Claire Thompson
If you're looking to keep your hens and chicks—a succulent-like plant that usually grows outdoors—safe during the winter, there are a few options to consider. While these plants are known for their hardiness and ability to withstand harsh weather, bringing them inside during the colder months may be necessary, especially if you want to protect your planters. Here's a guide on how to care for your hens and chicks during the winter, whether you choose to keep them indoors or outdoors.
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What You'll Learn
Place them in a south-facing window to ensure they get enough sunlight
If you want to winter over your hens and chicks inside your house, it is important to place them in a south-facing window to ensure they get enough sunlight. This is because they are succulent-like plants that prefer bright light or full sun. They require up to six hours of sunlight per day.
In general, hens and chicks are incredibly hardy and can easily survive the winter outdoors. They can withstand tough weather conditions and even a blanket of snow will not hurt them. They can be grown in various temperatures but prefer an average climate of between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, if you choose to bring them inside during the winter, they will not go dormant. Their growth will slow down, but they will need plenty of sunlight. If you do not have a south-facing window available, you can supplement the sunlight with a growing light.
It is worth noting that some people have reported issues with hens and chicks when they are brought inside. One person said that their plants died when kept above freezing in the winter. Another said that their plants survived but required "tiny bits of 'tweaking'". If you are unable to provide the necessary sunlight, it may be best to keep your plants outdoors.
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Keep them in an unheated garage with a grow light
If you want to keep your hens and chicks in an unheated garage with a grow light during the winter, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, while these plants are quite hardy and can survive winter outdoors, you may want to protect your planter from freezing temperatures. If you decide to use your garage, ensure it has enough light coming in through windows or provide supplemental lighting with grow lights.
When selecting a grow light, research is essential as they vary significantly in quality. LED grow lights are a popular choice as they are cheap, and you can easily build a closet setup for your plants. You can also insulate your setup with frost cloth and foam panels to retain heat. Additionally, consider purchasing a properly rated heater with temperature control and auto-shutoff safety features.
While hens and chicks can survive winter outdoors, bringing them inside will prevent them from going dormant. If you choose to use grow lights, be aware that they will encourage growth during the plant's resting period. Alternatively, you can leave the lights off and provide slight protection from harsh winter conditions.
If you decide to bring your plants inside, ensure they receive up to six hours of sunlight per day by placing them near a south-facing window. You can also bring them indoors for a few weeks at a time, gradually transitioning them between indoor and outdoor environments to avoid stressing the plants.
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Ensure the soil is barely moist and mist the plants occasionally
If you're planning to winter over your hens and chicks in the house, it's important to remember that they are incredibly tough plants that can survive in poor conditions and harsh weather. They are drought-tolerant perennials that can go for weeks without water, so be careful not to overwater them.
When overwintering your plants, it's crucial to keep the soil barely moist. Check the soil before watering and only water when it is completely dry. This is because hens and chicks prefer dry conditions and are susceptible to rot in overly moist environments. They also tend to attract pests, such as mealybugs and aphids, when grown indoors or in moist conditions. To prevent overwatering, consider using clay pots, which wick moisture away from the roots. Additionally, ensure your pots have good drainage to prevent water from collecting at the bottom, which can be damaging.
In addition to keeping the soil barely moist, you can mist the plants occasionally. This is especially important if you're overwintering your plants indoors, as the dry air can affect them. However, remember that these plants do not require much moisture and can withstand drought-like conditions.
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Do not fertilize in winter
While hens and chicks are hardy plants that can survive winter, there are a few things to keep in mind if you're planning to bring them indoors. Firstly, make sure they still get full sunlight by placing them next to a south-facing window or under a grow light. You can also bring them indoors for a few weeks at a time, but avoid doing so if the temperatures differ drastically, as this can stress the plant.
When it comes to fertilizing, it is recommended to not fertilize hens and chicks during the winter. While they can typically grow in poor soil conditions, they are susceptible to over-fertilization, especially when combined with excessive watering. This can cause the leaves to turn soft and wilt, leading to root rot. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious and avoid fertilizing during their dormant period in winter.
Hens and chicks are resilient plants that can thrive in various temperatures, but they prefer an average climate of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. During winter, they may stop growing and enter a semi-dormant state, especially if kept outdoors. This natural slowing down of growth means they require less nourishment, making fertilization unnecessary.
While they can survive winter outdoors without protection, it is advisable to place them in a sheltered location, especially if they are in pots. This will shield them from extreme temperature fluctuations and strong winds. Alternatively, you can bring them into an unheated garage with a plant light, ensuring they receive adequate light during the colder months.
In summary, when overwintering hens and chicks, it is crucial to avoid fertilizing them. Their growth naturally slows down during winter, and they can be susceptible to root rot if over-fertilized or overwatered. By providing adequate light, shelter, and avoiding drastic temperature changes, your hens and chicks will thrive through the colder months.
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If you live in a cold zone, bring them indoors or place them in a sheltered location
If you live in a cold zone, it is recommended that you bring your hens and chicks plants indoors or place them in a sheltered location. While these plants are hardy and can withstand tough weather conditions, including snow, bringing them inside can prevent the pots from cracking in freezing temperatures.
If you choose to bring your plants inside, place them in a bright, south-facing window where they will receive full sunlight. They will need up to six hours of sunlight per day. You can supplement the natural light with a grow light. Avoid placing the plants in a dark garage with no sunlight. Keep the soil barely moist and mist the plants from time to time to counteract the dry indoor air. Do not fertilize your plants in winter. While hens and chicks do not require a period of dormancy, bringing them inside will slow their growth.
If you choose to leave your plants outdoors, place them in a sheltered location, such as under the eaves of your house or against a wall, to protect them from strong winds and harsh weather. You can also place them in an unheated garage that stays above freezing. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, cover your plants with a blanket of snow to insulate them. Avoid wet winter conditions, as these can introduce rot.
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Frequently asked questions
If you want to keep your outdoor hens and chicks outdoors, place them in a sheltered location, such as under the eaves of your house, to protect them from strong winds and harsh weather. You can also cover them with a burlap sack or a winter weight fabric if temperatures drop below -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you want to bring your hens and chicks inside during the winter, place them next to a south-facing window so they can still get full sunlight. You can also keep them in a cold, windowless garage with a growing or flood light.
Keep the soil barely moist and mist the plants from time to time to combat dry indoor air.
Do not fertilize your hens and chicks during the winter.
