Dudleya brittonii, with the common names Britton's dudleya, Britton's liveforever and giant chalk dudleya, is a succulent plant in the family Crassulaceae. It is native to the coast of northern Baja California, Mexico. Both forms of the plant have yellow leaves on a clustered rosette atop a large reddish-purple peduncle. The white form of the plant has a chalky epicuticular wax that reflects light and reacts with water. The green form of the plant is more common and found throughout a wider range. It is among the largest of the Dudleya.
The Giant chalk dudleya has moderate disease resistance and is relatively sensitive to humidity. It becomes vulnerable to disease in high-humidity conditions and tends to develop root rot during dormancy. Regarding care, the Giant chalk dudleya tolerates drought but requires more frequent watering in the growing season. Watering should be sharply reduced or stopped entirely during the dormant period. This plant is appropriate for growers with some experience, though it can be challenging to care for, particularly during dormancy. It is especially well suited to people who can dedicate time to its care in the winter months.
How to keep Dudleya Brittonii.
Light
Giant chalk dudleya favors considerable sunlight, closely reflecting the conditions of its native habitat. Insufficient light can hinder its growth, while excessive exposure may cause it to dry out. It is important that every stage of growth receives enough light for the plant to reach its full potential.
Water
The giant chalk dudleya is well-suited to arid environments, demonstrating impressive drought resistance with its water-storing succulent leaves. It should be watered every 2-3 weeks, making sure the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings. This plant thrives in full sunlight and particularly benefits from its growing season, which boosts its capacity to store water for use during drier times.
Temperature
Giant chalk dudleya is naturally grown in settings where temperatures range from 68 to 100.4 °F (20 to 38 ℃). This range provides the most comfortable and favorable conditions for its growth. If temperatures fall or rise markedly beyond this range, consider adjusting the plant's surroundings.
Fertilizer
Light fertilizer applications once or twice a year during the growing season are sufficient for Giant chalk dudleya. Do not fertilize in winter or summer when the plant is dormant. Reduce fertilizer for plants that have been repotted and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and encourages blooms.
Pruning
To help large succulent plants, such as the giant chalk dudleya, keep their shape, it's important to prune them in the spring and fall. Remove any redundant or densely packed branches during this time. If you want to propagate the plant, cut a sturdy stem that has 5 to 6 leaves. Treat the cut end with sulfur powder, and wait for it to heal before planting it. Make sure the soil is slightly moist when you plant the cutting.
Pot & Repot
For the giant chalk dudleya, repot the plant every two years in the spring. Use a container that is just slightly larger than the plant's current spread. After repotting, place the plant in bright, indirect light, and water it sparingly. This approach encourages strong root growth and aids in recovery.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Dudleya
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 40 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, White, Bronze
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
- Native Area
- Mexico
Other names.
Reader questions.
What do I do if I give too much or too little water to my Giant chalk dudleya plant?
Giant chalk dudleya and other succulents are typically able to survive without water for long periods of time. However, if you forget to water your Giant chalk dudleya for a month or more, you will likely notice signs of thirst or damage. An underwatered Giant chalk dudleya may appear lackluster and wrinkled, with some leaves dried up or turning brown and crispy. The soil will also be completely dried out. To remedy this, give the plant plenty of water by submerging the pot in water for 5-10 minutes until you feel moisture on the soil's surface. Overwatering is harmful to Giant chalk dudleya and can even be fatal if not addressed. Excessive moisture leads to root rot, which prevents the roots from absorbing nutrients and water from the soil. Root rot occurs when fungi and bacteria thrive in wet conditions and feed on the roots. Overwatered plants may exhibit yellow, swollen, and translucent leaves that may burst open from too much water. In severe cases, the plant may turn brown or black and easily fall off. Check the soil to confirm if overwatering is the issue, as other problems can cause similar symptoms. Unfortunately, saving an overwatered plant can be difficult, but catching it early can prevent extensive damage. If the roots are rotten, the entire plant may die. If overwatering is suspected, remove the plant from its pot and examine the roots and soil. Gently remove wet soil and rinse the roots in room-temperature water to remove any fungus. Examine the roots for signs of root rot, such as dark brown or black, soft, mushy, or slimy texture. If most of the roots are affected, it may not be possible to save the plant. In this case, remove any healthy stems and use them to propagate a new plant. However, if only a portion of the roots are affected, there is a chance to save it. Remove unhealthy roots using sterile cutting tools and dip the remaining healthy roots in fungicide. Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil. While not guaranteed, the plant will likely recover and produce new growth in the next growing season.
Why should I put plant food on my Giant chalk dudleya?
Fertilizing Giant chalk dudleya is beneficial as it adds nutrients to the growing medium. Despite its ability to store water and nutrients, applying plant food during the growing season promotes healthy growth and can even stimulate mature specimens to produce blooms.
How much sunlight does the Giant chalk dudleya need to grow?
Giant chalk dudleya plants thrive in sunlight and should ideally receive at least 6 hours of sun each day. The actual number of hours may vary depending on the intensity of sunlight and other environmental factors, but it is unlikely for them to receive too much sunlight. In fact, they can tolerate up to 14 hours of sun per day without any issues.
What temperature is best for your Giant chalk dudleya?
