Caring For Chicks And Hens: An Indoor Guide

The hen and chicks plant (Sempervivum tectorum) is a succulent perennial that is surprisingly easy to care for and perfect for propagating. These hardy, low-growing desert plants get their name from the way they propagate: The large central rosette is the hen, and the smaller offsets it puts out over time are the baby chicks, which can easily be propagated into new plants. When growing a hen and chicks plant indoors, it is important to place the plant in a location where it will get plenty of bright light. This includes placing the plant in a room with a window or on a balcony or patio in the summer. If sunlight is limited, supplemental light may be needed.

Place in a warm spot with bright, indirect light

When growing chicks and hens plants indoors, it is important to place them in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. A warm temperature ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for these plants. They can be placed in a room with a window to receive plenty of bright light. If sunlight is limited, supplemental light may be needed to prevent a loss of colour in the plant. A south-facing window is a good choice for these plants.

If your indoor space does not get enough natural light, artificial grow lights can be used to supplement the light the plant receives. You can also move your plant outdoors temporarily to a sunny balcony or patio in the summer. Just ensure that your plant gets at least 3 to 4 hours of sun each day.

While chicks and hens plants are sun-loving succulents, they should be placed in a spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch their delicate leaves. Instead, find a spot that receives dappled light or partial shade.

In addition to light, it is important to consider the temperature of the spot you choose. These plants can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and are quite hardy. However, they grow best in average temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops too low, they will not die but may stop growing and enter a semi-dormant state.

By placing your chicks and hens plants in a warm spot with bright, indirect light, you will create an ideal environment for their growth and help them thrive.

Use well-drained soil and pots to prevent overwatering

The most common issue with chicks and hens plants is overwatering, which can cause the plant to rot and die. To prevent overwatering, use well-drained soil and pots.

Chicks and hens plants are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without water once established. They only need to be watered once every two weeks or sooner in hot weather conditions. Before watering, check the soil to make sure it is dry. You can do this by gently poking your finger about an inch into the soil or using a soil moisture meter. If the soil feels dry to the touch, it's time to water the plant. When watering, give the plant a good, deep soak, ensuring that the water reaches the roots.

To facilitate proper drainage, use a shallow, well-drained container with a cactus/succulent potting mix. Clay pots are ideal because they wick moisture and prevent overwatering. You can also add sand or grit to a compost or potting mix to improve drainage. Avoid using a moisture-holding potting mix, as this can lead to overwatering.

In addition to well-drained soil and pots, proper sunlight exposure is crucial for preventing overwatering. Chicks and hens plants crave sunlight and thrive in its presence. Place the container in a room with a window, preferably facing south, to ensure the plant receives adequate sunlight. If sunlight is limited, consider using supplemental light or grow lights to provide the necessary light intensity.

Avoid wet winter conditions to prevent rot

The key to preventing rot in chicks and hens plants is to avoid overwatering and maintain good drainage. These hardy plants are native to desert environments and are drought-resistant, so they do not require frequent watering. In fact, overwatering is often the cause of root rot in these plants.

To prevent overwatering, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering your chicks and hens plant again. Check the soil's moisture level before watering—if the top inch feels damp, refrain from adding more water. Adjust your watering schedule according to the season and temperature. During hot weather, your plant may need water once every two weeks or even sooner. However, in the winter, avoid wet conditions and reduce moisture by cleaning away any ground debris.

In addition to proper watering techniques, ensure your plant has well-drained soil. Amend the soil with sand or gravel to improve drainage and prevent rot. Choose a shallow, well-drained container, such as a clay pot, which will help wick moisture away and prevent overwatering.

Finally, provide your plant with adequate light. Too much shade can lead to weak roots that are more susceptible to rot. Regularly monitor your plant for signs of distress, such as discoloration, wilting, or changes in texture. By following these guidelines, you can effectively avoid wet winter conditions and prevent rot in your indoor chicks and hens plants.

Provide 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

When growing hens and chicks plants indoors, it is important to provide them with 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. These sun-loving succulents thrive in bright and sunny conditions. A sunny windowsill or a south-facing window can provide the necessary sunlight for their growth. If your indoor space does not receive ample natural light, you can supplement it with artificial grow lights to ensure your plants remain healthy and vibrant.

During the summer months, you can give your plants a temporary home on a sunny balcony or patio, allowing them to soak up the sun's rays. The sun's path changes throughout the year, so you may need to adjust their location to ensure they receive adequate light. Keep an eye on the intensity of light they are receiving, and make adjustments as necessary. If you notice their leaves stretching or reaching out, it is an indication that they require more direct sunlight.

Hens and chicks plants are known for their resilience and adaptability. They can tolerate various growing conditions, including drought-like environments. While they favour bright and sunny locations, they can also grow in partial shade. However, insufficient sunlight may impact their colour, causing them to remain green without any colour changes. Their leaves may also become thin and sparse.

To optimize their growth and flowering, aim to provide them with an average of 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This will encourage healthy and vibrant foliage. Remember to water them sparingly, as they prefer dry conditions and can go weeks without watering once established. Check the soil regularly, and only water when it is completely dry. By providing the right balance of sunlight and water, you will create an ideal environment for your hens and chicks plants to flourish.

Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings

When it comes to watering your chicks and hens plants, it's important to remember that they are drought-tolerant and can go for weeks without water once established. These resilient plants are quite independent when it comes to watering and can tolerate drought like champions. That said, they do require some water, so make sure your container has good drainage. Before reaching for that watering can, check the moisture level by gently poking your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water your plant.

Allow the water to seep deep into the soil, reaching the plant's vital roots. However, remember that moderation is key. Water sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot and diminish the plant's vitality. Chicks and hens plants are known for their preference for dry conditions and well-drained soil. They thrive in poor, rocky soil and do not require fertilisation.

The frequency of watering may vary depending on the climate and the plant's growth stage. In dry and warm weather, it is recommended to water them once a week. Additionally, during their growth spurts in the fall, they can benefit from a little extra water. However, always ensure that the soil has dried out between waterings to prevent overwatering.

To summarise, water your chicks and hens plants sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. This will help prevent overwatering and ensure the health and longevity of your resilient, drought-tolerant plants.

Frequently asked questions