Greenii Liveforever
dudleya greenei
Also known as: ["Greenii Stonecrop","Greenii Pincushion Plant"]
Overview
A succulent species native to the Gulf of California, characterized by its rosette-forming leaves and drought tolerance.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","deer resistant","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Dudleya |
| Botanical Name: | Dudleya greenei |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, coastal cliffs, or containers with excellent drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, as it is adapted to arid conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining; must avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or pumice for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically once or twice a year.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate direct morning sun but requires protection from intense afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light or dappled shade during peak sun hours; indoors, use a south-facing window with sheer curtains.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or rocky soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a gritty mix; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid peat-heavy soils.
Temperature
Prefers mild temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) but is sensitive to frost.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot conditions.
Fertilizing
rarely needed, if at all, as it is adapted to nutrient-poor soils
Dilute fertilizer to prevent root burn; apply to moist soil to avoid salt buildup; skip fertilizing if the plant is stressed.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets (pups); leaf cuttings are less reliable for Dudleya species.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Cut a healthy offset or stem.
- Let the cut end callus for a few days.
- Plant in well-draining medium.
- Keep lightly moist until roots form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), bright indirect light, and high humidity (e.g., using a propagation dome or plastic bag).
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite (1:1 ratio); can also use pure pumice or sand for faster rooting.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting; use a rooting hormone containing auxins.
Timeline
Roots may form in 2–4 weeks; new growth can take 2–6 months to appear.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), well-draining medium, propagation tray or pot.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callus before planting; use a sterile medium to prevent rot; maintain consistent humidity for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip leaves at the base with clean, sharp tools; avoid cutting into the main stem unless necessary.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and prevent disease.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; remove only dead/damaged parts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot only one size larger than the current one (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter).
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a pot with fresh, well-draining soil; avoid overwatering after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound or every 2–3 years; Dudleya prefers to be slightly pot-bound.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; handle roots gently; allow to dry before watering.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting the leaves. Allow excess water to drain freely from the pot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during active growth (spring/summer), allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce or cease watering in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial potting soil to enhance drainage; avoid heavy organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; blackened or mushy leaves in cold stress; stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root rot and leaf damage, especially if combined with moisture. Growth may slow or stop entirely.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil is dry before cold exposure; use frost cloth or indoor heating if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, sunburn, and wilting, especially if combined with inadequate water or light.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or a pebble tray; water early in the day to reduce evaporation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer (e.g., 1/4 strength) once in spring and once in summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicDudleya greenei is not considered toxic to cats. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicDudleya greenei is not considered toxic to dogs. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicDudleya greenei is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Dudleya greenei be watered?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, typically every 2-3 weeks depending on climate.
Q: Does Dudleya greenei require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, but requires bright light for optimal growth.
Q: Can Dudleya greenei be grown indoors?
A: While possible, it prefers outdoor conditions with good air circulation and bright light; indoor growth may be challenging.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 2–3 weeks, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
