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 different shapes, sizes, and colors. Its leaves are thick and waxy, and typically come in shades of green, blue, or purple. They have the ability to hold a large amount of water, and have deep roots that help them to retain as much water as possible during dry seasons. They are great for planting in rock gardens and can add to an overall aesthetic, with their bright colors and often-triangular shape. Although their name might lead you to believe otherwise, they do require adequate care in order to remain healthy.
Liveforever doesn't require very frequent watering, due to their waxy leaves and deep roots. They should be watered only when the soil is dry to a depth of 1-2 inches. During the summer months, it may need to be watered a little more often, but that should still only be done when the soil is dry. These plants typically fare better with underwatering versus overwatering, as their roots can rot easily if they sit in too much water for too long. If you're ever unsure of whether or not it needs to be watered, it's best to wait a few more days.
Liveforever typically requires lots of bright, direct sunlight; ideally, it should receive a minimum of 6 hours a day. During the hotter months of the summer, the sun will likely be too intense, so it should be positioned in an area with some shade to protect from burning its foliage. If it doesn't get enough light, it will lack color and may have stunted growth. If possible, keep it in an area where it will receive direct, early morning sunlight, and then some light shade later in the afternoon.
Liveforever prefers temperatures that stay between 50 ºF - 90 ºF (10 ºC - 32 ºC). In areas that experience below freezing temperatures, it should be brought indoors. If you have to move it into a warmer spot, be sure to do so slowly in order to give it time for it to adjust to the change in temperature.
Liveforever prefers low humidity levels between 20-40%. If its environment is too humid, the plant is at risk of developing mold, mildew, and other diseases. If the humidity is higher than 40%, it is recommended that you use an air purifier to help reduce the moisture levels. Additionally, make sure your potting soil has adequate drainage, as this can also help to keep the humidity levels lower.
Liveforever does best with a well-draining potting soil that is rich in organic matter. Cactus and succulent soil is ideal, as it retains water well and helps to prevent root rot. Pumice or perlite can also be added to the mix to increase drainage and keep the soil aerated.
Liveforever does not need to be fertilized very often. A balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 formula should be used at 1/4 strength in the spring and summer months, only when the plant is actively growing. During the winter, fertilizing should be avoided as it can cause root burn, and the plant will already be in a period of dormancy. It may also be beneficial to incorporate a cacti and succulent soil mix, as it typically contains some nutrients that the plant would need.
Liveforever is fortunately not prone to many pests, but there are some that can be drawn to it, including aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies. To get rid of these pests it is important to first identify them. For mealybugs and aphids, you can remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For whiteflies, sweep them away with a broom or vacuum them up. You can also use a natural insecticide like neem oil to deter them from coming back. If you have caught the problem relatively early, it shouldn’t be hard to get rid of the pests.
Live forever can be repotted every 2-3 years. The best time to do this is in the spring, after the threat of any cold fronts has passed. When repotting it, make sure to use a pot that provides enough space for the roots to spread out and breathe, and has adequate drainage. Use cacti and succulent soil mix, as this will help to retain the moisture the plant needs for survival.
Liveforever does not typically need to be pruned. If you do wish to prune it, make sure to do so in the summer months. Use pruning shears to remove any dead foliage or flowers, and be sure to sterilize them beforehand to avoid passing any diseases to the plant. Additionally, pruning can help keep the overall shape of the plant in check.
Mulching around the base of a Liveforever is not necessary, but it will help to conserve the water and keep the soil moist. Succulent and cacti mixes can be used as mulch, as they will not compact the soil and will still allow for adequate drainage.
Liveforever can be propagated from stem cuttings or offsets. To propagate from a stem cutting, simply cut a stem that is about 3-4 inches in length, and then remove any leaves from the bottom of the stem. Allow the cut end to dry for several days, and then plant the stem in a potting mix, making sure to keep the leaves and stems above the soil. Offsets can be removed from the mother plant, taking care to keep as much of the root system intact as possible.
Liveforever typically don't need support, as their roots are deep enough to keep them firmly in place. However, if you live in an area that experiences a lot of wind, you may want to consider using a stake or two to help keep the plant upright.
Liveforever does not need a rest period. However, during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing, it can go a few weeks without being watered, as long as the soil is kept slightly moist. Additionally, the amount of sunlight it receives during the winter can be reduced, as long as it still gets about 4 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Liveforever is not toxic to pets or humans, so it is safe to be around children and animals.
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