Jake Harper
Whether you should bring hens and chicks indoors during the winter depends on the variety of the plant and the temperature outdoors. Some varieties of hens and chicks are winter hardy, while others are not. If the temperature is too cold, the plants may not survive. In such cases, it is recommended to bring them indoors or keep them in an unheated garage or shop. If you do bring them inside, they will not go dormant and will need up to 6 hours of sunlight per day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you bring hens and chicks inside during the winter? | This is an option, but it is not necessary. |
| What to do if you bring them inside | Place them next to a south-facing window so they get full sunlight. Alternatively, use a growing/flood light. |
| How long can they stay inside? | They can stay inside for a few weeks at a time, but they should not be moved between drastically different temperatures, as this could kill them. |
| What happens if they stay inside? | The plant will not go dormant, but its growth will slow. Do not fertilize the plant during this period. |
| What if they are left outside? | If left outside, they should be placed in a protected area, such as under the eaves of a house, out of direct weather. |
| What type of planters should be avoided in winter? | Clay or terracotta planters, as they do not hold up well in freezing temperatures. |
| What type of planters are recommended in freezing temperatures? | Resin plastic, cement, metal, or wooden planters. |
| What temperature can hens and chicks survive in? | They can survive in growing zones 3 to 8, which includes temperatures down to below -20. |
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Plant hardiness
The hardiness of a plant refers to its ability to withstand adverse environmental conditions, particularly cold temperatures. This is often measured using a hardiness zone, a geographic area defined by its average annual minimum temperature. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed the original and most widely used system, defining 13 zones by long-term average annual extreme minimum temperatures. The USDA map has been adapted by and to other countries, such as Canada. The hardiness scales do not account for snow cover, which can act as an insulator, protecting plant root systems. Therefore, in places with reliable snow cover, it may be possible to cultivate plants rated for warmer zones.
The USDA hardiness zones provide a rough guide for gardeners and growers to determine which perennial plants are likely to thrive in a given location. The zones are displayed as 10-degree Fahrenheit increments, with half-zones in 5-degree increments. The USDA updates its plant hardiness map periodically to reflect changes in climatic conditions, with the most recent update in 2023 based on 1991-2020 weather data. This update reflected a continued warming trend in the United States, with hardiness zones moving northward.
To determine the plant hardiness zone for a specific location, individuals can refer to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map by entering their zip code or clicking on the map. This map is interactive and provides detailed information on the hardiness zones across the United States. Additionally, alternative systems for describing plant hardiness exist, such as using "indicator plants" with known range limits or climate classification systems like the Köppen system.
When considering the hardiness of specific plants, such as hens and chicks, gardeners can refer to the plant's hardiness zone rating. For example, hens and chicks are hardy to zones 3 to 8, indicating that they can typically survive without special care during winter in these zones. However, in colder zones, such as 3, temperatures below -30 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit may cause damage. Gardeners can also choose to bring their plants indoors during the winter, but this may disrupt the plant's dormancy and require supplemental sunlight or grow lights.
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Container type
If you want to keep your hens and chicks in containers during the winter, you have a few options. Firstly, it's important to note that hens and chicks are hardy plants that can survive winter temperatures in many regions. They are low-maintenance and can tolerate drought conditions, so you may not need to take any special action. However, if you're concerned about the cold, you can consider the following:
If your hens and chicks are already in containers, you can simply bury the pots in the soil of a garden during the winter. This will help protect the roots from extreme cold. However, if your containers are made of terracotta or clay, be aware that these materials may not withstand freezing temperatures and could break. In this case, you may want to transfer your plants to more durable containers such as those made of resin plastic, cement, metal, or wood.
Alternatively, you can bring your hens and chicks containers inside during the winter. If you choose this option, place the plants near a south-facing window to ensure they receive adequate sunlight. You can also supplement natural light with a growing light. Keep in mind that bringing the plants indoors will prevent them from going dormant, and they will continue to grow, albeit at a slower pace. If you decide to bring them inside, avoid placing them in a garage with no sunlight, as this will not provide the necessary light conditions for their growth.
When choosing containers for your hens and chicks, it's important to select ones with excellent drainage. Hens and chicks prefer well-drained soil and can even thrive in sandy or gritty soils. Ensure the containers have sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the roots.
