Emily Carter
Whether you're referring to the plant or the animal, it seems that bringing hens and chicks indoors is a popular choice. The plant, a type of succulent, is versatile and low-maintenance, requiring only a minimum of six hours of indirect sunlight each day, a stable temperature between 60 and 80 degrees, and watering only when the soil is dry. The animal, a chicken, can be kept indoors as a pet, to recover from injury or illness, or simply as a temporary resident before transitioning to an outdoor coop. However, there are some important considerations to make before bringing chickens inside, such as local zoning laws, maintenance, and potential fire hazards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright light or full sun, unless in a hot, dry climate, where light shade is preferable |
| Watering | Only water when the soil is completely dry |
| Soil | Well-drained, gravelly soil outdoors or a succulent or cactus mix indoors |
| Temperature | Average climate between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit; can withstand temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees |
| Humidity | Tolerates various humidity levels |
| Fertilizer | Slow-release fertilizer designed for succulents or cacti, low in nitrogen, and including beneficial soil microbes |
| Pests | Prone to pests such as mealybugs and aphids when grown indoors |
| Containers | Can be grown in clay pots, cement planters, vertical wall gardens, hanging pots, or open terrariums |
| Winter | Can be brought indoors for the winter to protect from extreme cold |
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What You'll Learn
Container requirements
Firstly, it is important to choose a container with adequate drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Hens and chicks prefer well-drained soil, and containers without proper drainage can lead to overwatering, which is detrimental to the plants. The soil mix should be specifically designed for cacti or succulents and have excellent drainage properties. A mix containing rocks, gravel, grit, or sand is ideal, as these plants thrive in rocky and gravelly soil that drains well. Avoid soils with high organic matter or those that retain too much water.
The size of the container is also crucial. While hens and chicks can be grown in small containers, they tend to spread out, and adequate space is necessary to accommodate their growth. Choose a pot that is at least 8 inches in diameter or larger for bigger varieties. The container should be wide and shallow, as the roots of hens and chicks do not grow deeply, and the chicks need room to spread.
In addition to size and drainage, light exposure is an important consideration when choosing a container. Place the container in an area that receives at least six hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. Direct sunlight against a window can burn the plants, so ensure the container is not placed directly against a window receiving intense light. If the light conditions change throughout the year, move the container to follow the sun's path to maintain optimal light exposure.
Finally, while hens and chicks are low-maintenance and can thrive on neglect, it is important to water them correctly. Water slowly and deeply, and only when the soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering by checking the soil's dryness before watering and allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Apply water in a slow, low stream around the container, avoiding the leaves and crown of the plant.
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Watering
When kept outdoors, it is best to water them in the morning so that the roots can absorb some moisture before the peak heat sets in. Morning is also the preferred time for watering in winter, as the plants need time to dry before the cool evenings, which can cause fungi and bacteria to develop in overly wet and cool roots.
When watering, use a small-spouted container filled with rainwater or regular plant water. Check the soil before watering to ensure it is dry, as overwatering can cause the plant to rot. The top sign of overwatering is mushy or partially transparent leaves. Hens and chicks can typically withstand drought conditions, but only to a certain extent. Water your plant when the leaves look crispy, wrinkled, or bend more than usual.
For newly transplanted plants, provide sufficient water to help them establish themselves. On average, a plant can use one cup of water every two weeks or sooner if the weather is hot. Avoid smothering the plant with too much water and fertilizer.
If you are propagating your plant by digging up the offset chicks, give the offsets a light watering and let the new plant dry out between waterings.
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Sunlight
When transitioning hens and chicks from outdoors to indoors, or vice versa, it is important to do so gradually. A sudden shift in light exposure can cause leaf burn and damage the plant. Start by placing the plants in a shaded area for a few hours each day and slowly increase their exposure to direct sunlight over one to two weeks. This allows the plants to acclimate and prevents sunburn.
During the rosette stage, bright, indirect light is crucial for optimal rosette formation. Direct sunlight, on the other hand, is essential for flowering. Hens and chicks can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot, dry climates. However, they are susceptible to sunburn, which can cause changes in leaf colour, texture, and form, such as brown specks and mottling. To prevent sunburn, provide some afternoon shade or use lightweight, breathable cloth to filter the sunlight.
In the winter, hens and chicks can be brought indoors, but they will require full sunlight. It is important to note that bringing them inside during winter will slow down their growth. If you choose to keep them outdoors, the cooler temperatures will force the plants into a dormant state, which can benefit their growth in the following spring and summer.
Overall, sunlight is a critical factor in the health and growth of hens and chicks. These succulents thrive in direct sunlight and require a minimum of 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. When grown indoors, ensuring sufficient sunlight exposure through south-facing windows or artificial grow lights is essential for their well-being.
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Temperature
To prevent this, you can bring your plants indoors for the winter to insulate them from the cold. When kept indoors, hens and chicks prefer a stable temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be successfully grown in various temperatures but thrive in an average climate between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is important to note that hens and chicks do not like extreme temperature fluctuations. Therefore, when placing them indoors, avoid locations near heating vents, entryways, or windows, especially during extreme weather. Additionally, when bringing outdoor plants inside for the winter, avoid using garden soil as it may stay wet for too long and cause root rot. Instead, transplant them into sandy soil that drains quickly, such as a cactus and succulent soil mix.
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Pests
When it comes to pests, there are different considerations for hens and chicks, the plant, and hens and chicks, the birds.
For the plant, pests are more likely to be a problem when the plant is grown indoors. Mealybugs and aphids, tiny white insects that stick to the undersides of leaves, are common pests. An infestation can be treated with soap and water, gently removing the insects by hand. Poor ventilation and cold, wet environments can also promote fungal diseases and pests that hide beneath the leaves. Non-toxic oils can be used to treat the plant and repel insects that encourage fungus growth.
For those keeping hens and chicks as indoor pets, pests may be attracted to the chicken coop. Rats and mice are attracted to leftover chicken feed and will also eat eggs. Flying insects are drawn to chicken droppings and standing water. To prevent pests, it is important to keep the coop clean and sanitary. Cover chicken droppings with straw or similar material, and empty water buckets regularly to prevent standing water. Chicken feed should be stored in a secure, metal container to keep it safe from rodents.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring your pet chicken indoors. However, you should check your local zoning laws, as some municipalities prohibit chickens entirely, and some only allow hens.
You will need to provide a nesting area and a dust box for your chicken. Be aware that dust boxes can create a dusty environment and lead to poor air quality, so you will need to regularly clean the space and add indoor air filters. You should also be cautious of the fire risk associated with heat lamps and the significant vulnerability chickens have to predation, both inside and outside the home.
Yes, you can bring your succulent hens and chicks plants indoors. They are versatile and can be grown in various containers, from clay pots to hanging pots. They require a minimum of 6 hours of indirect sunlight each day and a stable temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to only water them when the soil is completely dry to avoid overwatering.
If you are bringing your outdoor plants inside for the winter, transplant them into sandy soil that drains quickly to avoid root rot. Keep them away from extreme temperature fluctuations by not placing them near heating vents, entryways, or windows. Provide them with lots of indirect sunlight by placing them in the sunniest part of your home.
