Lucas Delgado
The succulent chicken and hen plant, also known as the house leek, is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to repot and propagate. The plant is called chicken and hen because of the rosette shape of the mother plant (hen) and the numerous smaller rosette offshoots (chicks). The plant is drought-tolerant and can go weeks without water, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in dry climates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil type | Sandy, gravelly, gritty, well-draining |
| Soil moisture | Dry |
| Soil nutrients | Neutral |
| Fertilizer | Slow-release fertilizer designed for succulents or cacti, low in nitrogen, and includes beneficial soil microbes |
| Watering | Once every two weeks or sooner in hot weather conditions |
| Container | Clay pot |
| Lighting | Bright light or full sun |
| Temperature | Average climate between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Propagation | From seeds or by digging up the offset chicks |
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$13.59 $16.99
What You'll Learn
Choose the right soil: sandy, gravelly, and well-draining
When repotting a succulent chicken and hen plant, it is important to use the right type of soil. This plant is quite adaptable and can grow in various types of soil, but it has some preferences and requirements.
Chicken and hen plants prefer sandy, gravelly, and well-draining soil. They can be grown in a sandy or gravel mix, and if your soil is heavy and doesn't drain well, you can improve its drainage by mixing in gravel, pumice, perlite, or sand. These plants are drought-tolerant perennials and can go weeks without water, so well-drained soil is crucial to prevent overwatering.
If you are growing your chicken and hen plants in a container, a potting mix formulated specifically for succulents and cacti is recommended. You can purchase these mixes, or make your own by mixing two parts topsoil, two parts sand, and one part perlite. For outdoor containers and indoor houseplants, a balanced liquid fertilizer at 1/4 strength can be used weekly or biweekly during their growing season in spring and summer. However, chicken and hen plants require very little soil and can even be grown in rock crevices, so they are quite adaptable to different soil conditions.
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Remove the plant from its original container
Removing the plant from its original container is a straightforward process. First, carefully turn the plant upside down onto a newspaper or a drop cloth. This will prevent any mess and make it easier to handle the plant. Next, gently loosen the plant from the pot by knocking or shaking it. You can use a chopstick to help remove the old dirt from the roots and get rid of any dead leaves and excess soil. Be careful not to damage the roots during this process. If you want to separate any chicks from the mother plant, use sharp scissors to snip them off near the mother plant, leaving a good portion of the root attached to each chick.
Once the plant is free from the original container, you can prepare it for replanting. If you are keeping the plant and just moving it to a larger pot, you can add a layer of soil to the new pot that matches the height difference between the old and new pots. This will ensure the plant sits at the correct depth. Then, gently squeeze the old pot to loosen the root ball and soil, allowing the plant to slip out easily. If the plant is difficult to remove, you can try gently tapping on the bottom of the pot or running a knife around the edges to loosen it.
If you are dividing the plant and replanting the chicks in separate containers, use a sharp, clean knife or scissors to snip the roots that connect the chicks to the mother plant. Be sure to leave a good amount of root on each chick so they can establish themselves in their new pots. You can also trim the stems of the chicks to the desired length before replanting. It is important to work gently and carefully to avoid damaging the roots or stems of the plants.
After removing the plant from its original container, it is a good idea to let the roots dry out for a few days before replanting. This will give the roots a chance to heal and reduce the risk of root rot. However, if the roots are dry and brittle, you can gently moisten them before replanting to make it easier for the plant to absorb water in its new home. Remember to always use a potting mix suitable for succulents and cacti to ensure your plants have the best chance of thriving in their new containers.
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Clean the plant and remove dead leaves
Before you begin repotting your succulent chicken and hen plant, it's important to clean the plant and remove any dead leaves. This process will help your plant look healthier and encourage new growth. Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning your chicken and hen plant:
Step 1: Assess the Plant's Condition
Start by carefully examining your chicken and hen plant. Look for any signs of dead or dying leaves. Dead leaves are usually dry, brown, or yellow and may be crispy or brittle to the touch. Carefully run your fingers through the leaves to identify the areas that require cleaning and removal.
Step 2: Gently Remove Dead Leaves
Using your thumb and forefinger, carefully grasp the base of each dead leaf. Gently pull or peel the leaf away from the stem. Take your time with this process and be as gentle as possible to avoid damaging the healthy leaves and stems. If the leaves are too delicate to grasp, you can use a small, sharp pair of scissors to carefully snip off the dead leaf at its base, being careful not to cut the healthy leaves or stems.
