Claire Thompson
If you're looking to grow hen and chick plants in zone 7, there are a few things to keep in mind. These hardy succulents can be grown in the ground or in containers, either outdoors or indoors. When grown in the ground, they can tolerate extremely dry conditions and poor soil. They do best in full sun with good drainage and little fertilizer, and should be watered infrequently. In containers, choose a wide, shallow option with excellent drainage and use potting soil designed for cacti and succulents. Bring containers inside before the first frost in zone 3 or colder, or wrap them in plastic bubble wrap if they're too large to move.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hardiness zone | 6/7 |
| Container type | Wide and shallow |
| Container location | Area that receives a lot of sun outdoors or at least six hours of bright light daily indoors |
| Soil type | Well-drained, gritty, cactus mix, or succulent mix |
| Watering | Only when the top 1 inch of soil is dry |
| Fertilizer | Rarely required; liquid fertilizer diluted by half during spring and summer for potted plants |
| Temperature | 65-75 degrees F (18-24 degrees C) |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Maintenance | Low |
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What You'll Learn
Planting hen and chicks in pots
If you live in zone 7, you can grow hen and chick plants outside in the ground or in pots. They are hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -5 Fahrenheit. They can also be grown as houseplants.
Choosing a Container
You can grow hen and chicks in all sorts of containers, including common materials like terracotta. The container should be shallow and wide, as the succulents have shallow roots. The container should also have good drainage.
Soil
The best soil to use is a cactus soil mix. The soil should be able to drain well, and it should be free-draining with at least 30% grit or sand. You can add sand and grit to a typical container potting mix. Avoid using tap water as it contains too many minerals, which can build up in the soil. Instead, use rainwater or distilled water.
Light
Place the container where the plant will receive plenty of sunlight. They require at least six hours of bright light per day, but not direct light, as this can burn the plants. You can place the container outdoors in the summer, ensuring it still receives around six hours of sun per day.
Watering
Water your hen and chick plants regularly, but only when the soil feels dry about an inch below the surface. When watering, apply a slow, low stream of water around the container, rather than a flush of water. Do not let the soil stay wet, and do not overwater the plants, as this can cause them to rot. Once the plant is healthy and growing, it can handle periods of drought.
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Caring for hen and chicks in winter
Hens and chicks, or Sempervivum, are hardy plants that can easily survive winter in growing zones 3 to 8. They are part of the stonecrop family and can withstand tough weather conditions. You don't need to cover them, and a blanket of snow won't hurt them. Their outer leaves may dry out and die in winter, but this is normal, and the plant does this to protect the inner portion of the rosettes.
If you want to grow hens and chicks in pots, it's recommended to use resin plastic, cement, metal, or wooden planters in zones with freezing temperatures. Some people choose to bring their plants inside during the winter, placing them in a sunny spot by a south-facing window. If you decide to bring them inside, you can supplement the sunlight with a grow light.
For those caring for chickens in cold weather, it's important to provide a coop to protect them from the elements and predators. You can prepare your coop for winter by sealing any holes or cracks that allow airflow and adding insulation to retain heat. When temperatures drop below 35 degrees Fahrenheit, provide supplemental heat at the height of nest boxes or the lower rung of the roost. Use a thermometer to monitor coop temperatures and choose a radiant heat source that won't heat the surrounding air.
Most poultry can maintain their body temperature when the environmental temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. When it's colder, they may show signs of being cold, such as huddling together or puffing their feathers. Smaller breeds may need extra care to stay warm and maintain their body weight. Before winter, inspect your flock for any birds that might struggle in the cold due to old age, low body weight, or poor health.
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Choosing the right soil
Firstly, hen and chick plants thrive in well-drained, sandy or gritty soil. They are shallow-rooted, so they prefer dry, shallow soil to deep, rich soil. Their roots require adequate airflow, and they are susceptible to root rot if their feet remain wet for extended periods. To achieve optimal drainage, you can amend your existing soil with substrates like pumice, perlite, sand, or gravel. These amendments also improve the nutrient content, texture, and structure of the soil.
