Dudleya nesiotica is a very rare succulent plant known by the common name Santa Cruz Island liveforever. This Dudleya is endemic to Santa Cruz Island, one of the Channel Islands of California. This is a squat plant growing in mats on the rocky, exposed ground of the windswept island. It is a federally listed threatened species.
Santa Cruz Island liveforever has moderate disease resistance and is relatively sensitive to humidity. It is vulnerable to disease in high-humidity conditions and is prone to root rot during dormancy. Regarding care, Santa Cruz Island liveforever tolerates drought but requires more water in the growing season. Watering should be greatly reduced or stopped entirely during the dormant period. Santa Cruz Island liveforever is appropriate for people with some growing experience, though it can be difficult to care for, particularly during dormancy. It is especially suited to those who can devote time to its care during the winter months.
How to keep Dudleya Nesiotica.
Light
Santa Cruz Island liveforever is native to habitats with dappled light, such as the forest understory or rocky areas that offer natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can also tolerate full sun.
Temperature
Although Santa cruz island liveforever can tolerate some heat, it mainly prospers during the cooler seasons and becomes dormant in summer. In very hot summer conditions, give it shade to avoid scorching from intense sun. Watering should be reduced or stopped during the hottest period to prevent root rot. It shows its strongest growth in winter and spring. Provided temperatures do not fall too low, it will continue to grow steadily.
Fertilizer
Santa cruz island liveforever only needs light applications of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter or summer when the plant is dormant. Use less fertilizer for plants that have been repotted, and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing promotes healthy growth and encourages blooms.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Santa cruz island liveforever, pick a pot slightly larger than the current one that has good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, brush off excess soil, and set it at the same depth. Wait a few days before watering to allow any root damage to heal. Repot in spring or fall and place it in a brightly lit location.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Dudleya
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 10 cm to 20 cm
- Mature Spread
- 15 cm to 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Light Green, Pale Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 1.52 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
Other names.
