Britton's Dudleya (Dudleya brittonii)

Britton's Dudleya

Dudleya brittonii

Its chalky leaves hold desert resilience like frosted jade. Succulent rosette plant; common names: Britton's dudleya, chalk dudleya.

Full sun
0.5–1/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; midday sun may scorch leaves in temperatures above 32°C
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Watering Water deeply only when the entire soil medium is completely dry; avoid overhead watering to preserve leaf wax
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Temperature Tolerates mild frost down to 5°C; avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures exceeding 35°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Thick, fleshy leaves covered in white chalky epicuticular wax; tight rosette-forming
  • Flower: Tall, branching inflorescence bearing small, star-shaped yellow blooms
  • Stem: Short, woody basal stem that elongates slowly with age
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Care Guide

Watering

Water deeply when soil is fully dry; allow excess water to drain completely

Fertilization

Diluted low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer once monthly. Do not fertilize in winter, when the plant is dormant

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface away from leaves to avoid wax damage
Pruning
  • Remove dried, dead leaves from the rosette base to eliminate pest hiding spots
  • Trim spent flower stalks at the base after blooming to redirect energy to leaf growth
  • Avoid cutting healthy leaves, as the protective wax coating is easily damaged
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes desert endurance and quiet, understated beauty

Usage: Ornamental succulent for container planting, rock gardens, and xeriscaping