cactus succulent

Sea Lettuce

Dudleya caespitosa

The Story

Plant Bio

A clumping, rosette-forming succulent native to the coastal bluffs of California. Features fleshy, gray-green to yellowish-green leaves and produces stalks of star-shaped, bright yellow flowers in late spring and summer.

Highly tolerant of coastal conditions, including salt spray and sandy, nutrient-poor soils. Enters a dormant state during the summer heat, requiring little to no water.

Uses & Benefits:

Dudleya caespitosa's silvery foliage adds a striking texture to xeriscapes and rock gardens, thriving in drought conditions.

Its drought-tolerance makes it ideal for water-conserving landscapes.

Provides habitat and nectar for native pollinators in desert environments.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Cactus Succulent

Height

12 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

California

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Late summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck well-draining soil into a shallow container or rock crevice.
Mist cuttings lightly twice a week to maintain humidity.
Place in bright, direct sunlight for at least 4 hours daily.
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between watering.
Transplant in early spring when roots are established, after 6 weeks.
Apply a cactus or succulent fertilizer monthly during the growing season.

Pro Tip

Use sandy or gritty soil for best drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide bright, direct sunlight to promote healthy growth 🌞
Use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging ❌
Water sparingly, especially during dormancy
Fertilize lightly during active growing months
Monitor for pests regularly

Don't

Overwater or let roots sit in water ❌
Place in low-light conditions
Use heavy or poorly draining soil
Expose to frost or freezing temperatures ❄️

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Plant
Propagate
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock garden with silvery foliageSucculent border with drought-tolerant appealDesert-themed landscape accent

Companion Plants

Agave Echeveria Sedum Aloe Yucca

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sea Lettuce questions

What zones can Sea Lettuce grow in?

Sea Lettuce is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Sea Lettuce deer resistant?

Yes — Sea Lettuce is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Sea Lettuce bloom?

Sea Lettuce typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sea Lettuce need full sun?

Sea Lettuce does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Sea Lettuce drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sea Lettuce handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.