The Resilient Beauty of Sempervivum Tectorum: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing and Caring for the ‘Common Houseleek’

Leaf texture sempervivum tectorum hen and chicks succulent sempervivum tectorum

Sempervivum tectorum ‘Common Houseleek’ is a popular succulent that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Hens and chicks are called so because of their rosette form and the small plantlets, called chicks, that sprout from the mother plant.

Cold hardy sempervivum tectorum hen and chicks succulent sempervivum tectorum

Sempervivum tectorum ‘Common Houseleek’produces small, star-shaped flowers on tall stalks that can reach up to 12 inches in height. The flowers are typically pink, red, or yellow, and bloom in the summer months.

Flowers sempervivum tectorum hen and chicks succulent sempervivum tectorum

After flowering, this succulent enters a period of decline, as the mother rosette that produced the flower dies(monocarpic). However, Sempervivum tectorum ‘Common Houseleek’ has a unique growth habit, in which new rosettes, or “chicks,” grow from the base of the parent plant. These chicks will eventually take over and replace the parent plant, creating a dense and attractive mat of foliage.

You might also like: Unlocking the Secrets of Monocarpic Succulents: The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Caring for These Unique Plants

Description

Sempervivum tectorum ‘Common Houseleek’ has a rosette form with leaves that grow in a spiral pattern. The leaves are typically green, but they can also have a reddish or brownish tinge, depending on the cultivar. The leaves are thick and fleshy, and they are covered in fine hairs that help the plant retain moisture.

Growing sempervivum tectorum hen and chicks succulent sempervivum tectorum

Hens and chicks are slow-growing plants that can take several years to reach their maximum size. They typically grow up to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter, with the mother rosette reaching up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in height.

Light Requirements of Sempervivum tectorum ‘Common Houseleek’

Sempervivum tectorum ‘Common Houseleek’ prefers bright sunlight and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. However, it is important to acclimate the plant to direct sunlight gradually, especially if it has been grown in a low-light environment. Too much sun can cause the leaves to turn brown or red, and the plant may become stressed.

You might also like: How Much Light Do Succulents Need? A Comprehensive Guide in 12 Parts

Light requirements sempervivum tectorum hen and chicks succulent sempervivum tectorum

Soil Requirements for Sempervivum tectorum ‘Common Houseleek’

Sempervivum tectorum ‘Common Houseleek’ prefer well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. A soil mix that is specifically formulated for succulents or cacti is ideal. The addition of sand or perlite to the soil mix can improve drainage and prevent waterlogging. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings.

You might also like: Succulent Soil: Ultimate Guide & 4 DIY Recipes to Keep Your Succulents Happy and Healthy

Monocarpic sempervivum tectorum hen and chicks succulent sempervivum tectorum

Watering Requirements

Sempervivum tectorum ‘Common Houseleek’ is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require frequent watering. Overwatering can cause root rot and other issues, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. During the growing season, watering once a week is usually sufficient, while in winter, watering can be reduced to once a month.

You might also like: How & When to Water Succulents So They Don’t Die

Watering sempervivum tectorum hen and chicks succulent sempervivum tectorum

How to Propagate Sempervivum tectorum ‘Common Houseleek’

Sempervivum tectorum ‘Common Houseleek’ can be propagated by offsets or plantlets that form around the mother plant. These offsets can be gently pulled from the mother plant and planted in a new pot or directly in the ground. The plantlets can also be left to grow around the mother plant, forming a cluster of rosettes.

You might also like: Propagating Succulents 4 Ways: The Best Guide Ever

Pests and diseases sempervivum tectorum hen and chicks succulent sempervivum tectorum

Hardiness Zones

Sempervivum tectorum ‘Common Houseleek’ is a cold-hardy plant that can survive in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. It can tolerate extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, but it should be protected from prolonged periods of high heat or extreme cold.

You might also like: Succulent Care by Zones

Propagating sempervivum tectorum hen and chicks succulent sempervivum tectorum

Uses

Sempervivum tectorum ‘Common Houseleek’ is a popular succulent that is grown for their attractive rosette form and ease of care. They are often used in rock gardens, succulent gardens, and as ground covers. They can also be grown in pots or containers and used as houseplants.

Sempervivum tectorum ‘Common Houseleek’, or hens and chicks, is a hardy and low-maintenance succulent that is popular for its attractive rosette form and ease of care. With proper light, soil, and watering, hens and chicks can thrive both indoors and outdoors. They are popular in rock gardens, succulent gardens, and as ground covers, and they can be grown in pots or containers as houseplants. As a cold-hardy plant, hens and chicks can survive in a range of temperatures and are a great addition to any succulent collection.