How to Grow Sempervivum tectorum (Houseleek) of the Crassulaceae Family? A Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods
Sempervivum tectorum is a common succulent plant in everyday life, deeply loved by flower enthusiasts for its attractive appearance and ease of cultivation. So what are the cultivation methods for Sempervivum tectorum of the Crassulaceae family?
1. Soil: The soil in the pot should be fertile, loose, breathable and well-draining. It is best to use half leaf mold, half peat, half coarse sand or half vermiculite, with a small amount of bone meal or other calcium material mixed in, and mix evenly. After newly planting, water as little as possible and keep it semi-dry to help the root system recover.
2. Temperature: Sempervivum tectorum likes a semi-shady, warm environment. For daily growth, around 25 degrees is suitable. In winter, as long as the daytime temperature is above 15 degrees, and the nighttime temperature is not lower than 5°C, the plant can continue to grow, and you can water normally and fertilize appropriately. If watering is controlled to make the plant go dormant, it can also tolerate a low temperature of 0°C. Sempervivum is not heat-tolerant. After May, the plant gradually stops growing and enters its summer dormancy period. At home, it can be placed under a corridor or on the inner side of a balcony and other places without direct sunlight, with good ventilation and no rain, and watering should be controlled and fertilizing stopped, so as to avoid rot caused by stuffiness, humidity and water accumulation in the soil.
3. Light: During high temperatures in summer and cold temperatures in winter, the plant is in a dormant state. Its main growing period is in the cooler spring and autumn seasons. During the growing period, it requires sufficient sunlight. If there is not enough light, the plant shape will become loose and not compact, affecting its ornamental value. In contrast, plants grown in a place with sufficient light have thick, plump leaves, a compact shape and beautiful leaf color.
4. Watering: When watering, pay attention to the principle of “do not water if not dry, and water thoroughly when watering”, to avoid root rot from water accumulation. But it should not be too dry either, otherwise the plant will grow slowly, turn yellow and even die. In summer, the plant evaporates heavily, so attention should be paid to watering more. If the leaf surface lacks water, it will look withered, so the leaves should often be sprayed with water to keep them moist, but water accumulation in the pot must be avoided, otherwise it will cause root rot.
5. Fertilizing: Fertilizing is mainly with fully decomposed thin liquid fertilizer or a compound fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium, once every 20 days. Fertilizing is generally done on a clear morning or evening. Do not splash the fertilizer liquid onto the leaves. Water thoroughly once in the evening of the same day or the morning of the next day to dilute the residual fertilizer liquid in the soil. In winter, place it indoors in a place with sufficient sunlight. If the nighttime minimum temperature is around 10°C and there is a certain temperature difference between day and night, you can water appropriately and fertilize as needed so that the plant continues to grow. If such a high temperature cannot be maintained, watering should be controlled, the pot soil kept dry, and fertilizing stopped, so that the plant goes dormant; it can also tolerate a low temperature of 5°C, and some varieties can even tolerate a low temperature of 0°C.
6. Propagation: Propagation of Sempervivum tectorum can be done by cuttings, carried out in sandy soil. After insertion, keep it slightly moist. After 2 to 3 weeks, once roots have formed under the small leaf rosette, it can be directly potted. Leaf cuttings have a low survival rate, so they are rarely used. The second method is sowing. At around 20°C, it germinates in 10 to 15 days. Although the seedlings grow relatively slowly, a large number of seedlings can be obtained at one time.
7. Repotting: It is best to repot once a year, in spring and autumn. Also take the opportunity when repotting to trim the root system and remove dead and old roots. The soil in the pot should be loose, breathable and fertile. Still use half leaf mold or peat soil and half coarse sand or vermiculite, and mix in a small amount of bone meal or other calcium material, then use after mixing evenly. Since the soil is moist, newly planted plants do not need too much water; keep them semi-dry to help the root system recover.
Overall, Sempervivum tectorum of the Crassulaceae family is very easy to grow. As long as you choose good soil, control light and temperature well, and apply fertilizer and water appropriately, the plant can grow healthily.