Secondly, while hen and chick plants are not fussy about the pH level of the soil, they tend to favour dry, sandy soil, which typically has a pH of 7.0 or higher. You can use a soil test kit to determine the pH level and make adjustments if necessary, although this is generally not required unless you notice misshapen leaves and poor growth.
Thirdly, these plants do best in slightly infertile soil. Avoid adding fertilizer unless you know that a specific nutrient is extremely deficient. Over-fertilizing can suppress the coloration of the foliage, so it is best to be cautious. If you do choose to fertilize, opt for a slow-release fertilizer specifically designed for succulents and cacti. A high-quality organic fertilizer, low in nitrogen and containing beneficial soil microbes, will encourage vibrant foliage and improve the overall health of your plants.
Lastly, while hen and chick plants are drought-tolerant and can survive in a range of soil conditions, they are not suited for boggy or frequently watered areas. They require moderate moisture and can be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry thoroughly between watering sessions.
By selecting the right soil and following these guidelines, you can create the optimal environment for your hen and chick plants to thrive and showcase their vibrant, colourful foliage.
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How much sunlight they need
When it comes to sunlight, hen and chick plants are quite demanding. These succulents are native to the mountains of Europe and northern Africa, and they require a good amount of sunlight to thrive. As a general rule, they should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, with 8 hours or more being ideal. However, it's important to note that the amount of sunlight they need can vary depending on the variety you are growing. Larger varieties of hen and chick plants may need up to 10 to 12 hours of direct sunlight, while smaller varieties can get by with 6 to 8 hours.
To ensure your hen and chick plants are getting enough sunlight, pay attention to their location and the direction of the windows. In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing windows provide the most direct sunlight, while east-facing windows offer a gentler morning glow, and west-facing windows can subject plants to intense afternoon rays.
It's crucial to monitor your hen and chick plants regularly for signs of distress caused by too much or too little sunlight. Yellowing leaves can indicate overexposure to sunlight, while pale leaves often signal insufficient light. If you notice black patches on the leaves, that's a sign of sunburn, and you should move your plants to a location with less direct sunlight.
While hen and chick plants enjoy sunlight, they can suffer from sunscald if exposed to intense sunlight during the hottest time of the day. These plants thrive in temperatures between 65 to 75°F, and it's important to ensure they don't get too hot. Additionally, sudden increases in sunlight can induce flowering, so maintaining steady sunlight without dramatic changes is essential if you want to prolong the life of your plant.
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How to divide the chicks from the mother plant
Hens and chicks, also known as Sempervivum tectorum, are succulents that can be grown in a variety of climates, including zone 7. They are characterised by their rosette shape and ability to produce numerous "babies" or "chicks" surrounding the "mother" succulent. These chicks are attached to the mother plant by an underground runner.
To divide the chicks from the mother plant, follow these steps:
- Identify the offsets or chicks: These are the small rosettes huddled around the base of the mother plant.
- Prepare a new container: Fill a small pot or container with well-draining soil. A regular potting mix with added perlite for better drainage and compost for additional nutrients works well.
- Gently separate the chick: Using your hands, carefully separate the chick from the mother plant, being careful not to damage the roots of either plant.
- Allow the chick to rest: Let the separated chick rest for a few days. This gives the cut ends time to callus, which helps prevent root rot.
- Plant the chick: After a few days, plant the chick in its new container, ensuring good contact with the soil. Place the potted chick in a bright location with indirect sunlight and good air circulation. Avoid direct midday sun, as it can be too intense for young plants.
- Water sparingly: Hens and chicks are accustomed to very little water. Water your newly potted chick lightly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Provide appropriate temperature and humidity: These succulents prefer a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius). Keep them away from heating or cooling systems to avoid sudden temperature swings. They can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels and thrive in dry climates.
- Repeat as needed: To prevent overcrowding, it is recommended to divide the chicks from the mother plant at least every two years.
By following these steps, you can successfully separate and propagate the chicks from the mother plant, allowing you to expand your collection of these hardy and charming succulents.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal temperature for hen and chick plants is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius).
The best time to set out hen and chick plants in zone 7 is in the spring, after the last frost.
Water your hen and chick plants only when the top 1 inch of soil is dry. These plants are succulents and are accustomed to very little water.
