Sempervivum tectorum aka Hen And Chickens

Taxonomy

Sempervivum tectorum, commonly known as the common houseleek, is a mat-forming evergreen succulent. It belongs to the family Crassulaceae and is native to the mountains of southern Europe. However, it is cultivated throughout Europe for its distinctive appearance and its association with a Roman tradition. According to this tradition, the plant has the power to protect buildings against lightning strikes, which is reflected in some of its common names. The plant forms rosettes of fleshy, green leaves that have purple-pink tips and can reach a diameter of 10cm. During the summer, it produces a 20cm tall flowerspike adorned with starry pink flowers. After flowering, the rosettes die, but new offsets are generated on lateral runners to replace them.

Common names

Hen And Chickens, Hens And Chicks, Houseleek

How to care for Hen And Chickens

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Hen And Chickens is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Hen And Chickens does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Hen And Chickens is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Lighting

Hen And Chickens 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 Hen And Chickens will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Hen And Chickens plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

Hen And Chickens prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

Once the Hen And Chickens has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Hen And Chickens’s native range is the Mediterranean.


More info:
Wikipedia