Cliff Maids (Lewisia cotyledon)

Cliff Maids

Lewisia cotyledon

Rosettes of fleshy leaves frame vivid blooms, a rock garden gem. Evergreen succulent perennial; common name: Cliff Maids.

Full sun
1–2/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Prefers full sun to partial shade; bright direct light encourages abundant blooming
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Watering Water deeply only when the top 2–3 cm of soil is completely dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to -10°C; protect from extreme summer heat above 28°C to prevent leaf scorch
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Thick, fleshy spoon-shaped leaves in tight basal rosettes; blue-green to gray-green foliage
  • Flower: Star-shaped blooms in pink, orange, white, or red; clustered atop slender upright stems
  • Stem: Slender, leafless flowering stems rise 15–30 cm above basal rosettes
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil slightly moist during active growth; avoid waterlogging rosette centers

Fertilization

Diluted low-nitrogen succulent feed once monthly. Use a balanced, diluted fertilizer to avoid damaging sensitive root systems

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush clean, dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium content without overfertilizing
Pruning
  • Remove spent flower stems at the base to redirect energy to rosette growth
  • Trim dead or discolored leaves from the outer edges of rosettes
  • Thin overcrowded rosettes in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Alpine rock garden ornamental; temperate container houseplant