Hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) is a mat-forming succulent native to Europe and Africa. Its growth habit features fleshy pointed leaves arranged in rosettes. The parent rosette is the "hen" and the smaller rosettes that grow from it are the "chicks." Over time, this ground-hugging plant with a fondness for sandy, gravelly soil will spread to form colonies 2 feet wide or more. Although typically grown for its interesting shape and succulent leaves (usually red, green, blue, gold, or copper), hens and chicks does sometimes flower on tall stalks.
Hens and chicks has a moderately quick growth rate and is best planted in spring—however, if you'd like to grow new plants from seed, you may want to start them in pots in the fall so the young plants are ready to go into the garden in the spring. They also make a great houseplant.
| Common Name | Hens and chicks, house leek |
| Botanical Name | Sempervivum tectorum |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent, evergreen perennial |
| Mature Size | 6–12 in. tall, 6–18 in. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full |
| Soil Type | Sandy, well-drained |
| Soil pH | Neutral soil pH (7.0) |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Flower Color | Light pink, reddish-purple |
| Hardiness Zones | 3–11 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Europe, Africa |
Hens and Chicks Care
Hens and chicks will do well when planted in just about any well-drained soil in full sun to light shade, but its enthusiasm for sandy, gravelly soil makes it a favorite choice for rock gardens, wall crevices, and other places where other plants struggle. Its care needs are minimal; the worst thing you can do is over-tend it with too much water and fertilizer.
Mature plants may send up flower stalks in summer, but the central rosette (the hen) will die after flowering, at which time you will need to remove it, allowing the offset chicks to continue the colony.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/kararileysempervivum-21H-deba143931564f19b4edab3021a1e520.jpg)
Light
Grow your hens and chicks plants in full sun (at least six hours daily), which will lead to both optimal coloration in the foliage, as well as plentiful offsets. That being said, the plants can grow in partial shade as well, especially if being cared for in an especially hot, dry climate. The colors of the foliage may not be as intense in partial shade, though.
Soil
Hens and chicks plants are especially nonchalant about their soil and will grow best in a mix that is sandy or gravelly. The main soil requirement for the plant is that it be well-draining. If your soil is heavy and doesn't drain well, work some gravel, pumice, perlite, or sand into the mixture to increase the aeration and drainage. These plants prefer a neutral soil.
If you're growing your plants in a container, the best potting medium is a mix formulated for succulents and cactus.
Water
Hens and chicks are drought-tolerant perennials, so they can withstand going weeks at a time without watering. Give newly transplanted plants sufficient water to help them get established, but once they are, be careful not to over-water them. Check the soil and make sure it is dry before watering.
Temperature and Humidity
Hens and chicks can be successfully grown in a range of temperatures, but prefer an average climate between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures drop too low, they will not necessarily die off but will definitely stop growing and go into a semi-dormant state. Additionally, hens and chicks tolerate a wide range of humidity levels and are quite popular in dry climates.
Fertilizer
This ground cover will thrive in poor soils. They appreciate a slow-release fertilizer designed for succulents or cactus that's low in nitrogen and includes beneficial soil microbes. Be careful no to over fertilize.
