Fingertips Dudleya (Dudleya edulis)

Fingertips Dudleya

Dudleya edulis

Fleshy finger-like leaves hold desert resilience, a compact succulent beauty. Rosette-forming xerophytic succulent; common name: fingertips.

Full sun
0.5/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerate intense desert sun but benefit from afternoon shade in extreme heat
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Watering Water deeply only when soil is completely dry; avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf rot
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Temperature Hardy to mild frost; avoid prolonged temperatures below 5°C; tolerate high desert heat up to 35°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Fleshy, cylindrical finger-like leaves in tight rosettes; pale green to bluish-green with powdery farina coating.
  • Flower: Erect, branching inflorescence with small star-shaped yellow flowers on thin stalks.
  • Stem: Short, woody basal stem; offsets form dense clumps over time.
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Care Guide

Watering

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

Fertilization

Diluted low-nitrogen feed once every 2 months. Fertilize only during active growing season to prevent leaf burn

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush clean, dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface; avoid direct contact with rosette leaves
Pruning
  • Remove dried, dead leaves from the base of rosettes to maintain airflow
  • Trim spent flower stalks after blooming to conserve plant energy
  • Thin overcrowded clumps by separating offsets in spring for propagation
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental succulent for rock gardens, container planting, and drought-tolerant landscapes