Live Forever Plants - Dudleya Succulents

Watering Needs

The Dudleya succulents are native to arid regions and have adapted to survive in dry conditions. As a result, they have low water needs and are prone to rot if overwatered. To keep your Live Forever plant happy and healthy, it's best to follow a "soak and dry" watering method. This means thoroughly watering the plant until the water drains out from the bottom of the pot and then allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This helps mimic the natural rainfall patterns in their native habitats. In the spring and summer, during the active growing season, you can water them about once every two weeks. However, during the dormant period in winter, it's best to reduce the watering frequency to once a month or even less. Remember, it's always better to underwater than to overwater Dudleya succulents. They can tolerate drought conditions much better than excessive moisture.

Light Requirements

When growing Dudleya succulents indoors, it's crucial to provide them with ample sunlight. Place them near a south or west-facing window where they can receive bright, indirect light for most of the day. These succulents thrive in bright conditions, so the more light they get, the better. If you notice the leaves stretching or becoming leggy, it's a sign that they're not getting enough light, and you may need to adjust their placement or supplement them with artificial grow lights.

If growing outdoors, they prefer full sun to partial shade, so find a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, if you live in an extremely hot climate, providing some afternoon shade can help protect your Live Forever plant from scorching. Remember, when transitioning your Dudleya plant from indoors to outdoors, it's important to acclimate them gradually to prevent sunburn. Start by placing them in a shaded area for a few hours a day and gradually increase their exposure to direct sunlight over the course of a couple of weeks.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer

The Live Forever plant thrives in well-draining soil that mimics its natural habitat. A good mix for Dudleya consists of sandy or gritty soil that allows excess water to drain away quickly. This mixture helps prevent waterlogged conditions that can lead to root rot. As for fertilizer, Dudleya plants are not heavy feeders. In fact, they can do well without regular fertilization. However, if you want to give them a little boost, you can apply a diluted succulent NPK fertilizer during the active growing season in the spring. Remember, it's always better to under-fertilize than to over-fertilize Dudleya succulents. Too much fertilizer can lead to weak growth and even damage the plant.

Hardiness Zone & More

When growing indoors, these hardy Dudleya plants prefer temperatures between 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposing them to extreme heat or cold, as it can stress the plant. These succulents generally thrive outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 5 -11. These zones typically have mild winters and warm to hot summers. Dudleya Live Forever succulents can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may require protection from frost. They also appreciate a dry and arid climate, so areas with low humidity are ideal.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Dudleya (Live Forever plant) are fascinating succulents that can thrive both indoors and outdoors. When it comes to soil, they prefer well-draining mixtures that mimic their natural habitat. While they don't require regular fertilization, a diluted succulent fertilizer can give them a little boost during the growing season. Indoors, Dudleya plants prefer temperatures between 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and low humidity, while outdoors they thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 11 with dry and arid conditions. By providing the right conditions, you can enjoy the beauty of Dudleya plants and watch them flourish in your space.

Other popular succulent genus types include Sedum, Sansevieria, and Euphorbia.