Step 3: Clean the Plant
Once you've removed the dead leaves, it's a good idea to give your chicken and hen plant a gentle cleaning. Use a soft, damp cloth or a cotton swab to wipe down the remaining leaves and stem. This will remove any dust, dirt, or pests that may be present. Ensure that the cloth or cotton swab is dampened with plain water or a mild solution of water and a gentle plant-safe cleanser. Be careful not to saturate the plant, as succulents are prone to root rot in overly moist conditions.
Step 4: Inspect for Pests and Diseases
While cleaning the plant, take the opportunity to carefully inspect the leaves, stems, and soil for any signs of pests or diseases. Common pests that affect chicken and hen plants include mealybugs and aphids. Signs of pest infestation include the presence of tiny insects, webbing, or sticky honeydew on the leaves. If you notice any pests, you can remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or treat the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Additionally, keep an eye out for fungal diseases like powdery mildew, which appears as a white powdery film on the leaves.
Step 5: Remove Severely Infested or Diseased Parts
If you notice any severely infested or diseased parts of the plant, it's best to remove them to prevent the problem from spreading. Cut away affected leaves or stems using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Disinfect your cutting tools before and after use with rubbing alcohol to avoid spreading any diseases.
By following these steps, you'll be able to effectively clean your chicken and hen plant, removing dead leaves and preparing it for repotting. Remember to handle your plant with care and take the necessary precautions to ensure the health and vitality of your succulent.
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Separate the chicks from the hen by snipping them off
When repotting a chicken and hen succulent plant, it is important to separate the chicks from the hen. This process is known as propagating by digging up the offset chicks. The chicks are attached to the mother plant by an underground runner and can be as small as a dime. Separating the chicks from the mother plant will allow them to grow and spread into new containers.
To separate the chicks from the hen, use a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip them off. Cut the root that connects the chick to the mother plant, leaving a good portion of the root on the chick. Be careful not to damage the roots of the mother plant or the chick. This process can be done at any time, but it is recommended to divide the chicks from the mother plant every two years to prevent overcrowding.
After separating the chicks, you can transplant them into new pots or containers. Use a potting mix formulated for succulents and cacti, and place the chicks in bright direct light. Water the chicks lightly and regularly until they are established. Remember, succulents are accustomed to very little water, so allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
When separating the chicks, you can also choose to propagate them by seeds. Collect the seeds from the pods left behind after the flowers of the mature plant fade. Sprinkle the seeds on top of pots filled with cactus or succulent potting mix. Keep the mix lightly moistened, and place the pot in a bright location. The seeds should sprout within three weeks. At this point, you can transplant the seedlings to their permanent location.
By separating the chicks from the hen and repotting them, you encourage the growth and spread of the succulent plant. This process allows you to create new colonies of the chicken and hen plant, adding character to your home or garden with these charming and versatile plants.
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Place the plant in its new pot and fill in the sides with soil
When repotting a succulent chicken and hen plant, there are several steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to carefully remove the plant from its original container. You can do this by turning it over onto a newspaper or drop cloth and loosening it from the pot. Knock off all the old dirt from the roots—a chopstick can be useful for this.
Next, place the plant in its new pot. If the plant is now too high or low in the new pot, you can adjust it by gently pulling up on it to allow dirt to fall underneath or by pressing down on it to crumble dirt from the centre towards the sides. Once you are happy with the placement, fill in the sides with soil.
It is recommended to use a potting mix formulated for succulents and cacti, and to ensure the soil is well-draining and gritty. You can also add extra perlite for better drainage and compost for additional nutrients. Avoid smothering the plant with too much water and fertilizer. Succulents are accustomed to very little water, so be sure to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
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Frequently asked questions
Your chicken and hen succulent will need repotting when it starts to get crowded and overspills its container. You should divide the chicks from the mother plant at least every two years to prevent overcrowding.
Chicken and hen succulents prefer sandy, gravelly, well-draining soil. If you are growing your plant indoors, use a succulent or cactus mix. You can also make your own with two parts topsoil, two parts sand, and one part perlite.
First, gently pull the succulent out of its planter. Clean off all the dead leaves and trim the stem. Then, remove any offsets you want to separate by snipping them off near the mother plant and leaving a bit of root. Knock off all the old dirt from the roots. Finally, place the succulent in its new pot and fill in the sides with soil.
Give your newly repotted succulent sufficient water to help it get established. However, once it is established, you should reduce watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings and only water about once a month in the winter.
