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    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Dudleya farinosa (Bluff Lettuce): Growing and Care Guide

    Dudleya farinosa (Bluff Lettuce): Growing and Care Guide

    By Milo MasonMarch 3, 2023
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    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.

    Dudleya Farinosa (Bluff Lettuce)
    Dudleya farinosa (bluff lettuce) (author lwophotography via depositphotos)

    In the spring and summer, it sends up tall stems adorned with clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of white to pink.

    in this article:

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

    About Dudleya farinosa

    Botanical NameDudleya farinosa
    Common NameBluff Lettuce, Powdery Liveforever
    FamilyCrassulaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginCalifornia
    MaintenanceLow
    Height4-9 inches
    Width8-12 inches
    LightBright, Indirect Light
    Bloom seasonSpring, Summer
    Water needsLow, Moderate
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy
    TolerantDrought
    ToxicityNon-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.

    Dudleya Farinosa Cheat Sheet
    Dudleya farinosa cheat sheet

    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

    • Choose a pot that has a good drainage system and is slightly larger than the current pot.
    • Use a well-draining cactus mix that is high in sand and perlite to repot.
    • After repotting, place the plant in a sunny spot with moderate temperatures.
    • Gather a pair of gloves, a trowel, and pruning shears to aid in the repotting process.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Choose a new pot that is slightly larger than the original pot.
    2. Carefully remove the plant from the old container by gently loosening the soil and roots.
    3. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and trim any 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 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)

    1. Wait for the plant to produce offsets during late spring or early summer.
    2. Gently remove an offset from the mother plant with a clean, sharp knife.
    3. Allow the offset to dry and callus over for a few days.
    4. Plant the offset in a well-draining soil mix.
    5. Water sparingly and place it in a bright, indirect light.

    Related: Dudleya caespitosa (Coast Dudleya): Growing and Care Guide

    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.

    Dudleya Farinosa Flowers
    Dudleya farinosa flowers (“bluff lettuce Dudleya farinosa” by Paul and Jill is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    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

    Common Problems

    • Overwatering: Dudleya farinosa is a drought-tolerant plant and is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. To avoid this problem, allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
    • Sunburn: Dudleya farinosa is a sun-loving plant but 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 the leaves of Dudleya farinosa to turn yellow and drop off. To avoid this problem, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer sparingly during the growing season.

    FAQ

    Dudleya farinosa prefers well-draining, sandy soil with minimal organic matter.

    Yes, Dudleya farinosa is frost-tolerant and can survive temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C).

    Dudleya farinosa requires minimal watering and prefers to be in full sun to partial shade.

    1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA
    2. Royal Horticultural Society. RHS
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    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.

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