What is Hen-and-chickens 'Violet Queen'? A detailed guide to Sempervivum plants in the Crassulaceae family

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Hen-and-chickens Sempervivum 'Violet Queen' is a succulent plant in the Crassulaceae family, genus Sempervivum, also called red smoky flower and smoky lotus. It has high ornamental value, with the stems and leaves being the main ornamental feature. The colors are vibrant, the leaves are thick and plump, the plant form is compact, and the leaf color is bright and beautiful.

Morphological characteristics

The leaves of Hen-and-chickens 'Violet Queen' grow in a rosette arrangement, with flat, pointed leaves and long fine hairs along the leaf margins. The underside and upper surface of the leaves are smooth. This Sempervivum variety is a medium-sized cultivar. In winter, when the temperature difference is greater, the leaves are basically wine-red, the leaf surface is smooth and glossy, and the leaves also become thicker and plumper. The offsets that emerge from the plant are green and gradually turn wine-red. During the summer dormancy period, the plant's color turns grayish-red or green. After being grown for a long time, the plant will gradually form clusters. It produces offsets every year, generally sprouting pups in early spring.

Propagation methods

Propagation methods include division and beheading. Division is generally used for propagation: remove the pups and insert them into slightly moist soil, then wait in a cool, ventilated place for them to root.

Cultivation techniques

For the soil, peat mixed with coal cinder can be used, at a ratio of about 1:1; there is no specific ratio, and the main goal is air permeability. To separate the plant from contact with the soil surface and to improve air permeability, clean granular river sand is generally spread on top, with a particle size of 3 to 5 mm. As for watering, water thoroughly only when the soil has dried out; if it is not dry, do not water.

Growing environment

Spring and autumn are the growing seasons, and full sun is acceptable. In summer it goes dormant, so provide ventilation and shade, water 3 to 4 times a month, applying a small amount of water around the edge of the pot. This keeps the plant from drying out due to excessive dryness. In winter, when the temperature falls below 3°C, watering should gradually be stopped. Below 0°C, keep the potting soil dry, and try to keep the temperature no lower than minus 5°C; Hen-and-chickens 'Violet Queen' is still quite tolerant of low temperatures. At such temperatures, with dry potting soil, it can basically overwinter safely.

Precautions

When watering normally, try to pour the water into the soil. In a well-ventilated place, it can be watered thoroughly. In summer and winter, try to avoid getting water into the center of the leaves, as they rot easily. Try to avoid spraying the plant. Hen-and-chickens 'Violet Queen' has no obvious pests or diseases, but be mindful of root mealybugs. For prevention, bury carbofuran in the soil, and spray abamectin once each at the start of summer and the start of winter.

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