Hen and Chicks

Other names for Hen and Chicks

Hen and Chicks, of the genus Sempervivum in the family Crassulaceae. Also called Houseleek, Guanyin Lotus, and Guanyin Zuolian.

Morphological characteristics of Hen and Chicks

Hen and Chicks is loved by everyone mainly for its distinctive leaf shape. It is relatively small in size, with multiple leaves arranged into an open lotus blossom, and its flowers are star-shaped and pink.

The leaf color of Hen and Chicks is rich in variation, including gray-green, dark green, yellow-green, and reddish brown. The color of the leaf tips also differs, ranging from purplish red to green, and so on. There are many varieties, the diameter of the leaf rosette ranges from 3 cm to 15 cm, and the leaf margins have fine, dense serrations.

A well-developed Hen and Chicks will produce a ring of small rosettes beneath the large rosette, and each year in late spring it will also send out red runners similar to those of a spider plant from the lower part of the leaf cluster, with rosette-shaped plants growing at the tips of the runners.

Landscape value of Hen and Chicks

Hen and Chicks can be planted on its own as a small potted plant to beautify the environment.

Hen and Chicks is often planted together with Cobweb Houseleek indoors, and can be planted beside rocks and stone walls.

Hen and Chicks is not large in shape, has many varieties, and comes in different colors. The difference between the color of the leaf tips and the leaves is even more eye-catching. Many succulent enthusiasts like to collect different varieties and grow them together, each showing its own charm.