Jake Harper
Hens and chicks, also known as houseleeks, are a type of succulent plant. They are a great choice for beginner gardeners as they are easy to care for and can grow in a variety of conditions. They are commonly grown outdoors in Zones 4 to 8, but some varieties can also thrive in Zone 3 and tolerate frosty conditions. Hens and chicks can also be grown indoors as houseplants, and they are especially well-suited for container gardens, rock gardens, and wall crevices. The plants have a unique growth pattern, with a rosette-shaped hen parent plant and multiple small chick offshoots that can be gently separated and replanted to create new colonies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Hens and chicks |
| Scientific name | Sempervivum tectorum |
| Other names | House leek, chicks and hens |
| Plant type | Succulent |
| Plant shape | Rosette |
| Sunlight | Full sun (at least six hours daily) |
| Shade | Tolerates partial shade |
| Temperature | 65–75 °F (18–24 °C) |
| Humidity | Tolerates low and average humidity |
| Soil type | Sandy, gravelly, gritty, well-drained |
| Soil pH | Neutral |
| Fertilizer | Requires little fertilizer |
| Watering | Requires little water |
| Propagation | Divide offsets (chicks) from the parent plant (hen) |
| Containers | Choose wide, shallow containers |
| Pests | Susceptible to mealybugs |
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What You'll Learn
- Hens and chicks are drought-tolerant perennials that can go weeks without water
- They are low-maintenance plants that can be grown in a variety of temperatures and humidity levels
- These plants can be grown from seeds or by dividing the chicks from the mother plant
- Hens and chicks thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they don't require rich soil
- They are popular in rock gardens and wall crevices due to their ability to grow in tight spaces
Hens and chicks are drought-tolerant perennials that can go weeks without water
The name "hens and chicks" refers to the rosette shape at the plant's centre and the smaller growths sprouting from it. The parent rosette is the "hen", and the smaller rosette offshoots or babies growing from it are the "chicks". These plants are part of the Sempervivum group of succulents, commonly called houseleeks. They are easy to care for and can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
When growing in containers, choose a wide, shallow container. The 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. Potting soil designed for cacti and succulents is the best choice for the planting medium.
Hens and chicks can be grown in various temperatures but prefer an average climate of between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate low humidity well and grow better in containers in areas of high humidity. They are hardy plants and will likely return each year, even under less than ideal conditions.
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They are low-maintenance plants that can be grown in a variety of temperatures and humidity levels
Hens and chicks are low-maintenance plants that can be grown in a variety of temperatures and humidity levels. They are succulents, which means they are used to very little water and can go weeks without it once established. They are drought-tolerant perennials that can withstand drought conditions and require minimal care.
They can be grown both indoors and outdoors, in cool or hot temperatures, and are well-suited for rock gardens, wall crevices, and places where other plants struggle. They are commonly called houseleeks and are native to alpine regions, giving them a high tolerance for poor soils and harsh conditions. They grow best in well-drained soil and can even be grown in rock crevasses with very little soil.
The ideal temperature range for hens and chicks is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate lower temperatures but will stop growing and enter a semi-dormant state. They also grow well in average humidity but prefer drier conditions in areas of high humidity. In such cases, they are better suited for indoor containers.
Hens and chicks require full sun, with at least six hours of sunlight daily, and can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hot and dry climates. They are adaptable to different soil types but prefer sandy or gravelly, well-drained soil. They rarely need fertiliser and should only be fertilised in spring, using a diluted amount.
Overall, hens and chicks are resilient plants that can thrive in a range of conditions, making them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners and those seeking low-maintenance plants.
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These plants can be grown from seeds or by dividing the chicks from the mother plant
Hens and chicks are a type of succulent plant that can be grown from seeds or by dividing the chicks from the mother plant. They are easy to care for and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. They are commonly called houseleeks due to their rosette shape, with the mother plant being the "hen" and the smaller offshoots being the "chicks".
To grow hens and chicks from seeds, scatter them on top of potting soil designed for cacti and keep the planting medium moist until they germinate. After germination, sprinkle some fine gravel around the plants to help conserve moisture. Transplant the seedlings into the garden in spring once they reach about 2.5 cm in diameter.
