Sedum genus succulent Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum) care methods and precautions, plus how to deal with drooping and yellowing leaves

Hen and Chicks is a succulent plant in the Crassulaceae family, Sempervivum genus, also called Houseleek, Guanyin Zuolian, and Fozuolian. It is one of the most common varieties among succulents and can be called the king of ordinary varieties. Hen and Chicks has an unusual leaf shape with clear and distinctive leaf veins. It is relatively shade-tolerant and quite suitable for indoor arrangements. It can be placed on windowsills with scattered light, on corner flower stands, coffee tables, dining tables, and desks. So what are the care methods and precautions for Hen and Chicks? What should be done if the leaves droop and turn yellow?

Care methods and precautions for Hen and Chicks

1. Soil selection for growing Hen and Chicks

Hen and Chicks does not have high soil requirements, but fertile, loose sandy loam is suitable. Leaf mold, coarse sand, and vermiculite can be mixed at a ratio of 2:1:1 and used, with a small amount of plant ash and bone meal added as base fertilizer.

2. Fertilization methods for growing Hen and Chicks

During the spring and autumn growing seasons, apply decomposed dilute liquid fertilizer or a compound fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium once about every 10 days. Fertilizer water should be light rather than concentrated; too much can easily cause fertilizer damage. The nitrogen content in compound fertilizer should not be too high; too much can easily cause the plant to grow leggy.

During the vigorous growth period of Hen and Chicks, depending on its growth, apply dilute liquid fertilizer 1 to 2 times per month, and add phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. This helps the plant stems stand upright and grow robustly, and at the same time helps the underground tubers grow plump and resist cold for overwintering. Spray foliar fertilizer once every half month, and add organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium once every 1 to 2 months. More nitrogen fertilizer can promote attractive leaf color. When fertilizing Hen and Chicks, use a fine-spout watering can to slowly pour along the rim of the pot. Do not splash fertilizer liquid onto the leaves, otherwise the leaves can easily be burned.

3. Watering methods for growing Hen and Chicks

Hen and Chicks likes moisture and hates waterlogging. Water according to “do not water until dry, and when watering, water thoroughly.” Growing Hen and Chicks requires keeping the soil moist at all times. Drought will make the plant grow slowly, with dull leaf color and a lack of vitality, so it should be watered frequently. At the same time, however, take care to prevent excessive water from causing waterlogging in the pot, which can cause tuber roots to rot, so the drainage function of the growing medium needs to be strengthened. To prevent waterlogging, consider placing a layer of coarse sand at the bottom of the pot as a drainage layer when potting, so that excess water drains out as quickly as possible. During high temperature and dryness, spray water on the surrounding environment and leaf surfaces to increase humidity, which can make it grow more vigorously. In winter, watering should be reduced.

The potting soil for Hen and Chicks should be on the dry side. Do not use too much water, to prevent root rot. Indoor cultivation should keep it warm and humid. When the room temperature is above 18°C, the plant can grow normally. Mist the plant frequently to keep the environment humid, which benefits plant growth.

During the peak growing seasons of spring and summer, maintain relatively high air humidity. In addition to normal watering, spray water into the air around the plant and onto the ground. In air-conditioned rooms, the air is relatively dry, so it is not suitable for long-term display. When the potting soil is dry, the leaves tend to become soft and droop.

4. Temperature requirements for growing Hen and Chicks

Hen and Chicks likes cool conditions and is relatively cold-tolerant. Spring and autumn are the main growing periods, while summer and winter are mainly its dormant periods. During high summer temperatures, stuffiness and humidity can easily cause Hen and Chicks plants to rot, so shade appropriately, improve ventilation, take cooling measures, and keep the potting soil moderately dry. In winter, when the daytime temperature is above 15°C and the nighttime temperature is above 5°C, Hen and Chicks can still continue to grow and can be cared for normally. At lower temperatures, if watering is controlled, it can also tolerate a low temperature of 2°C.

Below 20°C it enters a dormant state. The overwintering temperature is generally above 15°C. Below 10°C the leaves will suffer cold damage and even wither, so in winter it should be grown indoors.

