Jellyfish succulent
The Dudleya brittonii, or Jellyfish Succulent, is a very unique and fascinasting succulent that can be found in many gardens. It is native to southern California and northern Baha California. It is a succulent plant that has a greenish-grayish stem and unique curved leaves that resemble jellyfish tentacles. The jellyfish-shaped foliage can reach up to 8 inches in size and has whitish or yellowish-cream flowers. It is a slow-growing plant that is drought-tolerant, and can be propagated easily from stem cuttings.
Jellyfish succulents do not like to stay too wet, they need regular and moderate watering. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings, 1–2 inches down for most succulent varieties (5–7 cm). When watering your plants, always use tepid water to make sure it is properly absorbed and does not shock the plant. Overwatering will cause the roots to rot and can lead to the plant’s demise.
Jellyfish succulents are ideally suited to plenty of bright direct sunlight throughout the day. They can also tolerate partial shade, especially during the hotter parts of the day. If not given enough light, the plant may suffer from etiolation – a condition where the stems become longer and thinner and lose their grey-green coloration. Too little light can also cause wilting.
Jellyfish succulents prefer temperatures between 50-75°F (10-24°C). During winter, a slight drop in temperature is acceptable, but it should not drop below 50°F (10°C). In the summer, the plant should be given protection from the heat of the day, preferably an area that can experience some air flow.
Jellyfish succulents are tolerant of dry air and low humidity. They prefer a dry climate over a humid one, as they are more vulnerable to fungal infections in higher humidity. It is recommended not to mist the leaves as it may cause rot. If making occasional misting, it is better to do at the base of the plant.
Jellyfish succulents prefer well-draining soil, such as a cactus mix or a standard potting mix mixed with 30% perlite or sand. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings, as too much water will cause the plant to suffer from rot.
Jellyfish succulents do not require heavy fertilization. In the summer months, they can be fertilized twice a month with a weak solution of a balanced cactus fertilizer at half the recommended rate on the packaging. It is important not to overfertilize the plant, as it can cause salt burn and root damage.
Although pests are not very common on Jellyfish succulents, they can occasionally be affected by them. The most common pests are mealybugs, aphids, scale, and spider mites. These can cause the plant to weaken and induce root and stem rot. To prevent this, it is important to inspect the plant for any signs of pests, and if they are found, it is advised to prune the affected area and to use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of the pests.
Jellyfish succulents should be repotted every 1-2 years, preferably in the spring. When repotting, it is important to make sure that the new pot is 1-2 inches larger than the last pot and that it has a well-draining potting mix. After the repotting, water the plant lightly and after a few days start with regular waterings.
Jellyfish succulents should be pruned periodically, preferably in late spring to early summer. Pruning will not only encourage bushier growth and promote fuller plants, but will also remove any dead or damaged leaves, allowing more energy to be put into new growth. It is important to avoid cutting too deep, as the plant has shallow root systems.
Mulching is often not necessary for Jellyfish succulents, as they prefer well-draining soil that does not retain water. It is best to avoid adding mulch to the soil around the plant, as it will retain too much moisture and may cause root rot.
Jellyfish succulents can be easily propagated from stem cuttings. In late spring or early summer, the stems can be easily cut off at the base and allowed to dry for 1-2 days before planting. Replant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, and water lightly. The cutting should soon take root, and new growth will start to appear in a few weeks.
Jellyfish succulents don’t require any support as they are naturally growing plants. However, they may need some additional support if they start to grow too large and the stems become top-heavy.
Jellyfish succulents don’t go through a rest period, however, during the winter months, they should be watered less frequently to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
The Jellyfish succulent is not toxic to pets if ingested.
Flapjack Succulent
The Flapjack Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe luciae) is a succulent plant native to South Africa. It is a low-maintenance perennial that produces attractive, fle...
Greenovia Aurea 'Rose Succulent'
Greenovia Aurea 'Rose Succulent', also known as Rose Succulent or Mountain Rosette, is a small, evergreen succulent that forms rosettes of thick and f...
Jellybean succulent
Jellybean Succulent (Sedum rubrotinctum) is a small, low-growing succulent with unique foliage. Its leaves grow in rows and are usually green and red...
Liveforever
Liveforever, also known as Dudleya spp, is a type of succulent that is found in mainly dry, desert-like areas of North America. It comes in many diffe...
Orbea Succulent
Orbea Succulent (Orbea variegata) is an interesting and attractive-looking evergreen plant native to South Africa or South America, depending on the v...
Succulent Haworthia
Haworthia is a genus of small, succulent plants that are native to southern Africa. They are also commonly called succulent aloes or pearl plants. Mos...