Alternatively, the chicks can be gently pulled off the mother plant and placed in a new location, such as a new pot or rock crevasse. This process is known as propagating the plant. It is recommended to divide the chicks from the mother plant every two years to prevent overcrowding. When dividing the chicks, use a small trowel to transplant them into well-drained soil, creating a shallow hole to spread out their roots.
Hens and chicks thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without watering once established. They are adaptable to various temperatures but prefer an average climate between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In colder temperatures, they will stop growing and enter a semi-dormant state.
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Hens and chicks thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they don't require rich soil
The name "hens and chicks" is derived from the plant's rosette shape at the centre (the "hen") and the smaller growths (the "chicks") that sprout from it. These plants are succulents and are easy to care for, making them a perfect choice for beginner gardeners. They can be grown both indoors and outdoors and are readily available in most nurseries.
Hens and chicks thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They require at least six hours of sunlight daily for optimal foliage coloration and plentiful offsets. They can also grow in partial shade, especially in hot and dry climates. When growing indoors, place them in a location with plenty of bright light. If sunlight is limited, you may need to use supplemental light to prevent loss of colour in the plant.
As for soil, hens and chicks are very adaptable. They grow well in poor, dry soil and do not require rich soil. In fact, they are a popular choice for landscapes with rock gardens, wall crevices, and places where other plants struggle. Their preference is for sandy, gravelly, gritty, or neutral soil. If your soil is heavy and doesn't drain well, you can improve drainage by working gravel, pumice, perlite, or sand into the mixture.
Hens and chicks require very little soil and can even grow in rock crevasses. They are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without watering once established. However, it is important to check the soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering. These plants rarely need fertiliser, and when used, it should be applied sparingly.
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They are popular in rock gardens and wall crevices due to their ability to grow in tight spaces
Hens and chicks are members of the Sempervivum group of succulent plants. They are commonly called houseleeks and can grow well indoors and outdoors, in cool or hot temperatures. They are called so because of the rosette shape of the plant and the habit of the plant to produce numerous babies. They are commonly sold as two species variations: Sempervivum tectorum var. arvernense, which features leaves that are covered with velvet-like hairs, and Sempervivum tectorum var. tectorum, with smooth leaves edged with hairs.
Hens and chicks are popular in rock gardens and wall crevices due to their ability to grow in tight spaces. They are low-maintenance plants that require full sun and well-drained, gritty soil. They can be grown from seeds, and the seedlings need to be misted every few days and grown in a bright sunny window. They need to be transplanted after they have reached an inch in diameter. The mother plant will die off after four to six years and should be removed. The plants produce a flower when mature, and these should be pulled off the plant when they expire. The chicks can be gently pulled off the mother plant and installed in a new location. They require very little soil and can be made to grow in rock crevasses. The ideal temperature for hens and chicks is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hens and chicks are drought-tolerant perennials that can go weeks without water. They can be grown in various temperatures but prefer an average climate between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are tolerant of different humidity levels and are popular in dry climates. They can thrive in poor soils and do not require rich soil to grow. They should be watered rarely as too much moisture can cause the plant to rot and die. They are hardy plants and will likely come back year after year even under less than ideal conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Plant hens and chicks in full sun to light shade, in well-drained soil. They can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot, dry climates. They grow well in sandy or gravelly soil and are drought-tolerant.
Hens and chicks prefer sandy, gravelly, well-drained soil. They can grow in poor soil and do not require rich soil. If your soil is heavy and doesn't drain well, add gravel, pumice, perlite, or sand to increase drainage.
Hens and chicks should be watered rarely as they are used to very little water and can rot and die if overwatered. Check the soil for dryness before watering. On average, they need one cup of water every two weeks or sooner in hot weather.
Yes, hens and chicks can be grown indoors as houseplants. Place them in a container that gives them room to spread and in a location with bright sunlight. They tolerate low and average humidity well but grow better in containers in areas of high humidity.
Yes, their only known weakness is mealybugs. Keep an eye out for them and eliminate them quickly to prevent them from spreading to other plants in your garden.
