How to Grow a Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum)? 5 Growing Methods to Teach You

Sempervivum (hens and chicks), a succulent in the Crassulaceae family, genus Sempervivum, has always been a beloved favorite among succulent enthusiasts, but many people are still confused about how to grow it. Let's take a look below at the growing methods for Sempervivum!

● Growing Methods for Sempervivum

1. Planting Time for Sempervivum

The best planting time is April and May, and the temperature should be kept at 20-25°C or above, which is favorable for the growth of seedlings. After planting, water once every 2 to 3 days to keep the soil moist. Do not overwater, to avoid root rot and stem rot. Growing methods and precautions for Sempervivum: Sempervivum is commonly propagated by division. Generally, in spring and summer each year when the temperature is higher, divide the underground tubers of plants with dense tillering growth along the separation points of the tubers, so that each part has 2-3 plants, then pot and plant them separately.

2. Suitable Soil for Sempervivum:

For potted Sempervivum, use loose, well-drained and aerated soil rich in humus. Generally, an equal mix of leaf mold, garden soil and river sand can be used as the substrate. April to September is its vigorous growth period, during which the soil should be moist and the air humidity relatively high, and sufficient water should be given; this plant is easy to grow, and ordinary soil can be used for the potting mix. A better option is garden soil plus one third leaf mold, plus one third river sand or coal cinder, mixed with a little bone meal.

3. Suitable Temperature for Sempervivum:

The optimum growth temperature is 22-30°C. After November, when the temperature drops below 20°C, the plant grows slowly or stops growing, the above-ground parts begin to turn yellow, wilt and wither, and it enters dormancy in winter. Sempervivum is easy to cultivate, has no strict requirements for soil, fertilizer or water, tolerates barren conditions and drought, and can make full use of various idle hillside land for planting. If cultivation and management conditions are good, it can achieve the goal of high yields year after year.

4. Watering

About once every 15 days in spring and autumn, once every four or five days in summer, avoiding the hottest period at noon.

It is especially fond of moisture. During the growing season, not only should the potting soil be moist, but the air humidity should also be no less than 60%. Especially during the high-temperature period in summer, the leaves evaporate a large amount of water and need more water. If water is lacking, the leaves are very likely to wilt. During high summer temperatures, spraying water should be increased to create a relatively cool and humid environment for it. For those placed in indoor air-conditioned halls, it is necessary both to keep the potting soil moist and to spray the leaf surfaces from time to time. Therefore, it is necessary to spray water on the leaf surfaces frequently while keeping the environment moist, but water accumulation in the pot must be avoided, otherwise it will cause root rot.

5. Light Conditions

Sempervivum requires semi-shade conditions throughout its growing period. If the light is too strong, the leaf color easily becomes dull and even sunscald may occur; but if the light is too weak, it easily becomes leggy, and the plant grows thin and tends to lodge. During the vigorous growth period, according to the plant's growth condition, apply 1-2 times a month of dilute liquid fertilizer, and increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, so as to help the stems stand upright and grow robustly, and at the same time help the underground tubers grow plump and resist cold for overwintering in winter.

The above is a brief introduction to the growing methods of Sempervivum and related knowledge. Have you now fully mastered how to grow Sempervivum? I hope the above introduction is helpful to you!