In the past, fingertips succulent, native to northern Baja California and southern California, was known as mission lettuce or chalk lettuce because the edible leaves were considered to be a delicacy. If this bit of information has piqued your curiosity, read on and we’ll provide a few tips on growing fingertips succulents.
How to Grow Fingertips
Lady fingers care is easy and growing fingertips plants is suitable in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. Look for lady fingers plant at nurseries and greenhouses that specialize in native plants, or cacti and succulents. You can choose from a number of species and cultivars, including Candleholder dudleya and Canyon dudleya and Britton dudleya. Like all dudleya succulents, lady fingers plant requires well-drained soil. Although the plant grows in a variety of soil types, it performs best in sandy soil. Select a sunny spot for growing fingertip succulents. Lady fingers plant won’t grow in the shade. Once established, fingertip succulent plants are drought-tolerant and require very little supplemental water. Avoid overwatering, which can easily rot the plant. Moist conditions may also result in powdery mildew and other moisture-related diseases. Cut back watering in late summer when lady fingers plant enters a state of semi-dormancy. At this point, the soil should be kept fairly dry. Watch for pests such as mealybugs and aphids. Both are easily controlled with insecticidal soap spray. Slugs can also be a problem for fingertips succulents.