Grow Lights for Dudleya: Chalky Rosettes Under LEDs
Grow lights for dudleya give these chalky rosette succulents the abundant light they need indoors. The UC Cooperative Extension Sacramento County lists dudleya among summer dormant succulents, so the light matters most from fall through spring. A close fixture on a timer covers short days.
The short answer
Set a full spectrum LED within 12 inches of the rosettes and run it 12 to 16 hours a day. Water at the soil, not into the rosette. Let the mix dry between waterings and give little water during the summer rest.
How much light does dudleya need?
The University of Minnesota Extension says succulents need abundant light and do well in a bright, sunny window. Iowa State University Extension says indoor succulents need abundant bright light and ideally ten or more hours of light a day. When light is too low, Iowa State notes that new growth turns tall, spindly and pale and rosettes open and flatten.
Which grow light suits dudleya?
Iowa State recommends high output, full spectrum fluorescent or LED grow lights set within 12 inches of the plants and timed for 12 to 16 hours a day. Minnesota gives a similar setup of 6 to 12 inches and 14 to 16 hours. See grow lights for cannabis for fixture types and led light distance cannabis for spacing. A unit from grow light timers handles day length.
How should you water dudleya?
UF IFAS Extension advises against letting water sit in the rosette. The UC Sacramento guide says summer dormant plants like dudleya prefer little or no summer water. It also notes that oil based sprays can wipe away farina, the waxy white coating on many succulents. Iowa State adds that overwatered succulents get soft, mushy, yellow leaves.
Dudleya light basics
| Factor | Target | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Abundant, bright | Minnesota and Iowa State Extension |
| Distance | Within 12 inches | Iowa State Extension |
| Hours | 12 to 16 | Iowa State Extension |
| Rest period | Summer, May to August | UC Sacramento |
| Water | At the soil, not the rosette | UF IFAS Extension |
Sources: UF IFAS Extension, University of Minnesota Extension, Iowa State University Extension, UC Cooperative Extension Sacramento County.
How to: step by step
- Pot the dudleya in fast draining mix with a drainage hole.
- Hang a full spectrum LED within 12 inches of the rosettes.
- Set a timer for 12 to 16 hours.
- Water at the soil line and let the mix dry fully.
- Reduce water from May through August.
- Handle leaves by the edges to avoid rubbing off the white coating.
Troubleshooting
Flat, open rosettes: low light, per Iowa State, so lower the light or add hours.
Tan or brown patches: Iowa State links these to a sudden move into bright light, so change levels slowly.
Soft, yellow leaves: overwatering, so let the mix dry thoroughly.
Give dudleya bright, dry days
Close light and careful water let dudleya hold its chalky look indoors. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds for growers who want the same lights on another crop.
Sources
- Succulents, UF IFAS Gardening Solutions
- Cacti and succulents (houseplants), University of Minnesota Extension
- Lighting for indoor plants and starting seeds, University of Minnesota Extension
- Common problems and issues of succulents, Iowa State University Extension
- Succulents (GN 175), UC Cooperative Extension Sacramento County
FAQ
Why does dudleya have a white coating?
The UC Sacramento guide calls this waxy white coating farina and notes that oil based sprays can wipe it away.
How many hours should the light run?
Iowa State Extension suggests 12 to 16 hours a day for succulents under grow lights.
Should you water dudleya from above?
UF IFAS Extension advises against letting water sit in the rosette, so water at the soil.
Does dudleya rest in summer?
Yes. The UC Sacramento guide lists dudleya as summer dormant, from May through August.
How far should the light be?
Iowa State Extension suggests setting succulents within 12 inches of the light.
