Sempervivum montanum aka Mountain Houseleek

Taxonomy

Common names

Mountain Houseleek, Mountain House Leek

How to care for Mountain Houseleek

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Mountain Houseleek due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Mountain Houseleek does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To ensure the health of your Mountain Houseleek, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Mountain Houseleek thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Mountain Houseleek.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Mountain Houseleek to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

Mountain Houseleek prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Mountain Houseleek is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Mountain Houseleek’s native range is the Mediterranean.


More info:
Wikipedia