Dudleya farinosa, also known as Bluff Lettuce or Powdery Liveforever, is a small, perennial succulent native to coastal bluffs and rocky outcroppings of California and Baja California. It forms tight rosettes of blue-green leaves covered in a fine powdery coating, which gives it its common name.
In the spring and summer, it sends up tall stems adorned with clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of white to pink.
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About Dudleya farinosa
| Botanical Name | Dudleya farinosa |
| Common Name | Bluff Lettuce, Powdery Liveforever |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Origin | California |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 4-9 inches |
| Width | 8-12 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 farinosa Care
Light
Dudleya farinosa requires indirect sunlight or some shade. If you are growing this plant indoors, place it near a south-facing window or under fluorescent lights.
Soil
Dudleya farinosa prefers sandy soil with little organic matter and very little water. Gardeners need to water this plant sparingly and only when needed because it can easily rot if overwatered. The soil should drain well and not be soggy at all times. A sandy loam is ideal for growing this plant because it drains quickly while providing enough nutrients for the plant’s needs.
Water
Water Dudleya farinosa when the soil feels dry about 1 inch deep. Do not overwater this plant because it will rot easily if there is too much moisture in the soil.
Temperature
Dudleya farinosa prefers temperatures between 20 Fahrenheit and 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius to 10 Celsius), with an average humidity level of 50 percent. In areas with a higher temperature, you may choose to grow this plant indoors or under a glass cover outside.
Humidity
Dudleya farinosa prefers humidity levels between 40% and 60%. It will not tolerate low humidity levels as well as other types of succulents do, so make sure you mist your plant regularly if you live in an area that has low humidity levels during the winter months.
Fertilizer
Dudleya farinosa requires very little fertilizer, but some gardeners may choose to give it more nutrients than normal if they want faster growth rates and healthier plants.
Pruning
When pruning Dudleya farinosa, you should only do so if the plant needs trimming or shaping up after flowering. In most cases, this means that you should only prune it during its dormant period in the winter months when there are no longer any green leaves on the plant, and new shoots are not emerging from the center of the rosette.
Potting and Repotting Dudleya farinosa
Repotting should be done when your plant’s roots are becoming cramped in its pot and when the roots begin to overgrow out of the drainage holes of the pot. If you notice that there are some roots growing out of the drainage holes, then this is a sign that it needs to be repotted soon. You should also repot your plant if its leaves are wilting or if its leaves are drying up and dying off completely.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Choose a new pot that is slightly larger than the original pot.
- Carefully remove the plant from the old container by gently loosening the soil and roots.
- Remove any dead or damaged leaves and trim any excessively long roots.
- Fill the new container with a well-draining soil mix.
- Place the Dudleya in the new container and backfill it with soil, gently pressing down to secure the plant.
- Water the plant thoroughly and allow it to drain.
- Place the plant in a sunny location and avoid watering for a few days to allow it to acclimate to its new environment.
Propagating Dudleya farinosa by offsets(Step-by-Step)
- Wait for the plant to produce offsets during late spring or early summer.
- Gently remove an offset from the mother plant with a clean, sharp knife.
- Allow the offset to dry and callus over for a few days.
- Plant the offset in a well-draining soil mix.
- Water sparingly and place it in a bright, indirect light.
Blooms
This plant produces clusters of small, yellow-green flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers are typically around 1 inch in diameter and grow on tall, thin stems. They are delicate and add a touch of elegance to the plant’s already beautiful rosette shape.
Toxicity
Dudleya farinosa is non-toxic to both humans and pets. It is a safe plant to keep around the house.
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 the yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. They can also transmit plant viruses. Regularly inspect your plant and remove any aphids you find.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs feed on sap, causing stunted growth and leaf drop. They also produce a sticky substance called honeydew which can attract ants. Treat mealybugs by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are small and hard to see with the naked eye. They suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing and wilting. You can control spider mites by regularly misting your plant or using insecticidal soap.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