The Giant chalk dudleya thrives in a specific range of conditions. The best temperatures for this plant are between 75-90℉ (25-32℃). It's important to avoid letting the temperature drop below 75℉(25℃) during early winter. To provide better protection from extreme temperatures, you can move the plant indoors. Although the Giant chalk dudleya can survive in some extreme temperatures, it is not ideal for it to be exposed to low temperatures like 50℉ (15℃). If winter conditions are expected outside, it is recommended to bring the plant indoors to ensure its well-being.
How much water does my Giant chalk dudleya need and how often?
Determining how often to water Giant chalk dudleya is not a specific rule. The easiest way to figure it out is by checking the soil and only watering when it is completely dry. To check, you can either use your finger or a moisture meter to assess the soil beneath the surface. If you have planted it in a deep pot, a stick or chopstick can be used for this purpose. If the soil feels slightly damp, it is best to wait a few days and check again. Typically, most people will need to water Giant chalk dudleya every two weeks during the summer and once a month in winter. However, there are various factors that may affect the watering frequency. The following section provides some considerations to help determine how often to water.
When should I fertilize my Giant chalk dudleya for best results?
Giant chalk dudleya plants need some extra nutrients, but they only require a small amount of fertilizer during the growing season. It is recommended to fertilize them 1-2 times a year, specifically in the spring and autumn. Avoid fertilizing them in the winter and summer when they are dormant. If you have recently repotted your plants, be cautious with the amount of fertilizer you use. It is best to wait a few months after repotting before applying any fertilizer.
What kind of sunlight does Giant chalk dudleya need?
Giant chalk dudleya thrive in bright sunlight. They are full-sun plants and can do well with direct light or bright indirect sun. While some varieties may tolerate partial sun, they generally prefer more sunlight.
How do I change the temperature for my Giant chalk dudleya as it grows?
The giant chalk dudleya plant goes through different growing phases. First, the dormant seed grows into a seedling. To properly germinate, the dormant seeds require specific conditions in their surroundings, such as a temperature of 75-90℉ (25-32℃). For optimal growth, it is recommended to cultivate the plant during the summer when the temperature is around 85℉ (30℃). During this time, you can move the plant from indoors to a sunny location to ensure it receives enough sunlight.
What do I need to think about when watering my Giant chalk dudleya?
To properly water your Giant chalk dudleya, there are several environmental conditions to consider. These include the size of the container, type of soil, temperature, and humidity. When choosing a container, make sure it has sufficient drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. A smaller container holds less moisture and will need to be watered more frequently, while a larger pot retains moisture longer and requires less frequent watering. Avoid using an oversized pot, as this can lead to overwatering. When repotting, move to a container that is only slightly larger than the current one. It is also beneficial to use a shallow container, as Giant chalk dudleya has shallow roots. The watering frequency should be adjusted based on the seasons. During winter, when growth slows down and less water is lost to evaporation, Giant chalk dudleya needs to be watered less often. In contrast, during the active growing seasons of spring and autumn, more frequent watering is necessary. Additionally, the general climate of your location should be taken into account. If you live in a humid area with frequent rainfall, you will need to water less often compared to a dry and arid climate. Remember that even within the same geographic location, conditions can vary throughout different seasons and due to indoor heating and cooling. When planted in the ground, Giant chalk dudleya typically does not require additional watering once its root system is established. It will rely on natural precipitation and dew. However, during extended dry periods, occasional watering may be necessary. If growing in a container, it can be moved outdoors during suitable temperatures in spring and summer, and brought back inside when temperatures begin to drop. Keep in mind that potted Giant chalk dudleya exposed to the outdoors will generally require more water due to increased sun exposure, even if placed on a shaded porch.
When is the best time to not use fertilizer on my Giant chalk dudleya?
Giant chalk dudleya, like most plants, has a dormancy period where growth slows down. To ensure optimal care, it's best to refrain from fertilizing during this time. This period occurs during the summer and winter, as well as for a couple of months after repotting in the spring.
Do I need to keep Giant chalk dudleya out of the sun?
Giant chalk dudleya is a type of plant that thrives in extremely hot and sunny places. It is well-suited to this type of environment, so it doesn't require protection from the sun. However, if you want to move your Giant chalk dudleya to a very sunny location, it's important to be cautious. Plants need time to adjust to new conditions, so it's best to start by gradually exposing the plant to the sun for a couple of hours a day. Then, you can gradually increase the amount of time it spends in the sun. Once the plant has adapted, most types of Giant chalk dudleya will be able to tolerate full sun without needing any additional protection.
How do I make sure my Giant chalk dudleya stays warm during the cold seasons?
To ensure the well-being of your Giant chalk dudleya during the winter, it's suggested to bring them indoors to protect them from harsh conditions. Some people choose to use grow lights to provide adequate sunlight, but if your home is not excessively dark, buying these lights may not be necessary. Instead, place your plants in areas where they can receive the most natural sunlight possible. This should be enough light to keep the Giant chalk dudleya thriving throughout winter. If you have multiple plants, rotate their positions to ensure they all receive sufficient sunlight. However, if you live in a northern area with freezing weather, avoid placing your Giant chalk dudleya too close to the window as the extreme cold can cause damage to the plants.