Jake Harper
The hen and chicks plant, also known as Sempervivum, is a low-maintenance succulent that can be grown outdoors. It is a perennial evergreen with rosettes that spread to form a mat-like growth. The botanical name for the plant is Sempervivum tectorum, and it is commonly called houseleek. The plant is drought-tolerant and can go weeks without watering. It is best to plant it in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. The ideal temperature for hens and chicks is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be grown from seeds or offsets, and they make great indoor or outdoor garden companions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Sempervivum tectorum |
| Common names | Houseleek, Liveforever, Cobweb Houseleek |
| Plant type | Succulent, Perennial evergreen |
| Temperature preference | 65-75°F (18-24°C) |
| Light preference | Bright light, Full sun, Light shade |
| Soil preference | Well-drained, Sandy, Gravelly, Minimal |
| Watering preference | Minimal, Dry conditions |
| Fertilizer preference | Slow-release fertilizer designed for succulents/cacti, Low nitrogen, Beneficial soil microbes |
| Propagation method | Divide offsets ("chicks") from mother plant ("hen") |
| Pests | Mealybugs |
| Garden use | Rock gardens, Wall crevices, Container gardens, Fairy gardens |
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What You'll Learn
- Planting: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, avoiding frost and extreme heat
- Watering: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings
- Soil: Use sandy, gravelly, well-drained soil, or a succulent/cactus mix
- Propagation: Divide the chicks from the hen and transplant into shallow holes
- Fertilizer: Feed sparingly, especially outdoors. Use a fertilizer designed for succulents/cacti
Planting: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, avoiding frost and extreme heat
When planting hens and chicks outside, it is important to choose a spot that receives ample sunlight. These succulents thrive in bright light and sunny conditions, although they can tolerate partial shade, especially in very hot and dry climates. Aim for at least six hours of sunlight daily for optimal foliage coloration and plentiful offsets.
In addition to sunlight, well-drained soil is crucial for the health of your hens and chicks. This type of succulent prefers sandy, gravelly, well-draining soil, which makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, wall crevices, and other areas where plants typically struggle to grow. Avoid planting in soggy or wet soil, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. If your garden has heavy clay soil with poor drainage, consider planting hens and chicks in a container or pot filled with a well-draining potting mix.
Hens and chicks are quite adaptable and can be grown in various temperatures, typically ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand colder temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and are winter hardy, often entering a semi-dormant state during extreme temperatures. However, it is essential to shield them from prolonged exposure to frost or freezing conditions to prevent any harm. Similarly, avoid planting during extreme heat, as this can cause the plants to go into shock.
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Watering: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings
Watering your hen and chick plants sparingly is essential to their health. These succulents are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without water, so it is best to let the soil dry out completely before watering them. They thrive in dry conditions and can even withstand drought, so it is important not to overwater them. Before reaching for the watering can, check that the soil is completely dry. You can do this by gently poking your finger about an inch into the soil or using a soil moisture meter.
When you do water your hen and chick plants, be mindful of how much water you give them. On average, a plant can use one cup of water every two weeks or sooner if the weather is hot. However, it is crucial not to let the plant sit in soggy, wet soil, as this can lead to root rot.
If you are growing your hen and chick plants indoors, you may need to water them differently than outdoors. Indoor plants may require less water because they are not exposed to the elements, such as wind and sun, which can dry out the soil more quickly. Additionally, the type of soil and drainage system you use will also impact your watering schedule. Well-drained soil is essential for hen and chick plants, as it helps prevent overwatering and root rot.
While hen and chick plants are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, they still require some care and attention when it comes to watering. By allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings and providing the appropriate amount of water, you can ensure that your plants stay healthy and thrive in their environment.
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Soil: Use sandy, gravelly, well-drained soil, or a succulent/cactus mix
When it comes to soil, hen and chick plants are quite adaptable. They can be grown in various types of soil, including sandy and gravelly, as long as it is well-drained. These plants can even thrive in poor soils and are ideal for landscapes with rock gardens, wall crevices, and places where other plants struggle to grow. They can also be grown in pots or containers with a cactus or succulent mix, which typically consists of two parts topsoil, two parts sand, and one part perlite.
