Thehens and chicksplant, also called house leek, is amat-forming perennial succulentwith fleshy pointed leaves arranged in rosettes.
Plant hens and chicks in temperate to warm, dry climates and where there’sfull sunto light shade.
The main soil requirement for the plant is that it be well-draining.
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These plants prefer neutral soil.
Water
Hens and chicks aredrought-tolerantperennials that can withstand weeks withoutwatering.
On average, a plant can use one cup every two weeks or sooner in hot weather conditions.
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Check the soil and ensure it is dry before watering.
Additionally, hens and chicks tolerate various humidity levels and are popular in dry climates.
Fertilizer
This ground cover can thrive in poor soils.
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Be careful not to over-fertilize.
arvernense, which features leaves that are covered with velvet-like hairs, andSempervivum tectorum var.
tectorum, with smooth leaves edged with hairs.
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Commercially, there are several cultivars ofS.
They may be lumped together asSempervivumwith no species designation.
However, seeds from hybrid plants may not produce plants that are true to the parents.
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This plant does well in a shallow, well-drained container filled with a cactus/succulent potting mix.
Use a clay pot, which will wick moisture to prevent overwatering.
Overwintering
Hens and chicks survive the winter and don’t require winter cold protection.
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you might also treat the plants withneem oilorinsecticidal soap.
Moist conditions or poor drainage can encourage a variety of fungal leaf spots orroot rot.
The best way to forestall these issues is to keep these plants dry.
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When these rare flowers appear, they will sit on the tip of a vertically elongated stalk.
The flowers will have six to even 12 petals with a daisy-like appearance.
The flower colors range from pinkish to orange, yellow, or white.
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A hens and chicks plant will flower if stressed by overcrowding, extreme light, or temperature shifts.
Flowering doesn’t always occur, which is entirely normal.
A mature plant’s central rosette (the hen) will die after it flowers.
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Offset chicks will continue the colony.
An established colony will live for decades with this constant replacement of rosettes, with or without blooms.
Common Problems With Hens and Chicks
In ideal conditions, hens and chicks are typically carefree plants.
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When problems occur, the plant is often getting too much water.
Paradoxically, this plant is more likely to flower and die if it gets too much water or fertilizer.
When kept in well-drained soil outdoors, perennial hens and chicks return yearly.
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Once a parent hens and chicks plant flowers, it dies.
It delivers seeds in its fruit and makes plentiful offshoots or baby plants to keep the plant going.
The colors of the foliage may not be as intense in partial shade, though.
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The leaves of hens and chicks are entirely edible and can be used in salads and other dishes.
The taste is slightly sour, like an unripe apple.
The common name “house leek” comes from an old English word leac, meaning plant.
These plants are known to literally grow on houses, especially those with slate or stone shingles.
They were sometimes deliberately planted on roofs to hold roof shingles in place.
Sempervivum Diseases, Problems, and Pests.National Gardening Association.
