Sempervivum Tectorum Hens and Chicks
(This plant comes in a 2 inch pot. All of our plants are grown under the same conditions, although not all the plants are the same. You will receive a similar plant in size and shape to the ones in the pictures. Our plants are hand-picked and carefully selected to bring you the best quality possible. Please allow us up to 3 business days to process your order. If you wish to receive your order on a specific date, or have special instructions, please add a note at the checkout. The plant is shipped in its pot to prevent any damage to the roots.)
Sempervivum Tectorum, also known as hens and chicks belongs to the Crassulaceae family. Offering a dormancy of winters, this succulent is categorized as mat shaped and is native to Southern Europe. The plant can grow between .5 inches to 1 foot tall.
Growth Rate
Even though Sempervivum tectorum plants grow slowly, they are preferred because they make a good choice as a ground cover since they spread to about 3 feet horizontally.
Flowering
During the summer and spring seasons, you will see upright leafy stalks over which red and purple colored Sempervivum tectorum flower petals will bloom and appear.
Watering and Feeding
The hens and chicks care is easy and simple. You do not need to water the plant every day. Water Sempervivum Tectorum generously once and then leave the plant till the soil has completely dried out. At the start of the growing season, feed the plant with controlled-release fertilizer. Also, apply a liquid fertilizer once a week in diluted form.
Soil
Even though poor and sandy soil is just fine, try and put some peat into heavier soil. This will lighten it and improve drainage. Considered a pH range of 6.6 to 7.5.
Hardiness
With an unusual hardiness zone of 3 to 11, temperature fluctuations can never damage hens and chicks. The plant can withstand temperatures up to -1°C.
Light
Hens and chicks prefer a spot in the full sun, bright and direct. However, they thrive if given some afternoon shade especially if you live in extremely hot climates.
Propagation
The mother rosette will produce offsets from underground roots and horizontal stems in all directions. Sempervivum tectorum propagation can be done by dividing the naturally produced offsets.
This succulent produces a juice that is used as an astringent and the edible leaves are used for sore throats. It is also grown in many areas for medicinal purposes and traditional beliefs.
Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz
| Blooming Season | Late spring-mid summer |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Hens and chicks |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Flower | Pale pink |
| Frost Tolerance | - |
| Growth Rate | Slow growth |
| Hardiness Zone | 3b to 11 |
| Height | Under 6 in |
| Origin | Southern europe |
| Pot Size | 2 inch |
| Scientific Name | 2 inch Sempervivum tectorum Hens and Chicks |
| Shape | Rosette |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |