The Perfect Guide To Nurturing A Happy, Healthy Hen And Chicken Plant

The hen and chicken plant, also known as Sempervivum, is a low-maintenance succulent that is easy to care for. With a preference for bright, indirect light, these plants are adaptable and can be grown in various containers, from clay pots to terracotta. They are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without water, but their biggest enemy is overwatering, which can cause the plant to rot and die. With their shallow root systems, these plants are well-suited for shallow pots with well-drained, gritty, or sandy soil. With their tolerance for poor soil and dry conditions, these plants are a great choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance option.

Watering: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and avoid overwatering

When it comes to watering your hen and chicken plant, it's important to remember that these plants are drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of dryness. In fact, it is nearly impossible to underwater this plant. The biggest risk is overwatering, which can lead to root rot and plant death.

To avoid overwatering, allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Check the soil for dryness by feeling it with your fingers before watering. If the soil is damp, hold off on watering for a few days. Potted plants, especially those in terracotta containers, tend to dry out more quickly and may need to be watered more often. In the summer, water your plant in the morning so that the roots can absorb some moisture before the peak heat sets in. For indoor plants, the time of day is less important unless the plant is receiving more heat and direct sunlight than usual.

When watering your hen and chicken plant, use a focused spout to gently pour water near the plant or into the edges of the pot. Avoid getting water on the leaves and crown of the plant. Provide enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of about half an inch per week, less if it has rained recently. While hen and chicken plants are drought-tolerant, they still need to be watered regularly, especially when they are young and becoming established. Once they are established, you can reduce the frequency of watering.

Signs that your plant is being overwatered include mushy or partially transparent leaves. If you notice these symptoms, reduce the amount of water you are giving the plant and improve drainage by amending the soil with sand or gravel.

Light: Place in a bright, sunny spot, preferably with indirect light

Light is an important consideration when caring for a hen and chicken plant indoors. These plants need plenty of sunlight, so place the container in a room with a window. A bright, sunny spot with indirect light is ideal. If there isn't enough sun, the plant stays green with no colour changes, and its leaves become thin and sparse.

As the sun's path changes throughout the year, you may need to move the plant to ensure it continues to receive adequate light. For example, in the summer, you could place it on a sunny balcony or patio. Aim for your plant to get at least three to four hours of sun each day. If your plant isn't getting enough sunlight, you can use supplemental grow lights to keep it healthy.

In very hot, dry climates, hen and chicken plants should be placed in light shade. They can also grow in partial shade, especially in hot, dry climates, but they generally thrive in full sun.

Soil: Use well-drained, gritty, or sandy soil, similar to that used for cacti or succulents

When growing a hen and chicks plant indoors, it is important to use the right type of soil to ensure the plant's health and proper growth. The soil should be well-drained, gritty, or sandy, similar to that used for cacti or succulents. This is because hens and chicks plants have evolved to thrive in poor, rocky soil, and too much water can harm the plant.

Cactus or succulent soil mixes are designed to provide excellent drainage and replicate the natural arid, gritty, low-nutrient, and well-draining desert habitat of cacti. They typically contain inorganic components such as perlite, pumice, or coarse sand, which improve drainage and prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. These mixes can be purchased from most nurseries and garden centres or made at home.

When creating your own cactus or succulent soil mix, it is important to use a combination of materials that promote good drainage. This can include sand, horticultural grit, or gravel, along with a small amount of soil. The goal is to create a mix that is similar to the dry, gritty soil found in the cracks of rock retaining walls, where hens and chicks plants often thrive.

By using a well-drained, gritty, or sandy soil similar to that used for cacti or succulents, you can provide the ideal growing environment for your indoor hen and chicks plant, ensuring its health and longevity. Remember to allow the plant to dry out fully between waterings, as overwatering is the biggest risk when caring for this drought-tolerant species.

Fertilizer: Little to no fertilizer is required

The hen and chick plant, also known as Sempervivum tectorum or S. arachnoideum, is a low-maintenance plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It is a succulent and a member of the Sempervivum group of plants. Due to its ability to thrive in poor, rocky soil, it typically does not require fertiliser.

The plant is native to alpine regions and has evolved to tolerate poor soil conditions and extreme dryness. It is well-adapted to low humidity and drought conditions, making it an ideal choice for indoor gardening in various containers, including traditional terracotta pots, driftwood, and metal objects.

When grown indoors, the hen and chick plant should be placed in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. It prefers warm temperatures of 65°F to 75°F and can go into semi-dormancy during cold weather. The plant should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings, as overwatering is the biggest risk.

The hen and chick plant is a long-living plant that can survive for three years or more. It is easy to propagate by plucking the "chicks" and replanting them. Overall, the hen and chick plant is a resilient and low-maintenance addition to any indoor garden, requiring little to no fertiliser.

Temperature: Can be kept at typical indoor temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit

The hen and chicken plant, or sempervivum, is a low-maintenance plant that can be kept at typical indoor temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These hardy plants are extremely adaptable and can be grown outdoors or indoors, in containers or in the ground. They are drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor, rocky soil, making them perfect for gardeners who want an easy-care plant.

When grown indoors, hen and chicken plants should be placed in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. They do not require much water and are very forgiving plants, even thriving on neglect. In fact, overwatering is the biggest risk to these plants, so be sure to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

During the winter, hen and chicken plants can be brought indoors to protect them from wet conditions and temperature extremes. They do well in average humidity and will continue to grow, unlike many other plants that go dormant during the cold season.

The shallow roots of the hen and chicken plant mean that they can be grown in a variety of containers, from traditional terracotta pots to unique containers such as driftwood or metal objects. No matter the container, be sure to use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix to provide the best environment for your plant.

With their tolerance for poor soil and drought conditions, hen and chicken plants are an excellent choice for gardeners of all experience levels. Their adaptability means they can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors, providing visual interest with their varied appearance and colourful "chicks".

Frequently asked questions