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	summer
Common Name	Old man and woman.
Dormancy	Winter
Family	Crassulaceae
Flower	Pink
Frost Tolerance	-1°c
Growth Rate	Fast growth
Hardiness Zone	4 – 9
Height	3 – 8
Origin	Southern europe
Pot Size	3.5"
Scientific Name	Sempervivum tectorum hens and chicks
Shape	Thick fleshy leaves arranged in a dense rosette
Sun Exposure	Full sun