Emily Carter
Hens and chicks plants (Sempervivum spp.) are popular with gardeners looking for a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plant. They are succulents that can be grown outdoors or indoors, in containers or in the ground. They are very adaptable and can be grown in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and in different types of soil as long as it is well-draining. Overwatering is the most common issue with these plants, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. They are also very cold-hardy and can withstand temperature drops to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light, at least six hours of bright light or full sun daily |
| Temperature | Tolerant of temperature drops to 30°F; ideal temperature range of 65-75°F |
| Soil | Well-draining, gravelly, sandy, rocky, gritty, poor soil; small amount of soil required |
| Watering | Allow the plant to dry out fully between waterings; drought-tolerant; water only when the top 1 inch of soil is dry |
| Fertilizer | Little to no fertilizer required |
| Container | Wide, shallow container made of clay or terracotta; well-draining |
| Pests | Resistant to pests |
| Location | Rock garden, doorstep planters, yards, along pathways, in the cracks in stone walls, between garden stepping stones |
| Maintenance | Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, cold-hardy, adaptable |
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What You'll Learn
Hens and chicks are drought-tolerant and require minimal care
These plants are adaptable and can be grown in a variety of containers or crevices. They require minimal soil and can be made to grow in rock crevasses. They do best in sandy, well-drained soil but will grow in poor, rocky soil as well. They require very little water and can go weeks without it. In fact, overwatering is the most common issue with these plants, as they are so drought-tolerant that it is nearly impossible to underwater them. If you notice the leaves have a mushy texture or are becoming transparent, that's a sign you are giving the plant too much water.
Hens and chicks are also resistant to pests because their leaves are so tough. They are slow-growing and don't need frequent repotting. They are commonly called houseleeks because of the rosette shape and the habit of the plant to produce numerous "babies". The mother rosette (or hen) multiplies freely by runners that spread in all directions to form offsets (or chicks).
Hens and chicks plants are long-lasting and can live for up to six years. They are monocarpic, meaning they die after they flower, which usually occurs in the summertime. The plant will shoot up a stalk from its center with small pink flowers. After the mother plant dies, the chicks can be divided and replanted.
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They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil
Hens and chicks are low-maintenance plants that can thrive outdoors with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without water. In fact, it is almost impossible to underwater them, but they are susceptible to overwatering. If you notice the leaves have a mushy texture or are becoming transparent, this is a sign that you are giving the plant too much water.
These plants are native to arid climates and rocky areas with little soil, so they will thrive in similar conditions in your garden. They require very little soil and can be made to grow in rock crevasses. They will also grow well in sandy, poor soil, as long as it is well-drained. You can use a succulent or cactus potting mix, or make your own by combining three parts regular potting mix with two parts coarse sand and one part perlite. If you are planting them in the ground, you can improve the drainage of the soil by amending it with sand or gravel.
Hens and chicks will also do well in containers, which can be placed outdoors. Choose a wide, shallow container, as these plants have small root balls that will spread out. The container should also have good drainage. Clay pots are a good option, as they will wick moisture and prevent overwatering. You can also use basic terracotta pots or get creative with driftwood, repurposed metal objects, or homemade hypertufa planters.
These plants are very adaptable and will thrive with full sun exposure. They require at least six hours of bright light daily and will achieve optimal foliage coloration with full sun exposure. They can also grow in partial shade, especially in very hot and dry climates.
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They can be grown in shallow pots, crevices, or rock gardens
Hens and chicks are members of the Sempervivum group of succulent plants. They are commonly called houseleeks and can be grown outdoors and indoors in cool or hot temperatures. They are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without water. They require very little soil and can be grown in shallow pots, crevices, or rock gardens.
When growing hens and chicks in containers, choose a wide, shallow container. This plant doesn't have a large root ball but will spread. Excellent drainage is critical, both in the container and the soil that fills it. Locate the container in an area that receives a lot of sun outdoors or at least six hours of bright light daily.
Hens and chicks can be grown in crevices with the right soil and care. They need little water and soil, but their container must have a way to drain. They can be grown in unique containers, such as driftwood, repurposed metal objects, homemade hypertufa planters, or on vertical planting walls.
Hens and chicks can be grown in rock gardens, in the cracks in stone walls, or between garden stepping stones. They thrive in rocky areas with little soil. They also work well as ground cover, so you can replace your lawn with a combination of hens and chicks or creeping sedum.
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They are low-maintenance and can be left to thrive on neglect
Hens and chicks plants are low-maintenance and can be left to thrive with minimal care. They are drought-tolerant and can go for weeks without water, making them ideal for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance plant. Their resilience is such that they can even thrive on neglect.
These plants are native to arid climates and rocky areas with little soil, so they require very little soil themselves and can be grown in shallow pots or even rock crevices. They are well-suited to sandy, poor soil, as long as it is well-draining. In fact, they thrive in dry, nutrient-challenged locations. Their shallow roots mean they do not require deep pots, and they can be grown in basic terracotta pots or even in unique containers such as driftwood or metal objects.
Hens and chicks are also very cold-hardy and can withstand temperature drops to as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for outdoor gardens in cold climates. They do well in full sun but can also grow in partial shade, especially in hot, dry climates. They are adaptable and will survive in a variety of conditions, from well-tended gardens to arid climates and rocky areas.
While they can survive with little water, it is important to note that overwatering is the most common issue with these plants. They should be allowed to dry out fully between waterings, and if overwatered, they should be left to dry out naturally. Their leaves will become mushy or transparent if they are given too much water.
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They are susceptible to overwatering and root rot
Hens and chicks plants are susceptible to overwatering and root rot. The most common issue with these plants is overwatering, which can result in drowning the plant. If you notice that the leaves have a mushy texture or are becoming transparent, this is a sign that you are giving the plant too much water. The main sign of a waterlogged succulent is swollen and mushy leaves. If the leaves appear swollen or have become mushy, this is a sign of overwatering.
To prevent overwatering, allow your hens and chicks plants to dry out fully between waterings. These plants are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without water. They can also withstand temperature drops to 30 degrees, making it possible to keep them outdoors even in cold climates.
If your plant is overwatered, skip the next scheduled watering session and let it dry out naturally. If overwatering is a regular occurrence, your soil may need improved drainage. Amend it with sand or gravel to help prevent rotting and create a better growing environment for your plants. Choose a location with better-draining soil to plant in the spring.
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