Sempervivum calcareum aka Red Tipped Houseleek
Taxonomy ID: 3892
Sempervivum calcareum, also known as the houseleek or hen-and-chicks plant, is a succulent perennial native to the southern Alps in Europe. Belonging to the Sempervivum plant genus and Crassulaceae family, it is a popular ornamental garden plant that thrives in well-drained spots with full sun, such as rockeries. This evergreen plant forms rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves that store water, typically green in color with reddish-purple tips. It reproduces through asexual budding and monocarpic sexual reproduction. In summer, it produces pale green, sticky flowers in clusters on long stems. Some notable cultivars, such as 'Extra', 'Guillaumes', and 'Sir William Lawrence', have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Overall, Sempervivum calcareum is a visually appealing plant with spirally arranged leaves and a dome-shaped appearance, gradually forming a dense mat of offsets around the central mother plant.
Common names
Red Tipped Houseleek, Limestone Houseleek, Lakshmi Kamal, HouseleekMore information about Red Tipped Houseleek
How difficult is it to take care of Red Tipped Houseleek
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Red Tipped Houseleek, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
What is the region of origin of Red Tipped Houseleek
Red Tipped Houseleek’s native range is the Mediterranean.
What are the water needs for Red Tipped Houseleek
Red Tipped Houseleek does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
What is the right soil for Red Tipped Houseleek
The Red Tipped Houseleek is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.
What is the sunlight requirement for Red Tipped Houseleek
Red Tipped Houseleek requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Houseleek will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
What's the right humidity for Red Tipped Houseleek
Red Tipped Houseleek thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.
How to fertilize Red Tipped Houseleek
The Red Tipped Houseleek should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Is Red Tipped Houseleek toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
What seasonal care does Red Tipped Houseleek need?
During the wintertime, it is common for Red Tipped Houseleek plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Sempervivum Genus
Sempervivum calcareum Red Tipped Houseleek
Sempervivum ruthenicum
Sempervivum ciliosum Teneriffe Houseleek
Sempervivum globiferum hirtum Sempervivum Globiferum Subsp. Hirtum
Sempervivum Houseleek
Sempervivum montanum burnatii Sempervivum Montanum Subsp. Burnatti
Sempervivum arachnoideum Cob Webbed Houseleek
Sempervivum heuffelii Hen And Chickens
