How to Grow Sempervivum: A Complete Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions

Sempervivum is one of the most common varieties of succulents, and can be called the king of ordinary varieties. It is also known as houseleek, Guanyin lotus, Buddha's seat lotus, etc. It is a succulent plant of the genus Sempervivum in the Crassulaceae family, native to mountainous areas of European countries such as Spain, France, and Italy. It has great ornamental value, and is now very commonly cultivated in various places. Let's take a look at the cultivation methods and precautions for Sempervivum!

Propagation Methods of Sempervivum

1. Leaf cuttings: Lay a complete mature leaf flat on moist sandy soil, with the leaf surface facing up and the leaf back facing down. There is no need to cover it with soil. Place it in a cool, shady place. After about 10 days, small leaf clusters and new roots will grow from the base of the leaf. Bury the root system in the soil and it will grow into a robust new plant.

2. Stem cuttings: Single leaves, tiller branches, or top branches can be used. The length of the cutting is not limited, but after the cut surface has dried, remove the lower leaves and insert it into a sand bed. After insertion, roots generally form in about 20 days. The cutting medium must not be too wet, otherwise the cut surface is prone to yellowing and rotting. When the roots are 2-3 cm long, pot them up.

Cultivation Methods of Sempervivum

1. Soil: The potting soil for Sempervivum should be loose and fertile, with good drainage and aeration. You can use half leaf mold or peat soil and half coarse sand or vermiculite, and mix in a small amount of calcium-rich materials such as bone meal. Use after mixing evenly.

2. Temperature: Sempervivum prefers a warm, humid, and semi-shaded growing environment. The suitable growing temperature is 20-30°C, and the overwintering temperature is 15°C. In winter, if the nighttime temperature is not lower than 5°C and the daytime temperature is above 15°C, the plant can continue to grow, can be watered normally, and can be fertilized appropriately.

3. Light: The growing season of Sempervivum is in the cooler spring and autumn seasons, and it needs sufficient sunlight. Insufficient light will cause the plant shape to become loose and not compact, affecting its ornamental value. Plants grown in sufficient light have thick, plump leaves, a compact plant shape, and bright leaf color.

4. Watering: For watering Sempervivum, master the principle of “do not water if not dry, water thoroughly when watering”. Avoid long-term water accumulation to prevent root rot, but do not let it become too dry either. Otherwise, although the plant will not die, it will grow slowly, the leaf color will be dull, and it will lack vitality.

5. Fertilizing: Fertilize Sempervivum about once every 20 days with decomposed dilute liquid fertilizer or a compound fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium. When fertilizing, do not splash the fertilizer water onto the leaves. Generally do it in the morning or evening on a clear day, and water thoroughly once in the evening of the same day or the morning of the next day.

6. Repotting: Repot Sempervivum once every 1 to 2 years in spring or autumn. When repotting, prune the root system, cutting off dead roots or overly long old roots. The potting soil should be loose and fertile, with good drainage and aeration.

Four-Season Management of Sempervivum

1. Spring: Repot Sempervivum in spring when the temperature stabilizes above 15°C. After repotting, keep the potting soil on the dry side. Once new leaves emerge, gradually increase watering until the potting soil is moist. When the outdoor temperature stabilizes above 20°C, Sempervivum can be moved to a semi-shaded balcony for cultivation.

2. Summer: Sempervivum likes a high-temperature and high-humidity environment. Summer is its peak growing season. Keep the potting soil moist. When placed indoors, pay attention to supplementing the indoor air humidity and fertilize adequately. Note that it is not suitable to place it in an air-conditioned room.

3. Autumn: In autumn, Sempervivum can gradually be moved to a place with morning and evening light for cultivation. Keep the potting soil moist, and spray water around it and on the leaves several times a day. Stop fertilizing. As the temperature drops in late autumn, gradually reduce the water supply and keep the potting soil on the dry side.

4. Winter: Sempervivum is not tolerant of low temperatures. When the winter temperature is relatively low, the tuber goes dormant, and the potted plant should be placed indoors above 10°C for overwintering. The potting soil should be kept dry but not parched. When the potting soil is relatively moist, the tuber is prone to rot. When using air conditioning indoors, pay attention to controlling air humidity.

Precautions for Sempervivum

1. Sempervivum has relatively high fertilizer requirements. During the growing season, fertilize once every 10-15 days. It is better to alternate organic fertilizer or a three-element compound fertilizer. During the growing season, apply more nitrogen as well to promote attractive leaf color.

2. The suitable growing temperature for Sempervivum is 20°C-26°C. Below 20°C, it enters a dormant state. If the temperature is too low, it can easily cause the plant to die. In spring and summer, growth is vigorous, and air humidity is required to be high. If water can be sprinkled on the ground or the leaf surface can be misted, growth will be even better.

3. Sempervivum can overwinter naturally in tropical regions. In subtropical and temperate regions, because winter temperatures are relatively low, it should be placed in a greenhouse for warmth and overwintering. In winter, pay attention to controlling the amount of water; it is enough to keep the leaves from becoming soft and drooping.

4. Repotting Sempervivum is suitable in late winter and early spring, but it is mostly done in spring. The potting soil should have good drainage and be rich in organic matter, such as leaf mold or sandy loam.

5. Sempervivum is susceptible to aphid damage. It can be sprayed with a 1000-1500 times dilution of 40% dimethoate or 50% malathion emulsifiable concentrate, or with a 1500 times dilution of 80% dichlorvos emulsifiable concentrate.

6. Sempervivum grows well in a warm, humid, and semi-shaded environment. In summer and autumn, it should be placed in a cool, shady place. Plant growth has relatively high requirements for air humidity, and the suitable relative air humidity is 60-80%.

7. In winter, Sempervivum should maintain sufficient light and good ventilation, and watering should be strictly controlled. It is better for the potting soil to be slightly dry. When cultivated indoors, prevent high temperature and stuffiness or poor ventilation to avoid pests and diseases.