Emily Carter
Hens and chicks, also known as house leeks, are a group of small, low-maintenance succulent plants. They are native to southern Europe and northern Africa and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. The name hens and chicks refers to the plant's unique growth pattern, with the 'hen' being the parent plant and the 'chicks' being the smaller offshoots that grow from it. These plants are popular due to their interesting appearance, hardiness, and ability to thrive in various conditions, including poor soil and dry climates. They are commonly grown in rock gardens or containers with well-drained, rocky soil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Hen and chicks, hen-and-chicken, hen-widdies |
| Scientific Name | Sempervivum, Jovibarba |
| Group | Succulent plants |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Native Region | Southern Europe, Northern Africa |
| Growth Pattern | Rosette-shaped, mat-forming |
| Soil Requirement | Well-drained, gritty, sandy, gravelly, rocky |
| Watering | Deep but infrequent, dry conditions |
| Sunlight | Full sun, partial shade |
| Fertilizer | Low-nitrogen fertilizer, diluted liquid fertilizer |
| Temperature | 65–75 °F (18–24 °C) |
| Propagation | Offsets, seeds |
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What You'll Learn
Common names and species
The common name "hen and chicks" refers to several unrelated groups of plants that reproduce by means of plantlets. These plantlets, or "chicks", are produced by the mother plant, or "hen", and take root on touching the ground.
The name "hen and chicks" is commonly used for ground-hugging species of Sempervivum (houseleeks), such as Sempervivum 'Pekinese', S. arachnoideum (cobweb houseleek), and S. tectorum (common houseleek). The name Sempervivum means "always alive", reflecting the plant's resilient nature. These plants are native to alpine habitats and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including poor soil, drought, and deep freezes. They are characterised by their rosette-shaped growth, with the "'hen' being the larger, central rosette" and the "'chicks' being the smaller offshoots that cluster around it". The rosettes range from 0.25" to 10" in diameter and can form dense mats. The leaves are fleshy and pointed, and may be embellished with delicate white hairs at their tips. The colours of Sempervivum plants can vary significantly, with shades of green, red, blue, purple, and bronze.
The name "hen and chicks" is also used for some species of Echeveria, Sedum, and Bergenia. These plants differ significantly from Sempervivum and Jovibarba and may require different cultivation and care. For example, Echeveria and Sedum plants differ in the form in which their flowers bloom, with Sempervivum flowers blooming from the centre of the rosette.
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Propagation and reproduction
The name "hen and chicks" refers to the tendency of certain species to reproduce vegetatively by means of plantlets. These tiny plants, or "chicks", are produced by the "hen", or mother plant, and take root on touching the ground. The chicks start as buds on the main plant and soon sprout their own roots, taking residence close to the mother plant. The chicks can be gently pulled off the mother plant and installed in a new location. The mother plant will die off after four to six years and should be removed.
Hens and chicks plants can be grown from seeds, but this can be a slow process. Seeds are sown in a cactus mix and misted until damp, then kept in a warm room until germination. After germination, some fine gravel is sprinkled around the plants to help conserve moisture. Seedlings will need to be misted every few days and grown in a bright sunny window. Transplant them after they have reached an inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Seeds from hybrid plants may not produce plants that are true to the parents.
To propagate a hens and chicks plant, split the offsets (the "chicks") from the parent plant (the "hen"), preserving the roots of each if possible. Using a small trowel, transplant the offsets into well-drained soil, creating a shallow hole to spread out the roots. Replace the soil with the plant's crown and gently compact it around the roots. You can give the offset a light watering, but let the new plant dry out between waterings. Under ideal conditions, plants will spread on their own.
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Soil and fertiliser requirements
Hens and chicks are unfussy about their soil and will grow well in sandy or gritty, well-drained soil. They can even grow in rock crevices. The soil should be dry, as they are sensitive to wet soil, which can cause rot. If your soil is heavy and doesn't drain well, you can work gravel, pumice, perlite, vermiculite or sand into the mixture to increase aeration and drainage. They prefer a neutral pH of between 6.5 and 7.5.
