The Main Plant entry for Dudleyas (Dudleya)

Dudleya is a genus of about 40 species, many of which are native to California and northern Mexico. These sun-loving plants are best kept dry in winter to avoid rotting. The solitary or clumping species are very variable and hybridize freely in the wild in the US and Mexico.

Dudleya should be planted at an angle. This allows accumulated water to drain from the nestlike center of the plant, thus preventing microbial decay.

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"Dudleya is a genus of succulent perennials, consisting of about 45 species in southwest North America.

Many plants in the Dudleya genus were formerly classified as Echeveria.

The fleshy and glabrous leaves[citation needed] occur in basal rosettes, in colors generally ranging from green to gray. The inflorescences are on vertical or inclined stems up to a meter high, but usually much shorter, topped by a cyme with alternate leaf-like bracts. Both the petals and sepals of the small flowers are five in number and fused below. Five pistils, also fused below, have 10 stamens arranged around them.

Dudleya species are widespread in their range, typically found in rock outcroppings, cliff faces, or road cuts, where their leaves help them store water in a setting too dry for most types of plants. Most are small and inconspicuous when not in bloom.

The genus is named after William Russell Dudley, the first head of the botany department at Stanford University.

In horticulture, Dudleya should be planted at an angle. This allows accumulated water to drain from the nestlike center of the plant, thus preventing microbial decay."

Taken from wikipedia's page at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D...

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These rosette succulents are mostly native to California, Baja California, and Arizona. There are Dudleyas of different species growing along the Pacific coast all the way from Oregon to Baja California, and on various islands offshore. A smaller number grow inland in more hostile desert climates. They vary in size from miniature (the Hasseanthus group, with no above ground stem) to medium size (D. brittonii, which can grow to a couple of feet wide). The leaves may or may not have a white powdery dusting. Flowers may be open (flat), closed (tubular) or intermediate, and they attract hummingbirds.

Like other succulents from mild winter rainfall climates, Dudleyas tend to follow an annual cycle of winter growth and summer dormancy. During their active period (fall through spring) they enjoy regular water. Do not mistake summer dormancy for thirst -- it is quite the opposite. They prefer excellent drainage and will grow to quite different sizes depending on the size of the container. Many grow on almost pure rock in habitat. The coastal species enjoy regular fog, high humidity, and very mild temperatures. Their extreme tolerance of drought is partly explained by these factors, but most Dudleyas are opportunistic growers when the conditions are right... as awake in winter as they were asleep during the summer. They tend to flower after they get rain, not at a specific time of year. With good care in cultivation they may flower for 3 or 4 months.

Dudleyas in containers require vigilance for the presence of insect pests. Immature inflorescences often attract aphids. The farinaceous species are particularly vulnerable to attack by mealy bugs, mainly because you often don't see the bugs at the center of the rosettes (due to the camouflage) until it's too late. Insect damage to the core may be so severe that the growth point disappears, but much of the time the plant will respond by branching.

Seeds are small, almost dust-like, but seedlings can be quick (1-2 years) to reach full size. Hybrids are not uncommon. The species which branch can be easily propagated from cuttings. The species which do not branch can be forced by coring. No Dudleyas can be propagated from leaves. It is important to provide strong light for best form and vigor. In mild climates most Dudleyas (especially the white powdery types) enjoy day-long sun. Where summer heat is an issue, they will need protection. The desert plants often grow in the shade of rocks or other plants.

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