Sempervivum care requirements
Quick answer
For Sempervivum, care requirements come down to this: Sempervivum (Spring/Fall type), commonly called 'hens and chicks' after their reproductive behavior, are extremely cold-hardy alpine succulents native to Europe. The mother rosette (hen) produces numerous offsets (chicks) on stolons, forming dense mat-like colonies. Sempervivum can survive temperatures as low as -30°F in their native alpine habitats. Their tight rosette formation and ability to contract in dry conditions helps them survive in rocky, exposed habitats where other plants cannot.
Start here:
- 1. Water sparingly — every 10-14 days during growing season, less in winter
- 2. Plant in 70%+ gritty material for excellent drainage in rock gardens or containers
What care requirements mean for Sempervivum
Sempervivum (Spring/Fall type), commonly called 'hens and chicks' after their reproductive behavior, are extremely cold-hardy alpine succulents native to Europe. The mother rosette (hen) produces numerous offsets (chicks) on stolons, forming dense mat-like colonies. Sempervivum can survive temperatures as low as -30°F in their native alpine habitats. Their tight rosette formation and ability to contract in dry conditions helps them survive in rocky, exposed habitats where other plants cannot.
How to meet Sempervivum care requirements
- 1
Water sparingly — every 10-14 days during growing season, less in winter
- 2
Plant in 70%+ gritty material for excellent drainage in rock gardens or containers
- 3
Allow offsets to root naturally or separate when they have developed their own roots
- 4
Remove dead hen rosettes after flowering to make room for surrounding chicks
- 5
Sempervivum are monocarpic — each rosette dies after flowering but is replaced by many offsets
Keeping Sempervivum in range
Provide full sun to partial shade; ensure excellent drainage; tolerate extreme cold without protection.