The well-drained soil is crucial to prevent the plants from getting too much water and subsequently rotting. While hen and chick plants are drought-tolerant perennials that can go weeks without watering, it is essential to check the soil for dryness before watering. Overwatering is one of the most common issues with these plants, and they are susceptible to root rot if kept too wet.
When grown outdoors, hen and chick plants can be placed directly in the ground or in containers filled with a well-draining potting mix. If you choose to plant them in the ground, ensure the soil is suitable and amend it if necessary to improve drainage. On the other hand, if you opt for containers, you can use a store-bought cactus or succulent mix or create your own by mixing topsoil, sand, and perlite.
In terms of fertiliser, hen and chick plants typically don't require much, as they can absorb nutrients from the soil. However, if you notice nutrient deficiencies, you can apply a slow-release fertiliser specifically designed for succulents and cacti. Be cautious not to over-fertilise, as this can harm the plants.
Overall, hen and chick plants are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to soil and fertiliser requirements. They can adapt to various soil types as long as the soil is well-drained, and they don't require frequent fertilisation.
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Propagation: Divide the chicks from the hen and transplant into shallow holes
To propagate a hen and chick plant, divide the chicks (the offsets) from the mother plant (the hen). This can be done by gently pulling the chicks from the hen or using a small trowel. It is important to preserve the roots of each plant if possible. Once the chicks have been separated, they can be transplanted into shallow holes in well-drained soil, ensuring that the roots have enough space to spread out.
Hens and chicks are drought-tolerant perennials that can withstand weeks without water and prefer dry conditions. They should only be watered when the soil is completely dry, and care should be taken not to overwater them. These plants prefer an average climate of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate various humidity levels. They can be grown in full sun or partial shade and prefer bright light and sunny conditions.
When it comes to soil, hens and chicks are not picky and can thrive in poor, sandy, or gravelly soil with good drainage. They can also grow in tight spaces, rock crevices, and places where other plants struggle. Fertilizer is not necessary for plants grown in the ground, but those in containers may benefit from a slow-release fertilizer designed for succulents or cacti.
Hens and chicks are low-maintenance plants that can be easily propagated by dividing the chicks from the hen and transplanting them into shallow holes. With their ability to tolerate drought and poor soil conditions, these plants are an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a carefree and unique addition to their outdoor spaces.
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Fertilizer: Feed sparingly, especially outdoors. Use a fertilizer designed for succulents/cacti
When it comes to fertiliser, it is best to feed your hen and chick plants sparingly, especially when they are outdoors. This is because they are drought-tolerant perennials that can go weeks without watering and can thrive in poor soils. In fact, they can rot and die if they receive too much fertiliser and water.
When kept in well-drained soil outdoors, these succulents will return yearly. They do well in rock gardens, in the cracks in stone walls, or between garden stepping stones. They can also be grown in pots or containers. If you are growing them in a container, use a mix formulated for succulents and cacti. Potted plants will need more fertiliser than those in the ground.
If you are using fertiliser, it is recommended to use a slow-release fertiliser designed for succulents or cacti that is low in nitrogen and includes beneficial soil microbes. You can also make your own fertiliser by mixing two parts topsoil, two parts sand, and one part perlite. A liquid fertiliser diluted by half should be watered in during spring and summer irrigation.
In terms of feeding frequency, if your hen and chick plants are growing in the ground, a professional gardener recommends not feeding them at all. If they are in containers, feed them two or three times during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser diluted to half strength. In colder climates, once a season may be enough.
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Frequently asked questions
Q: How often should I water my outdoor hen and chicks? A: These succulents are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without water. Only water them when the soil is completely dry. They prefer dry conditions and can handle poor soil.
Q: Do I need to fertilize my outdoor hen and chicks? A: Fertilizer is usually not necessary for ground-planted hen and chicks as they can get enough nutrients from the soil. However, if they are in containers, you may need to use a slow-release fertilizer designed for succulents and cacti.
