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Plant Profiles / Giant chalk dudleya
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Giant chalk dudleya
Dudleya brittonii · Britton's dudleya
A striking chalk-white rosette that glows in the garden. One of the whitest succulents around.
Full sun to part sunLight
Fortnightly in winterWater
ModerateCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun to part sun
ShadeFull sun
Light afternoon shade in heatwaves.
Water
Fortnightly in winter
DryWet
Keep mostly dry in summer.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Dry air.
Temperature
0–35°C (32–95°F)
CoolWarm
Light frost only.
Growth
Slow
SlowFast
Rosettes to 45 cm.
Soil
Very gritty mix
LeanRich
Plant on an angle so water runs off.
Fertiliser
Rarely
RarelyOften
Once in autumn.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic to pets.
About this plant
From coastal Baja California, this dudleya grows in winter and rests dry in summer. The white wax protects it from sun; don't wet or touch the leaves.
Best spots
Sunny balcony pots, coastal courtyards and rockeries with good drainage.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Dudleya brittonii |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Origin | Baja California, Mexico |
| Plant type | Succulent |
| Mature size | 30–45 cm |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Flowers | Pale yellow on red stems |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Seed |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Plant
Water
Rest
Flowering
PlantWaterRestFlowering
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Rot in summer | Too much summer water. |
| Marks on leaves | Avoid touching or splashing. |
| Green tinge | More sun. |
| Collapse | Waterlogged roots. |
Common questions
When does it grow?
Winter and spring.
Is it pet safe?
Yes.
Why the white coat?
It's protective wax.
Can it go indoors?
Not long term.
