Mia Patel
If you're looking to plant hens and chicks, you're in luck—these succulents are easy to grow and require little attention. They are drought-tolerant perennials that can withstand weeks without water and are cold-hardy. They can be grown in a variety of temperatures but prefer an average climate between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are nonchalant about their soil but will grow best in a sandy or gritty mix with good drainage. They can be grown indoors or outdoors and do well in rock gardens or between stepping stones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Hen and Chicks |
| Genus | Sempervivum |
| Species | Sempervivum tectorum |
| Varieties | Sempervivum tectorum var. arvernense, Sempervivum tectorum var. tectorum |
| Soil Requirements | Well-drained, sandy or gravel mix, neutral |
| Watering | Water only when the top 1 inch of soil is dry, once a week |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Temperature | 65-75°F |
| Fertilizer | Slow-release fertilizer designed for succulents or cacti, diluted liquid fertilizer |
| Propagation | Seeds, division |
| Pruning | Not required |
| Pests | Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, whiteflies |
| Container | Wide and shallow |
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What You'll Learn
- Soil: sandy, gritty, well-draining, and neutral
- Watering: water sparingly, only when the top inch of soil is dry
- Fertiliser: use a slow-release fertiliser designed for succulents or cacti
- Temperature: ideal temperature range is 65–75°F; can tolerate freezing temperatures
- Sunlight: full sun for best growth and health
Soil: sandy, gritty, well-draining, and neutral
When it comes to soil, hen and chick plants are remarkably adaptable, but they grow best in sandy, gritty, well-draining, and neutral soil. If your soil is heavy and doesn't drain well, you can improve its drainage by mixing in gravel, pumice, perlite, or sand. These plants can even thrive in poor soils and are known for their tolerance for dry and challenging conditions.
To plant hen and chicks, you'll need a small shovel or hand trowel to dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the plant's roots. Place rocks, gravel, or perlite at the bottom of the hole or planter to aid in drainage. Then, add a mixture of sphagnum peat moss and cactus potting mix, or simply use a cacti and succulent mix. Place the plant so that the crown or center of the main rosette is level with the soil.
If you're growing your hen and chick plants in a container, either outdoors or indoors, choose a wide, shallow container as these plants don't have large root balls but will spread out. The container should also have excellent drainage to prevent root rot, a common issue with these plants.
While hen and chick plants are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without watering, you should still provide sufficient water to newly transplanted plants to help them establish themselves. Once they're established, be careful not to overwater them and only water when the top inch of soil is dry.
In cold weather, hen and chick plants may stop growing and enter a semi-dormant state, so if temperatures drop too low, consider moving them indoors or providing extra protection. They can also tolerate various humidity levels, but in areas of high humidity, they may grow better in indoor containers.
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Watering: water sparingly, only when the top inch of soil is dry
Watering your hen and chicks plant sparingly is essential for its health. These plants are part of the Sempervivum group of succulents, which are known for their tolerance for poor soils and dry conditions. They are native to alpine regions and, therefore, have an impressive ability to withstand harsh conditions.
When it comes to watering, it is crucial to allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering your hen and chicks plant again. This is because they are susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Root rot can cause the plant to wilt and turn soft, and it can be challenging to revive the plant once the roots have rotted. To prevent this, ensure your plant is in well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy and doesn't drain well, you can improve its drainage by adding gravel, pumice, perlite, or sand.
On average, a hen and chicks plant can be watered with one cup of water every two weeks, or sooner if the weather is hot. However, it is important to adjust this frequency based on the dryness of the soil. Always check the soil before watering and only water when the top inch is dry. If you are growing your plant in a container, choose a wide, shallow one to accommodate the plant's spreading nature and ensure this container also has excellent drainage.
During the winter, if you live in an area where temperatures dip below freezing, it is advisable to move your hen and chicks plant indoors. You can place it in a sunny spot and water it as needed, but remember to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. With their resilience and low-maintenance needs, hen and chicks plants make a great addition to any garden or indoor space.
