Origin
Dudleya saxosa (M.E. Jones) Britt. & Rose ssp. collomiae (Rose ex Morton) Moran is a succulent plant native to California and Northern Baja California, Mexico. It is primarily found in rocky outcrops and cliffs, as well as in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats, at elevations ranging from sea level up to 6000 feet.
Common Names
The common names for Dudleya saxosa (M.E. Jones) Britt. & Rose ssp. collomiae (Rose ex Morton) Moran include Collomia-leaved liveforever and Collomia-leaved dudleya.
Uses
The plant has various traditional uses among Native American tribes, including the Kumeyaay, who use the dried leaves and stems to make a tea to treat stomach aches. In addition, Dudleya saxosa (M.E. Jones) Britt. & Rose ssp. collomiae (Rose ex Morton) Moran is also used in landscaping as an ornamental plant and is particularly suited for rock gardens, succulent gardens, and container gardens.
General Appearance
Dudleya saxosa (M.E. Jones) Britt. & Rose ssp. collomiae (Rose ex Morton) Moran is a small, evergreen succulent plant that grows up to 4 inches in height and 8 inches in width. It has a basal rosette of fleshy, oblong to spatulate leaves that are pale blue-green in color and covered with a powdery white coating. The leaves are attached to a thick, short stem and are slightly curved upwards. In the summer, the plant produces a tall, slender stem with small, yellow-green flowers clustered at the top. The plant is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping.
Light Requirements
Dudleya saxosa ssp. collomiae prefers growing in full sunlight to partial shade. It can tolerate direct sunlight for several hours per day but may struggle under hot, intense sun in the hottest months of summer. Therefore, providing individuals with dappled or partial sun protection is often a safe and beneficial choice.
Temperature Requirements
This sub-species of Dudleya saxosa is native to the southern California coastal regions and is most commonly found on rocky slopes and bluffs in this area. The plant is well adapted to a Mediterranean climate with mild and wet winters and hot, dry summers. It can tolerate high temperatures with proper shading, but extended exposure to temperatures over 100°F (38°C) can cause damage or death to the plant. Similarly, prolonged exposure to below freezing temperatures can also be detrimental to growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
Collomia-leaved liveforever grows well in well-draining, nutrient-poor, rocky or sandy soils. The plant is adapted to soils low in organic matter content and is well-suited to growing in rocky crevices where water may pool occasionally but drains away rapidly. Therefore, any soil with standing water for extended periods may cause harm to the plant's roots. The subspecies can also moderately tolerate soils with slightly more organic matter or mixed with gravel, as long as the drainage is kept in check.
Cultivation
Dudleya saxosa (M.E. Jones) Britt. & Rose ssp. collomiae (Rose ex Morton) Moran is a succulent plant that is native to California and requires well-draining soil and full sunlight to thrive. It is hardy and can withstand temperatures around freezing point, making it an ideal plant for those living in warmer regions. It is best to grow this plant in a container or rock garden with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering, Dudleya saxosa (M.E. Jones) Britt. & Rose ssp. collomiae (Rose ex Morton) Moran requires little water and is prone to root rot if overwatered. It is best to water the plant when the soil is completely dry to the touch. During the winter, it is best to reduce the frequency of watering to once every two weeks.
Fertilization
Dudleya saxosa (M.E. Jones) Britt. & Rose ssp. collomiae (Rose ex Morton) Moran does not require regular fertilization. However, during the growing season, you can add a balanced fertilizer once a month to give the plant a nutritional boost. It is best to dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the plant's roots.
Pruning
Pruning Dudleya saxosa (M.E. Jones) Britt. & Rose ssp. collomiae (Rose ex Morton) Moran is not necessary. However, it is best to remove any dead or wilting leaves to avoid any potential disease or pest infestations. If the plant has grown too large for its container, you can repot it into a bigger container during the spring.
Propagation of Dudleya saxosa (M.E. Jones) Britt. & Rose ssp. collomiae (Rose ex Morton) Moran
Dudleya saxosa (M.E. Jones) Britt. & Rose ssp. collomiae (Rose ex Morton) Moran can be propagated sexually or asexually.
Sexual propagation
The plant produces seeds after pollination, which can be harvested and sown. To harvest seeds, wait until the fruits have dried, then gently rub them to collect the seeds.
Before sowing, the seeds should be cleaned and stored in a dry, cool place until the next growing season. Then, in early spring, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining, sandy soil mix and covered with a thin layer of sand or vermiculite.
Keep the soil mix moist but not wet, and place the container in a warm, bright spot with indirect sunlight. The seeds will germinate in two to four weeks.
Asexual propagation
Dudleya saxosa (M.E. Jones) Britt. & Rose ssp. collomiae (Rose ex Morton) Moran can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings.
To propagate through stem cuttings, cut a healthy stem just below a leaf node and remove the bottom leaves. Allow the cutting to dry for a day or two until a callus forms at the cut end. Then, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining, sandy soil mix.
Keep the soil mix moist but not wet, and place the container in a warm, bright spot with indirect sunlight. In about four to six weeks, roots will form and the cutting will begin to grow.
Disease and Pest Management for Dudleya saxosa ssp. collomiae
Although Dudleya saxosa ssp. collomiae is a resilient plant, it can still be susceptible to some diseases and pests. Here are some of the common issues and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Bacterial Soft Rot: This disease can cause the plant to wilt and rot, eventually leading to death. It is caused by bacteria that thrive in moist conditions. To manage bacterial soft rot, remove any infected plants and ensure good drainage to prevent standing water around the roots.
Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease appears as dark spots on the leaves, eventually leading to leaf drop. It is caused by fungi that thrive in overly wet conditions. To manage fungal leaf spot, avoid overhead watering and prune any infected leaves. Apply fungicide to protect the plant.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the roots, leading to stunted growth and eventual death. It can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage root rot, ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering. Removing infected plants is also helpful.
Pests
Snails and Slugs: These pests can feed on the leaves and cause significant damage to the plant. To manage snails and slugs, use bait or handpick them off the plant. Place copper wire or tape around the plant as a barrier.
Mealybugs: These pests can suck sap and cause stunted growth and leaf drop. They appear as white, cotton-like masses on the plant. To manage mealybugs, remove any infected plants and apply insecticidal soap to protect the plant.
Aphids: These pests can also suck sap and cause distorted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or apply neem oil to protect the plant.
By following these disease and pest management techniques, you can keep your Dudleya saxosa ssp. collomiae healthy and strong.
