Gardeners, are you looking for a truly unique addition to your houseleek plant collection?  Look no further than Sempervivum 'Ruby heart'! Along with Sempervivum tectorum, Sempervivum calcareum, Sempervivum rojo, Sempervivum arachnoideum, and houseleek plants, it is also known as hens and chicks. As the name suggests, Sempervivum ‘Ruby Heart’ is a plant whose ruby-colored (flushed rosy red) leaves are extremely pleasing to the eye. 

The Ruby Heart variety forms compact rosettes of fleshy leaves that are tightly clustered together, resembling a heart shape, giving it another common name heart succulent. These rosettes are made up of thick, sharply pointed leaves with serrated edges, giving them an interesting texture. 

The deep silvery blue-green leaves of these hen and chick plants age with time, and as they do, their tips and edges develop lovely red tones in winter temperatures. This combination of green and red creates a striking contrast that makes the Ruby Heart variety stand out among other Sempervivum plants. This mat-forming perennial from the Crassulaceae family has its origin in Peru. Sempervivum Ruby Heart is a winter dormant plant and can grow up to 8 in height and 18 inches wide.

The Ruby Heart Flowers in a pinkish purple hue bloom between the season of summer and late spring on short leafy stalks. It does most of its growth in the midsummer season. This succulent is slow-growing. It needs nurturing for years before it finally blooms. Its blooming phase is a sight to behold. 

Like other Sempervivum varieties, the mother rosette (Hens) of Ruby Heart spreads in all directions producing offsets, or "chicks," around the main rosette base. This evergreen plant can be propagated easily by carefully pulling out a few rosettes and planting them in well-drained soil. This garden succulent is one of the easiest and most familiar plants to grow, adding even more to its appeal and thriving look. 

Watering Needs

The watering needs of the Sempervivum Ruby Heart are quite low, as it is a drought-tolerant succulent and stores water in its fleshy leaves. It is important to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot. A good rule of thumb is to water the Ruby Heart only when the soil is completely dry, usually every 1-2 weeks during the growing season. During the dormant period in winter, the watering frequency can be reduced even further to once every few weeks or when the leaves start to wrinkle slightly. 

When watering, it is best to water the soil directly rather than spraying the leaves, as wet leaves can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Ensure that the pot or planting area has good drainage to prevent water from pooling around the roots. If you're unsure about when to water, it's always better to go underwater rather than overwater, as Sempervivums are more tolerant of drought than excess moisture. 

Observing the plant's leaves can also provide clues about its watering needs. If the leaves start to appear soft or mushy, it could be a sign of overwatering, and it's best to adjust the watering frequency accordingly. On the other hand, if the leaves become shriveled or wrinkled, it may be an indication that the plant hens and chicks need more water. 

Light Requirement 

The Sempervivum Ruby Heart thrives in bright sunlight. The evergreen rosettes of this ruby heart hens and chick’s succulent prefer a sunny location, but it can also tolerate some shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Placing it near a south-facing window or in a spot with filtered sunlight can provide the right amount of light for this succulent. 

If you're growing the Ruby Heart indoors, make sure to choose a well-lit area where it can receive sufficient light. You can also supplement natural light with artificial grow lights to ensure it gets the required amount of brightness. Just be cautious not to expose the plant hens and chicks to direct, intense sunlight for prolonged periods, as it can cause sunburn or damage the leaves. 

Keep in mind that the light requirements may vary depending on your space plants or specific climate and the time of year. It's always a good idea to observe the plant and adjust its placement accordingly. If you notice the leaves stretching or becoming pale, it may be an indication that the Ruby Heart is not receiving enough light and needs to be moved to a brighter location. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs

The Sempervivum Ruby Heart prefers well-draining gritty soil or alkaline soil that is specifically formulated for succulent soil quality. So, use a very well-drained soil mix, as this type of potting soil mix has been precisely developed to imitate well-drained desert soils. Commercial succulent soil is affordable and accessible online. Here at Planet Desert, we have a specialty-formulated succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive. 

When it comes to fertilizing the Ruby Heart hens and chicks, it generally doesn't require frequent feeding. Succulents are adapted to survive in nutrient-poor environments. However, if you want to give your hens and chicks plant a little boost, you can use a balanced low-nitrogen fertilizer specifically designed for succulents.  Remember to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to damage or poor growth. 

Hardiness Zone & More 

The Sempervivum Ruby Heart is generally hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. This means it can tolerate cold temperatures down to -40°F in Zone 3 and up to 20°F in Zone 8. However, it's important to note that extreme cold or prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be detrimental to the hens and chicks’ plant, so it's best to provide some protection during harsh winters. It can tolerate higher temperatures, but it may require more frequent watering to prevent dehydration. 

As for humidity, these chicks and hen succulents are adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels, from dry to moderately humid environments. However, it's important to ensure good air circulation to prevent the development of fungal diseases. 

Remember, these are general guidelines, and it's always a good idea to monitor the specific conditions in your location and adjust accordingly. Providing the Ruby Heart with the appropriate temperature and humidity conditions will help promote its overall health and vitality. 

Give this Sempervivum 'Ruby Heart' Hens and Chicks succulent a try if you're looking for an easy plant to care for! You can get hens and chick plants for sale online at Planet Desert.