Claire Thompson
If you're a fan of succulents, the hen and chicks plant may be the perfect addition to your garden. Also known as the common house leek, this plant is a mat-forming perennial succulent with fleshy, pointed leaves arranged in rosettes. The parent rosette is the hen, and the smaller rosette offshoots that grow from it are the chicks. These plants are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without water, making them ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants. They can be grown from seeds or by dividing the chicks from the mother plant. They require full sun and well-drained, gritty soil, and should be planted in spring after the last spring frost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plant type | Succulent |
| Common names | Hen and chicks, house leek, sempervivum |
| Appearance | Rosette shape with fleshy pointed leaves |
| Colours | Green, red, shades of green with red tips, or intricate cobweb patterns on the tips of the leaves |
| Size | Mother plant can grow to the size of a small plate; chicks can be as small as a dime |
| Temperature | Tolerates freezing temperatures and snow; ideal temperature range is 65–75 °F |
| Sunlight | Requires at least 6 hours of full sun daily; can also grow in partial shade |
| Soil | Well-drained, sandy or gravelly; does not require rich soil |
| Watering | Drought-tolerant; water once every 10–14 days or once every two weeks; water more frequently in hot weather |
| Fertilizer | Requires little to no fertilizer; use a slow-release fertilizer in spring or a balanced liquid fertilizer at 1/4 strength every week or two during the growing season |
| Propagation | Through division or from seed |
| Transplanting | Transplant seedlings when they reach 1 inch in diameter |
| Spacing | Space plants 12–18 inches apart |
| Pests and diseases | Prone to crown or root rot in wet soils, rust (a fungal disease), mealybugs, and aphids |
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What You'll Learn
Hens and chicks can be grown from seed or offsets
The "'hen" is the parent rosette, and the "chicks" are the smaller rosette offshoots or babies that grow from it. The mother rosette (or hen) multiplies freely by runners that spread in all directions to form offsets (or chicks). The chicks can be gently pulled off the mother plant and installed in a new location. This is called propagation.
Alternatively, you can purchase seeds online and sprinkle them on top of pots filled with cactus/succulent potting mix. Lightly moisten the mix and place the pot in a warm, bright location. The seeds should sprout within three weeks. After germination, sprinkle some fine gravel around the plants to help conserve moisture.
If you want to grow hens and chicks from offsets, use a small trowel to transplant the offsets into well-drained soil, creating a shallow hole to spread out the roots. Lightly moisten the soil, but do not continue watering daily. Water only when the planting medium is dry.
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They require full sun and well-drained soil
Hens and chicks, also known as house leek, are drought-tolerant perennials that can withstand weeks without water. They are versatile and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. These plants require full sun and well-drained, gritty soil. They can be grown in partial shade, especially in hot, dry climates, but too much shade will result in poor colouring and spindly growth.
Hens and chicks should be planted in a location that receives at least six hours of full sun daily for optimal foliage coloration and plentiful offsets. They can be grown in a variety of temperatures but prefer an average climate of between 65°F to 75°F. In cold weather, they stop growing and enter a semi-dormant state. They can handle freezing temperatures, and snow can insulate them from cold air and wind.
The soil for hens and chicks should be well-drained, lean, and sandy with a neutral pH between 6.5 and 7.5. They can grow in poor soil and do not require rich soil. If your soil is heavy and doesn't drain well, you can improve its drainage by adding gravel, pumice, perlite, sand, or construction sand. You can also use a potting mix specifically formulated for cacti and succulents, which tends to be grittier.
When transplanting hens and chicks, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and position the plant at the same soil line as it was in its container. Backfill with soil, gently press down, and water the plant. Space multiple plants at least 12-18 inches apart as they will spread over time.
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Water them rarely, and only when the soil is dry
As succulents, hen and chick plants are used to very little water and can withstand weeks without it. They are drought-tolerant perennials that can even survive freezing temperatures. In fact, snow can insulate them from cold air and wind.
When you do water your hen and chick plants, make sure the soil is completely dry. They prefer dry conditions and can quickly rot and die if they get too much water. They are well-suited to rock gardens, wall crevices, and places where other plants struggle. They can even grow in rock crevices and require very little soil.
If you're growing your hen and chick plants in a container, the best potting medium is a mix formulated for succulents and cacti. You can also make your own with two parts topsoil, two parts sand, and one part perlite.
If you're planting them in the ground, they will grow best in sandy or gravelly, well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy and doesn't drain well, work some gravel, pumice, perlite, or sand into the mixture to increase aeration and drainage.
Once your hen and chick plants are established, you only need to water them about once every two weeks or less, depending on the temperature and humidity. They are very low-maintenance plants and are a great choice for gardeners with busy lifestyles.
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They can be grown in a variety of temperatures and humidity levels
Hen and chicks plants are a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels, as they can be grown in a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels. These hardy perennials are known for their ability to adapt to different conditions and are especially popular in dry climates.
When it comes to temperature, hen and chicks plants can withstand a range of climates. They grow best in average temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they can also tolerate freezing temperatures, with snow even providing insulation from cold air and wind. If temperatures drop too low, they will not die but will enter a semi-dormant state and stop growing until the temperature rises again.
In terms of humidity, hen and chicks plants are quite versatile. They can tolerate low to average humidity levels without any issues. In areas of high humidity, they may be more comfortable in indoor containers, where the humidity is more controlled and kept at an average level.
Hen and chicks plants are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without watering once they are established. In warm and dry climates, they benefit from watering about once a week. However, it is important to avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can lead to root rot and other issues.
These plants are known for their easy-care nature and can thrive in poor soils and challenging conditions. They prefer well-drained soil and can grow in sandy or gravelly mixtures. Whether in the ground or in containers, hen and chicks plants are adaptable and can be successfully grown across a range of temperatures and humidity levels.
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They can be propagated by dividing the chicks from the hen
The "hen" in a hen and chicks plant is the parent rosette, while the "chicks" are the smaller rosette offshoots or babies that grow from the parent. These offshoots can be separated from the mother plant at any time, but it is best to do so when the plant begins to outgrow its container or space. Dividing the plant helps it fit in its space and stay healthy.
To divide the chicks from the hen, use a small trowel to dig up the plant and its roots. Then, snip the root that runs between the mother plant and the chick, preserving the roots of each if possible. Next, transplant the chick into a new location with well-drained soil, creating a shallow hole to spread out the roots.
The best time of year to divide a hen and chick plant is in the summer before it enters a heavier fall growth period. It is also recommended to divide the chicks from the hen at least every two years to prevent overcrowding.
When propagating the plant, it is best to take rosettes that have already formed some roots rather than the youngest chicks, as these will have the most success. Additionally, when taking cuttings from the plant, it is best to cut through the edge of the rosette with a sharp, clean knife, severing where it joins the parent plant. Allow the cutting to form a callus in a dry, sheltered spot for a few days before transplanting it into a new container or the ground.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal temperature range for hen and chicks is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be grown in full sun (at least six hours daily) and sandy or well-drained soil.
Hen and chick plants are succulents and are accustomed to very little water. Water them rarely and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Hen and chick plants rarely need fertilizer. If you do use fertilizer, a slow-release fertilizer designed for succulents or cacti that is low in nitrogen is recommended.
The easiest way to propagate hen and chick plants is through division. Offsets, known as "chicks", can be separated from the mother plant at any time. Snip the root that connects the two and transplant the offset to a new location.
Hen and chick plants are susceptible to crown or root rot in wet soils. They are also susceptible to rust, a fungal disease, if there is too much moisture. Pests such as mealybugs or aphids may also be an issue, especially for indoor plants.
