Sempervivum tectorum
Also known as: Common houseleek, hen and chicks
The classic hen and chicks — the hardiest succulent in cultivation, surviving -30 °C outdoors. It belongs to the Sempervivum genus, comes from Southern Europe (naturalized widely), stays around Rosettes 5–15 cm, spreading mats by chicks, and tolerates USDA 3–8; hardy to -30 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Sempervivum
- Origin: Southern Europe (naturalized widely)
- Mature size: Rosettes 5–15 cm, spreading mats by chicks
- Hardiness: USDA 3–8; hardy to -30 °C
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Sempervivum
- Origin
- Southern Europe (naturalized widely)
- Mature size
- Rosettes 5–15 cm, spreading mats by chicks
- Growth habit
- Tight hardy rosettes spreading by chicks
- Leaf colour
- Green with purple-tinged pointed tips
- Flower colour
- Pink-red star clusters (monocarpic)
- Hardiness
- USDA 3–8; hardy to -30 °C
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Other names
- Common houseleek, hen and chicks
About the Sempervivum tectorum
The classic hen and chicks — the hardiest succulent in cultivation, surviving -30 °C outdoors. The mother 'hen' rosettes ring with baby 'chicks'; each rosette flowers once (pink stars) then dies, replaced by its chicks.
Care and cultivation
The hardiest succulents — outdoor year-round even in snow. Full sun, gritty soil, and let them dry between waterings. Each rosette flowers once then dies; the 'chicks' around it carry on. Light: Full sun. Water: Every 1–2 weeks in summer growth; dry in winter. Soil: Gritty mix; excellent in rock gardens.
Description
Sempervivum tectorum is a Sempervivum succulent from Southern Europe (naturalized widely). The classic hen and chicks — the hardiest succulent in cultivation, surviving -30 °C outdoors. The mother 'hen' rosettes ring with baby 'chicks'; each rosette flowers once (pink stars) then dies, replaced by its chicks.
Identification
Key identification features: Green with purple-tinged pointed tips leaves in a Tight hardy rosettes spreading by chicks form, reaching Rosettes 5–15 cm, spreading mats by chicks. Also known as Common houseleek, hen and chicks. Nickname: 'Hen and chicks'. Nickname: 'Hen and chicks'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Sempervivum tectorum?
Every 1–2 weeks in summer growth; dry in winter. Let the soil dry completely between waterings and reduce water in winter.
Is Sempervivum tectorum toxic to pets?
Non-toxic. Keep it out of reach of cats and dogs.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Sempervivum tectorum, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.