Dudleya PULVERULENTA

Dudleya PULVERULENTA - Chalk dudleya, Chalk liveforever, Dudleya pulverulenta.

Dudleya is a small genus of perennial succulent plants in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae), native to arid desert regions in northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. The genus numbers about 40 species, some of which are on the brink of extinction. The commercial sale of Dudleya STOLONIFERA and Dudleya TRASKIAE plants without special authorization is prohibited. Only a few, mostly rosette-forming species have been cultivated for ornamental use; all of them are undemanding and adapt well indoors.

Most varieties are low-growing rosette plants 8-12 cm (3.1-4.7 in) in height and have very short stems, lignifying or branching, often arising from a small caudex. In diameter, they can reach 25-28 cm (10-11 in). There are species that grow as small shrubs up to 40 cm (16 in) tall. A hallmark of the genus is a waxy farinose coating on the stems and leaves.

Leaves are elongated, thick, succulent, and fleshy, glaucous or green with a characteristic bluish or grayish powdery bloom. The moisture-repellent coating helps protect against the scorching sun and retain moisture. Leaf shape varies from flattened to nearly cylindrical, and from ovate to linear.

During flowering, the plant throws up a robust, jointed peduncle reaching up to 1 m (3.3 ft) in height with several terminal paniculate inflorescences. Numerous brightly colored bell-shaped flowers are very decorative. Flower color ranges from white and yellow to pink and red, and each color can appear in various shades. The flowers have no fragrance and drop off very quickly, literally after a few days. In nature, Dudleya blooms infrequently, and in apartments even more rarely, if flowering can be achieved at all.

Chalk dudleya has nearly flat, strap-shaped leaves with a silvery bloom. The rosette diameter can reach 35 cm (14 in). The peduncle length is 70-80 cm (28-31 in). It blooms with bright red or orange flowers.

Seeds are preliminarily mixed with the top layer of the potting mix, then sown in sandy soil, moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated under moderate humidity in the light, but not in direct sun at a temperature of 16-21 °C (61-70 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. Waterlogging and desiccation of the sowings must be avoided.

The seeds are very (!) small.

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Caring for Dudleya under indoor conditions presents little difficulty; in nature, it grows even on rocks and in desert zones. To maintain good form and a dense white powdery bloom, the plant requires bright diffused sunlight. Direct sunlight is also permissible. In shade, the plant will not develop, stopping its growth and beginning to languish. An excess of direct sunlight can be recognized by shriveled leaves, while a lack of lighting shows through withering and cyanosis.

In the summer months, maintenance at room temperature is preferable, although the plant tolerates heat well and can easily endure temperatures up to 35-37 °C (95-99 °F). It is important to ensure an inflow of fresh air. In winter, a dormant period begins, for which the optimal conditions are 10-15 °C (50-59 °F). Chilling below 5-7 °C (41-45 °F) leads to death, while warming above 20 °C (68 °F) depletes the plant and shortens its lifespan.

Watering is carried out as the substrate dries out. In spring and early summer, once every 2 weeks; in the hottest months, once a week. In autumn, watering frequency is reduced to a minimum, and in winter it is watered once a month only to keep the plant from drying up completely. Under high indoor air humidity, you may avoid watering the flower altogether during the cold period of the year. Watering is done with well-purified room-temperature water. Water must not get onto the leaves to prevent streaks and spots on the powdery coating.

Dudleya is insensitive to air humidity and thrives under average levels. In heat and very dry air, drying of the leaf tips is possible, especially the lower ones. Tearing them off is undesirable while most of the leaf is alive. Carefully trimming the dead portion is recommended. The plant must not be misted.

Growing requires neutral or slightly acidic, well-permeable soil consisting of 2/3 potting substrate and 1/3 coarse sand and fine gravel. You can prepare the substrate yourself from 1 part leaf mold, 1 part sod soil, and 1 part coarse sand. An important condition is good drainage, for which crushed brick is suitable, as it absorbs excess moisture that is harmful in large quantities to the roots of desert plants. Fine pebbles, vermiculite, or any other drainage material are also suitable.

There is no necessity for fertilizing. However, any soil eventually becomes depleted, so providing some nourishment to the soil is still recommended. From spring to autumn, the plant can be fertilized once a month with a balanced mineral formulation for succulents or cacti high in potassium.

The plant is distinguished by a slow growth rate; repotting may be needed once every few years in spring. The procedure must be performed carefully to avoid damaging the very thin and fragile roots of the succulent and without wiping away the powdery coating from the leaves, which could affect the plant's overall well-being and appearance. It is recommended to use an unglazed ceramic, shallow pot, slightly wider in diameter than the previous one. A drainage layer is mandatory.