5. Light requirements for growing Hen and Chicks

Full sunlight is suitable. It is best to keep it outdoors in sunlight at all times, and the growing period requires even more sufficient sunlight. If sufficient sunlight can be ensured, the plant shape will be compact, the leaves thick and plump, and the leaf color beautiful. Although it can also grow normally in semi-shade, its ornamental value is greatly affected, and many varieties tend to show loose, insufficiently compact plant shapes. In summer, avoid scorching sun exposure and provide appropriate shade.

Hen and Chicks is very shade-tolerant and suitable for growing under shaded scattered light. It hates direct sunlight, so in general it should be shaded in summer and autumn; otherwise the leaf surface becomes rough, the leaf color grayish white, and sometimes scorch spots appear. In winter, however, it is better to give it more sunlight.

6. Four-season management for growing Hen and Chicks

1. Spring management

Repot when the spring temperature steadily stays above 15°C. When repotting Hen and Chicks that has been dormant in winter, first take the dormant tuber out of the pot, cut off the rotten root system on the dormant tuber, and plant it in a pot. The planting depth should be about 2 cm of soil covering it, and water appropriately (do not use too much water; aim for moist but on the dry side). After the leaves emerge from the soil, water thoroughly. When repotting Hen and Chicks that does not go dormant in winter, some old leaves can be cut off.

Hen and Chicks likes semi-shade during the growing season and fears strong light. It can be displayed indoors year-round in bright scattered light. After repotting in spring, keep the potting soil on the dry side. Once new leaves emerge, gradually increase watering until the potting soil is moist. If indoor air humidity is relatively low and cannot meet its air humidity requirements, the leaves easily lose their luster and turn grayish green, affecting their appearance, so mist and spray water on its surroundings and leaves several times a day.

When the outdoor temperature steadily stays above 20°C, Hen and Chicks can also be moved to a semi-shaded balcony for growing. When the temperature is relatively high in late spring, keep the soil moist and fertilize appropriately. When the clump is relatively dense, some old leaves can be cut off appropriately to encourage new leaf growth.

2. Summer management

Hen and Chicks likes a high-temperature, high-humidity environment. Summer is its peak growing season. Keep the potting soil moist, and when placing it indoors, pay attention to supplementing indoor air humidity. Fertilize sufficiently. Hen and Chicks is not suitable for placement in air-conditioned rooms.

3. Autumn management

After the autumn temperature turns cool, it can gradually be moved to a place with morning and evening light for growing. Keep the potting soil moist, and mist and spray water on its surroundings and leaves several times a day. Stop fertilizing.

In late autumn, as the temperature drops, gradually reduce the water supply and keep the potting soil on the dry side. After the temperature drops below 15°C, the aboveground part gradually wilts and enters dormancy. If the indoor temperature in autumn and winter can be kept above 18°C, Hen and Chicks can grow slowly and does not go dormant.

4. Winter management

Hen and Chicks is not cold-tolerant. When the winter temperature is relatively low, the tuber goes dormant, and the potted plant should be placed indoors above 10°C to overwinter. The potting soil should be kept dry but not parched. When the potting soil humidity is relatively high, the tuber easily rots.

If the indoor temperature is kept above 18°C, Hen and Chicks does not go dormant and still has ornamental value. It should be placed on a windowsill with morning and evening light, keep the potting soil moist, and frequently mist around its leaves to increase air humidity. Especially when air conditioning is used indoors, even more attention should be paid to supplementing air humidity.

7. Precautions for growing Hen and Chicks

1. Hen and Chicks has relatively high fertilizer requirements. During the growing season, fertilize once every 10 to 15 days. It is better to alternate organic fertilizer or NPK compound fertilizer. During the growing season, apply more nitrogen to promote attractive leaf color.

2. The suitable growing temperature for Hen and Chicks is 20°C to 26°C. Below 20°C it enters a dormant state. If the temperature is too low, it easily causes plant death. In spring and summer, growth is vigorous and air humidity should be high. If water can be sprinkled on the ground or misted on the leaves, growth will be even better. Hen and Chicks can overwinter naturally in tropical regions. In subtropical and temperate regions, because winter temperatures are relatively low, it should be placed in a greenhouse to keep warm for overwintering. In winter, pay attention to controlling the amount of water; it is enough to keep the leaves from becoming soft and drooping.

