Echeveria vs Dudleya: 8 Interesting Differences and Similarities

Echeveria and Dudleya are both genera that belong to the Crassulaceae family. Each genus further comprises several other plant species and varieties containing distinct characteristics.

Although both genera belong to the same family, there are actually a few differences between them that you can learn about below in addition to what makes them similar.

Echeveria vs Dudleya: Differences

Here are some crucial differences between Echeveria and Dudleya that you should be familiar with.

Origin

Echeveria plants are succulent flowering plants. They have their origins in parts of Mexico as well as some regions in Central and South America. On the other hand, Dudleya plants (also flowering succulents) are native to parts of North America, like Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon and Guadalupe Island.

Lately, however, both plants tend to be cultivated ornamentally.

Appearance

There are a few differences between the two genera in terms of how they look. For instance, the Echeveria plants tend to have short and fleshy leaves, while the leaves of the Dudleya plants are slightly longer and relatively thinner.

There are also differences in the colors of the leaves depending on the species that the plant belongs to within the genus.

Habitat

Echeveria plants prefer semi-arid climates to thrive and can usually tolerate drought well. They prefer rocky regions for growth.

In contrast, even though plants of the Dudleya species prefer growing in desert-like conditions, they require more barren grounds for their growth, which is why it is sometimes possible to spot them in wastelands.

Lifespan

Plants of both genera tend to be perennial plants, although Dudleya plants have a much longer lifespan as compared to Echeveria which can die out in a few decades. Dudleya plants, on the other hand, are called liveforevers due to the fact that they can survive for as long as a century.

Types and Varieties

Echeveria plant species and varieties are a lot more diverse as compared to Dudleya. This is because the former is widely cultivated and hybridized, although this kind of cultivation process tends to be a bit more limited and rare for Dudleya.

Further, Dudleya plants are also often poached in the wild, resulting in the loss of some species.

Related Posts:
200+ Amazing Echeveria Types Of Succulents [With Pictures]
52 Types of Dudleya Succulents [With Pictures]

Echeveria vs Dudleya: Similarities

Despite the differences, there are many ways in which the two genera are similar. You can go through these similarities below.

Leaf Florets

The leaves of both kinds of plants usually grow in the form of florets. This means that each layer of leaf grows around the other, resulting in an intricate flower-like shape. The cuttings from these florets can also be used to then cultivate other plants of the same species and variety.

There is, however, a difference in the number of leaves each floret contains, with Echeveria florets usually having a greater number.

Flowers

The flowers of both kinds of plants are pretty similar in the sense that they bloom forth on short stalks and tend to have similar white colors, although many species also have other colors like pink, red, yellow and green.

The flowers are also shaped like bells.

Drought Tolerance

Plants of both genera can tolerate drought to a great extent, which is why they can survive well in dry and arid conditions. This is because the fleshy leaves can store enough water for the plants that they can then utilize in drought conditions.

Of course, they still need water from time to time to continue thriving.

Related Posts:
Echeveria vs Graptoveria
Echeveria vs Aeonium
Echeveria vs Sempervivum
Echeveria vs Sedum

How to Care for Echeveria and Dudleya

There are several things to account for when it comes to caring for Echeveria and Dudleya if you plan on growing them at home, such as the following.

• Light: Both plants require bright and direct sunlight for around six hours a day. If it gets too hot, you should also provide some shade in the afternoon. Both are also hardy to USDA zones 9-11.

• Soil: The soil should be well-draining so that all the excess water does not pool up as this could lead to root rot.

• Watering: Water the plants regularly and frequently during the growing season of the plants. Minimize watering when they go dormant.

• Fertilizing: You can make use of diluted fertilizers and apply them to the soil of both plants during the growing season.

• Pests and Diseases: Scales, mildew, aphids, mealybugs and other such plants might end up harming your plants, so ensure that you prevent them through proper care. You can also use mild insecticides or natural oils to get rid of them.

Final Thoughts

Some of the main differences between Echeveria and Dudleya are on the basis of their origins, habits, appearances, lifespan and the types of species and varieties they branch off into.

However, there are still some similarities in terms of the leaf florets, flowers, drought tolerance and care conditions. Remember to follow their requirements properly if you plan on growing them at home.