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Fertiliser: use a slow-release fertiliser designed for succulents or cacti
When it comes to fertiliser, it is recommended to use a slow-release fertiliser specifically designed for succulents or cacti. This type of fertiliser is formulated to provide the necessary nutrients for these plants while also being low in nitrogen and including beneficial soil microbes. It is important to remember that hens and chicks plants can be sensitive to over-fertilisation, so it is advisable to follow the product directions and apply the fertiliser sparingly.
If you are growing your hens and chicks in containers, you will need to use a fertiliser more frequently than if they were planted in the ground. In this case, a liquid fertiliser diluted by half can be applied during spring and summer irrigation. This will provide the necessary nutrients without overwhelming the plants.
For those who live in areas with freezing winter temperatures, it is advisable to move your hens and chicks indoors during this time. To provide insulation and protection, you can place the containers with packing peanuts or other materials that can withstand water. Keep them in a garage, basement, or enclosed porch, ensuring that the area still receives some sunlight. Once the danger of frost has passed, you can move your plants outdoors and fertilise them to promote their growth in the warmer months.
When choosing a fertiliser, it is important to consider the specific needs of your hens and chicks plants. While they are known for their tolerance of poor soils and dry conditions, they still require certain nutrients to thrive. A fertiliser designed for succulents or cacti will provide a balance of nutrients that cater to the unique characteristics of these plants.
By following these fertiliser guidelines, you can ensure that your hens and chicks plants receive the necessary nutrients without compromising their health. Remember that these plants are relatively low-maintenance and adaptable, so you can adjust your fertiliser approach as you observe their growth and responses to their environment.
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Temperature: ideal temperature range is 65–75°F; can tolerate freezing temperatures
Hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) is a succulent perennial with excellent cold hardiness. It can be grown in a variety of temperatures but thrives in warm weather with an ideal temperature range of 65–75°F. During cold weather, they stop growing and go into a semi-dormant state. However, they can tolerate freezing temperatures and are quite hardy. In colder zones, it is recommended to plant them in a south-facing direction to maximise their exposure to the sun.
Hens and chicks are drought-tolerant and can withstand weeks without water. They are also adaptable to various soil types but prefer sandy or gritty soil with good drainage. They can be grown in rock gardens, cracks in stone walls, or between stepping stones. They can also be grown in containers, but the containers should be wide and shallow to accommodate their spreading growth habit.
When planting hens and chicks, it is important to ensure that the soil is dry before watering and to avoid overwatering. They can be propagated from seeds or by dividing the "chicks" from the "hen" rosette. Fertiliser is not necessary, but if used, it should be applied sparingly and diluted by half.
Overall, hens and chicks are low-maintenance plants that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and growing conditions. They are easy to care for and can thrive in various locations, making them a popular choice for gardeners.
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Sunlight: full sun for best growth and health
For the best growth and health of your hen and chicks plants, it is recommended that you plant them in full sun. They are succulents that do well in rock gardens, where the heat reflects off the rocks.
When planting, place the crown, or centre, of the main rosette so that it sits level with the soil, as it did in its original pot. Although you can plant them among rocks or a rock wall, they need some room to grow. The plants will spread out to form a mat of rosette clusters, so be sure to give them space to do so. They can spread to at least 2 feet, so avoid placing other plants too close to the hen and chicks, especially if the nearby plants require more water than this drought-tolerant succulent.
If you live in a colder zone, plant your hen and chicks where they will face south or along a south-facing wall to benefit from the extra heat in winter. If you are growing your plants in a container, be sure to bring them indoors before the first frost of winter. Place them in a bright, sunny area, such as a garage, basement, or enclosed porch, and water them as needed. Once there is no more danger of frost, you can move your plants outdoors again.
Hens and chicks are hardy plants that will likely come back year after year, even under less than ideal conditions. They are drought-tolerant and can withstand weeks without watering. They are also tolerant of various humidity levels and are popular in dry climates.
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Frequently asked questions
They thrive in warm weather, ideally between 65°F and 75°F. They can tolerate various humidity levels and are popular in dry climates.
They are not picky about their soil but grow best in a sandy or gravel mix with good drainage. They can even grow in poor soil.
They are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without water. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry. Be careful not to overwater them.
They rarely need fertilizer, but if you do use it, apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in spring at half the recommended amount. Do not fertilize in summer or cold weather.