3. Hen and Chicks is mostly repotted in spring. The potting soil should have good drainage and be leaf mold or sandy loam rich in organic matter. Repotting is best done in late winter and early spring.

4. Hen and Chicks is susceptible to aphid damage. It can be sprayed with 40% dimethoate or 50% malathion emulsifiable concentrate at 1000 to 1500 times dilution, or with 80% dichlorvos emulsifiable concentrate at 1500 times dilution.

5. Hen and Chicks grows well in a warm, humid, semi-shaded environment. In summer and autumn, place it in a shady place, such as under reed curtains or tree shade, and avoid direct sunlight. Plant growth has relatively high air humidity requirements. Humid climate conditions favor plant growth and lustrous leaves. If the environment is too dry, leaf edges easily scorch, affecting the plant's appearance. The suitable relative air humidity is 60% to 80%. At 15°C, Hen and Chicks stops growing and enters dormancy.

6. During the growing period from May to October, Hen and Chicks can be fertilized once every 15 days. Light, dilute fertilizer liquid is relatively safe. In winter, keep light sufficient and ventilation good, strictly control watering, and keep the potting soil slightly dry. Indoor cultivation in winter should prevent high temperature, stuffiness, or poor ventilation, to prevent pests and diseases. Stop fertilizing in winter.

Hen and Chicks is a very graceful plant, blooming like a lotus. But if it is not grown well, drooping and yellowing can occur. So what should be done?

What causes Hen and Chicks to turn yellow or droop?

1. Watering with “half water,” that is, watering not thoroughly, without seepage appearing at the bottom of the pot.

2. Exposure to cold in winter; the root system has already suffered cold damage.

3. After overwintering, being moved outdoors too hastily and placed in a warm place to sunbathe, temporarily unable to adapt to the sudden climate change.

4. The potting soil has been too wet or too dry for a long time, without watering as soon as it dries.

5. Being placed for a long time in an environment with poor ventilation.

6. The leaf surface has not been sprayed and cleaned for a long time, allowing dust to accumulate and hinder photosynthesis.

What should be done if Hen and Chicks turns yellow?

Never water too much, otherwise once the temperature rises, the whole plant will begin to rot. Water as little as possible. It does not matter if the lower leaves turn yellow; that is metabolism. I think leaves grown under low-water conditions are tougher, and later when water is controlled they are less likely to turn yellow. With too much water, the leaves flatten out and spread open. If water is then controlled, these leaves easily turn yellow. With little water, the leaves stand up and the color becomes a bit darker.

What should be done if Hen and Chicks leaves droop and turn black?

When Hen and Chicks leaves droop, it needs frequent sun exposure, though of course not scorching sun. Watering twice a week is enough; do not water too much. A large day-night temperature difference is generally beneficial to Hen and Chicks leaf growth, because during the day plants carry out photosynthesis and respiration, while at night they only respire. A large temperature difference helps reduce consumption. Drooping and blackening is the opposite situation. Therefore it may also be caused by excessive consumption of organic matter at night. Hen and Chicks likes a sunny, cool, and dry environment and is an alpine succulent. In high summer temperatures and cold winter temperatures, the plant is in a dormant state. The main growing period is in the relatively cool spring and autumn seasons. During the growing period it requires sufficient sunlight. If light is insufficient, the plant shape becomes loose and not compact, affecting its ornamental value, while plants grown in sufficient light have thick, plump leaves, a compact shape, and beautiful leaf color. So it should not be a light problem. Watering too much causes waterlogging, and the root system cannot breathe. It may also be caused by transplanting leading to poor root growth and inability to absorb water.

What causes Hen and Chicks leaves to rot? How should it be solved?

Hen and Chicks mainly rots because of poor ventilation and too much watering. First check whether the stem has rotted. If it has not yet rotted, wash the stem clean, dry it in the shade, plant it in clean sand, water thoroughly, and place it in a cool, ventilated place. After a month it will grow new shoots.