When planting, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and position the plant at the same soil line as it was in its container. Backfill with soil and press down gently before watering. Space multiple plants at least 12-18 inches apart.
Hens and chicks rarely need fertiliser. They can even thrive in poor soil. If you wish to fertilise them, apply a slow-release granular fertiliser designed for cacti or succulents, that is low in nitrogen and includes beneficial soil microbes. Alternatively, apply a balanced, all-purpose fertiliser in spring at half the specified quantity. Potted plants will need more fertiliser than those in the ground. A liquid fertiliser diluted by half should be watered in during spring and summer irrigation.
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Watering and temperature preferences
Hens and chicks are drought-tolerant perennials that can go for weeks without water once established. They are native to the Mediterranean and are accustomed to very little water. They should be watered sparingly and only when the soil is completely dry. In dry, warm climates, they benefit from one watering per week. On average, a plant can use one cup of water every two weeks or sooner in hot weather conditions. When the small plants (chicks) are transplanted, they should be given a light watering, but they should be allowed to dry out between waterings.
Hens and chicks can be grown in various temperatures but prefer an average climate between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be grown in cool or hot temperatures and will become semi-dormant in cold weather, ceasing to grow. They can be grown outdoors in Zones 4 to 8 and some varieties will grow in Zone 3, tolerating chilly and frosty conditions. They can also be grown indoors as houseplants in any zone.
Hens and chicks should be placed in bright light or full sun unless the climate is very hot and dry, in which case they should be in light shade. They require at least six hours of bright light or full sun daily, which will lead to optimal foliage coloration and plentiful offsets. They do not tolerate low light.
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Growth patterns and characteristics
The common name "hen and chicks" is given to a group of small, drought-tolerant, succulent plants that grow close to the ground with leaves formed around each other in a rosette. The "hen" is the main, or mother, plant, and the "chicks" are the offspring that start as tiny buds on the main plant and soon sprout their own roots, taking up residence close to the mother plant. The chicks can be gently pulled off the mother plant and installed in a new location.
Hen and chick plants are native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean islands, and northern Africa, and can be grown in various temperatures, though they prefer an average climate between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate high temperatures or full sun, but preferably not both at the same time. Morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal in most climates. They can also withstand low temperatures, but will stop growing and go into a semi-dormant state. They can be grown outdoors or indoors, in cool or hot temperatures.
Hen and chick plants require very little soil and can be made to grow in rock crevices or rock gardens. They prefer sandy, gravelly, gritty, and well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds, but this can be challenging, so it is recommended to start with a mature plant and grow new plants from its offsets. They can be propagated by digging up the offset chicks and transplanting them into well-drained soil, creating a shallow hole to spread out the roots. The new plant should be watered lightly, but it is important to let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot and ensure healthy growth.
Hen and chick plants can spread up to three feet when forming a colony with its lateral rooting system. They produce a flower when mature, and the parent plant dies after flowering, leaving behind seeds for reproduction. The plants can be grown in full sun to light shade, and they are popular in dry climates. They are low-maintenance plants that can thrive in poor soils, and they can go long periods without water.
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Frequently asked questions
Hen and chick plants, scientifically known as Sempervivum, are a group of small, drought-tolerant succulent plants native to southern Europe and northern Africa. They are characterised by their rosette-shaped growth habit, with the "'hen" representing the larger, central rosette and the "chicks" referring to the smaller offshoots or offsets that cluster around the hen.
The "'hen" is the main, or mother, plant, and the "'chicks" are a flock of offspring, which start as tiny buds on the main plant and soon sprout their own roots, taking up residence close to the mother plant. The chicks can be gently pulled off the mother plant and installed in a new location.
Popular varieties include Sempervivum tectorum, also known as Common Houseleek, which features rosettes with fleshy, pointed leaves in shades of green or reddish tones. Another variety is Sempervivum arachnoideum, or Cobweb Houseleek, with leaves covered in fine white hairs resembling cobwebs.
