Light
Full sun brings out the best color. In very hot, sunny spots a little afternoon shade helps.
Water
Outdoors in the ground, rain is often enough. In pots, water when the mix is completely dry. Wet soil in winter is the real danger, not cold.
Soil & pots
Very gritty and fast-draining. They thrive in rock gardens, wall crevices, troughs and shallow pots. Avoid heavy clay that stays wet.
Temperature
Cold-hardy and happy outdoors through winter. These are outdoor plants. Without strong sun, the rosettes stretch and lose their color.
Is hens and chicks safe for pets?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists hens and chicks as non-toxic, though eating any plant can still cause a mild upset stomach.
Propagation
Hens and chicks propagate themselves. Each hen sends out runners with chicks on the ends; just move the chicks.
- Pick a chick, ideally one with a few roots of its own.
- Snip the runner close to the chick.
- Press it into gritty mix where you want it.
- Keep it barely moist and out of harsh sun for a few weeks while it roots.
Common problems
FAQ
Are hens and chicks safe for pets?
The ASPCA lists hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) as non-toxic to pets. Eating any plant can still cause a mild upset stomach.
Why did my hen die after flowering?
Each rosette flowers once, then dies. The chicks it made carry on, so the clump survives.
Can hens and chicks survive winter outdoors?
Yes. They're hardy to USDA zone 3. Good drainage matters more than cold, so keep them out of soggy soil.
Sources
- Sempervivum tectorum L.: Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Sempervivum tectorum: Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder
- Sempervivum tectorum: North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- How to grow sempervivum: RHS
- Do You Know Which Flowers and Plants are Toxic to Pets? Our Experts Explain: ASPCA
- Perennial Ground Covers for Sunny Gardens: SDSU Extension