Overall, while hens and chicks are hardy plants that can withstand a range of temperatures, taking these container-specific considerations into account will help ensure their survival during the winter months.
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Indoor vs. outdoor
Whether you should bring hens and chicks inside or leave them outdoors during the winter depends on the variety of the plant, the winter conditions in your region, and the type of planter you're using.
Some varieties of hens and chicks are winter hardy and can survive outdoors in freezing temperatures, even under a thick blanket of snow. However, if your plants are not winter hardy, you may need to bring them inside or take extra precautions to protect them from the cold. Clay or terracotta planters, for example, can break apart when they freeze, so if you're in a freezing climate and want to keep your plants outdoors, it's recommended to use resin plastic, cement, metal, or wooden planters. You can also place the planters in a protected area, such as under the eaves of your house and out of direct weather.
If you're unsure about the hardiness of your hens and chicks or if you want to protect your planters, you can bring them inside during the winter. Just make sure they still get full sunlight, placing them next to a south-facing window or under a grow light. However, bringing your plants indoors will prevent them from going dormant, and they will continue to grow, albeit at a slower pace. Additionally, be aware that moving plants between indoor and outdoor environments can be stressful for them, so only do so if the temperature difference is not too drastic.
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Sunlight requirements
If you decide to bring your hens and chicks inside during the winter, it is important to ensure that they still receive full sunlight. Place them next to a south-facing window, where they will receive the most sunlight during the winter. You can also supplement the natural light with a grow light. The plant will need up to six hours of sunlight per day.
If you choose to keep your hens and chicks outside during the winter, they can survive the cold weather and even seem happy under a thick blanket of snow. However, if you experience extremely cold temperatures, you may want to consider moving your plants to a more protected area, such as under the eaves of your house or next to the house, out of direct weather.
If you don't want to bring your plants inside but are concerned about freezing temperatures, you can move them to an unheated garage. In this case, you will need to provide supplemental light, as a garage without windows will not provide enough sunlight.
It is worth noting that bringing your hens and chicks indoors during the winter will disrupt their natural growth cycle, as they typically enter a resting phase during this time. If you do bring them inside, avoid fertilizing them, and be sure to gradually transition them back outside in the spring, as sudden temperature changes can stress the plants.
Overall, while you can bring your hens and chicks inside during the winter, it is not necessary unless you want to protect your planters. These plants are generally hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures, so providing adequate sunlight and protection from extreme weather will usually be sufficient.
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Soil moisture
Hens and chicks are hardy plants that can survive in a variety of conditions. They are drought-tolerant perennials that can go for weeks without water once established. However, it is still important to ensure that the soil is completely dry before watering them. They prefer sandy, gravelly, well-drained soil, which allows excess water to escape quickly. Heavy or compact soils that retain moisture for extended periods can lead to root rot and hinder the plant's growth.
When growing hens and chicks in containers, it is crucial to ensure proper drainage in both the container and the soil. A wide, shallow container is recommended, as the plant has shallow roots and will spread over time. The best potting medium is a mix formulated for succulents and cacti, which can be purchased as an organic mix. This mix should be moist, but not wet, to provide the optimal environment for seed germination.
During the winter, it is essential to reduce watering as the plants enter a semi-dormant state. In cold weather, they stop growing and require less frequent watering, especially in cooler temperatures or high-humidity environments. While they can withstand temperatures as low as 40°F, prolonged exposure to freezing conditions should be avoided to prevent harm or rot.
If you choose to bring your hens and chicks plants indoors during the winter, they will not go fully dormant. They will still require up to six hours of sunlight per day, so placing them near a south-facing window or under a grow light is recommended. However, bringing them indoors for a few weeks and then returning them outdoors is not advised if the temperatures differ drastically, as it can put too much stress on the plants.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the variety of hens and chicks you have, as some are winter hardy and some are not. If you live in a place with harsh winters, you may want to bring them inside as a backup plan. If you do bring them indoors, they will need up to 6 hours of sunlight per day, so a south-facing window is best.
If you decide to keep your hens and chicks outdoors, place them in a protected area, like under the eaves of your house, to shield them from the direct weather. They can also be kept in an unheated garage or shop.
If you bring your hens and chicks indoors, water them very infrequently—about once every 4-6 weeks. If they are outdoors, make sure their containers have good drainage holes to prevent them from drowning in rainwater.
