Dudleya pachyphytum, also known as the Cedros Island liveforever or Island liveforever, is a succulent that makes an excellent addition to your garden or home landscaping because of its beauty and low maintenance requirements.
These plants are found on the west coast of North America along the rocky cliffs of Baja California, with some plant populations on Cedros Island in the Mexican state of Nayarit and on Isla Santa Margarita off the coast of Baja California Sur.
Several of the unique and beautiful succulents in the Dudleya genus are endemic to the island of Cedros, located off the coast of Baja California in Mexico. One of these species, dudleya pachyphytum, can be found on the eastern portion of the island and can reach heights between three and four feet tall.
The plant is also known as Cedros Island liveforever due to its long-lasting flowers that bloom throughout most of the year.
Origin and distribution
Dudleya pachyphytum is a species of succulent plant in the family Crassulaceae, native to Cedros Island off the coast of Baja California. It is one of the most common plants on the island, where it grows in rocky coastal habitats.
Its natural range includes other parts of Baja California and southernmost San Diego County in the United States. Outside its natural range, this dudleya can be found as an introduced species across much of the Southern Hemisphere. In some areas it has become invasive, displacing native flora by covering the open ground and eliminating understory competition.
In Australia it is considered a weed; for example, it is present in substantial numbers at Point Hicks in Victoria but does not seem to spread far from there.
Dudleya pachyphytum propagation
Dudleya pachyphytum can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a well-draining cactus mix and keep them moist until they germinate. To propagate by stem cuttings, cut a 3-4 inch piece from the end of a stem and allow it to callus for a few days before potting it up. The new plant will form roots on its own if kept warm and watered regularly.
Mature plants will send off offsets that can be removed with a sharp tug and replanted elsewhere. It is best to wait until the offset has at least three leaves before removing it from the parent plant so that it has a better chance of survival.
It may take 2-3 years for an offset to reach maturity but once it does, you’ll be rewarded with additional color choices because there are over thirty varieties available!
Dudleya pachyphytum care information
Dudleya pachyphytum is a succulent native to Cedros Island off the coast of Baja California. It’s one of the so-called liveforevers in the Dudleya genus and is known for its beautiful, rosette-shaped leaves. In terms of care, Dudleya pachyphytum is relatively easy to grow; it prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Light requirement
Dudleya pachyphytum, or Cedros Island liveforever, is a succulent that is native to the island of Cedros, off the coast of Baja California. This plant requires bright light to maintain its compact growth habit and deep green coloration.
It can tolerate some direct sun, but too much will cause the leaves to scorch. If you live in a hot climate, it’s best to grow this plant in filtered light or morning sun.
Soil/potting mix
Dudleyas are best grown in a well-draining soil mix. You can either make your own mix or purchase one from a nursery. Be sure to add extra perlite or sand to the mix to ensure good drainage. They prefer an alkaline, moist soil environment, so adding some dolomite lime will also help with this.
Watering
Dudleya pachyphytum is a succulent that’s also known as the liveforever plant due to its ability to store water in its thick leaves.
When watering, be sure to use distilled or rainwater as regular tap water can contain too much fluoride and other minerals which can damage the plant. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again, about every 7-10 days.
Fertilizer
When it comes to fertilizer, Dudleya pachyphytum is pretty low-maintenance and can thrive in most types of soil. While the plant is tolerant of poor soils, it benefits from occasional fertilization.
A balanced fertilizer applied every few months will help keep the plant looking its best. The Dudleya responds well to both slow-release and liquid forms of fertilizer and can be mixed with water and sprayed onto the leaves or mixed into the soil in pots.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for Dudleya pachyphytum is between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 50 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The plant prefers a sunny location, but can also tolerate partial shade. In very hot climates, it is best to provide some afternoon shade. The plant does not like wet feet, so well-drained soil is a must.
Humidity
One of the best things about Dudleya pachyphytum is that it’s very easy to care for in terms of humidity. They like things on the drier side, so you don’t have to worry about constantly misting them or anything like that.
Just make sure that the pot has good drainage and that you’re not watering them too often. If the leaves start to get a little bit wrinkled, that’s actually a sign that they’re thirsty and need a drink!
The ideal humidity range is anywhere from 10-30%. Be careful not to overwater these plants though, as they can easily rot if water gets inside their bulbous root structures.
Pruning
Pruning is an important part of keeping this plant healthy and vibrant. To prune, simply cut away any dead or dying leaves with a sharp knife. You can also remove any leggy growth to encourage new growth.
If you see that the plant’s roots are wrapped around other plants, you may want to try repotting it in a pot without soil. If the dudleya’s crown has been sitting on top of soil for too long, it will need time to recover before you place it back into the ground.
When to repot
Dudleyas are slow growers and can stay in the same pot for several years. They like to be crowded, so don’t repot them too often. However, when they outgrow their pot or the pot becomes too heavy, it’s time to repot.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one and use a well-draining cactus mix. Water your plant well after repotting and don’t fertilize for a few months. As the roots grow, gradually add more soil until you reach the top of the pot. Take care not to overwater this plant as you may kill it if there is no drainage at all.
Dormancy/Winter rest
Dudleya pachyphytum has the ability to go into dormancy during the winter months, losing all its leaves and appearing to be dead. However, come springtime, new growth will appear and the plant will be as good as new! Dudleya pachyphytum is very hardy, so it can tolerate some frost in the ground or on the leaves if need be.
Flowers & fragrance
The flowers of the Dudleya pachyphytum are a deep red color and have a strong, sweet fragrance. It is an evergreen succulent plant with opposite leaves that form a rosette at its base. They can be found growing in the fog belt on rocky slopes or in coastal areas where they absorb moisture from the fog through their fleshy leaves.
Growth rate
While it may be slow-growing, Dudleya pachyphytum is definitely worth the wait! The cactus form of this succulent can grow up to 4 inches tall with a 2-inch diameter. In the wild, these plants are found on rocky outcroppings that get only about 2 inches of rain per year. They are also known for their ability to live in extreme temperatures and survive very little water.
Toxicity
All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested, and contact with the sap may cause skin irritation. Symptoms of ingestion include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms after coming into contact with the plant, seek medical attention immediately.
USDA hardiness zones
Dudleya pachyphytum thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. It prefers to grow in a shaded, coastal area with moist soil that can be slightly salty. The species is also known as the Cedros Island liveforever or purple liveforever because of its dense purple foliage and deep red stems. If you’re looking for an interesting ground cover, this species might be for you!
Pests and diseases
Dudleya pachyphytum is susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown and eventually kill the plant. To prevent infestation, it is important to regularly inspect your plants and remove any pests you find.
If this does not solve the problem, a natural pesticide such as neem oil may be used. Remember that overuse of these products will weaken the plant’s immune system and may make it more susceptible to disease.
