape.

Toxicity

Dudleya cymosa is non-toxic, making it a great option for anyone who wants to add some greenery to their home or office.

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 cause leaf curl and 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 can produce a powdery wax that can cover the plant, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Treat them by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

Spider Mites

Spider mites can cause yellowing and webbing on leaves. They are difficult to see but can be controlled by misting the plant regularly or using insecticidal soap.

Common Problems

FAQ