Houseleek
sempervivum tectorum
Also known as: ["Jupiter's beard","Live-forever","Hens and chicks"]
Overview
A hardy succulent known for its rosette-forming leaves and ability to thrive in harsh conditions.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","deer resistant","low maintenance","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Sempervivum |
| Botanical Name: | Sempervivum tectorum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or container plantings
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Sandy, gritty, well-draining soil with minimal organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or when offsets form.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or overcrowded parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to bright indirect light, 6–8 hours daily. Adjust for intense summer sun to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; provide shade during peak summer hours; place indoors near south-facing windows or outdoors in open, airy locations.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even light; use sheer curtains in summer; avoid deep shade.
Watering
every 7–10 days in summer, every 3–4 weeks in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; ensure excellent drainage.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or gritty soil mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Use a cactus mix; avoid heavy garden soil; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, 50–75°F (10–24°C). Tolerates frost but thrives in cooler conditions.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain good ventilation.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; apply to moist soil; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets (pups).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offset.
- Let cut end dry for a day.
- Plant in medium.
- Water sparingly until roots form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, bright, indirect light with moderate humidity.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots form in 2–4 weeks; establish in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callous before planting; use small pots to limit soil volume; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Gently pull off dead leaves or use clean scissors to cut offsets.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged leaves and separating offsets for propagation.
Tools
Clean scissors or pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Check for dead leaves; remove offsets if desired; clean tools before use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant outgrows its container.Offsets can be separated during repotting.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; gently remove plant; trim roots; add fresh soil; water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wet foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, avoiding the rosettes. Ensure water penetrates the root zone and allow excess to drain freely. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks, depending on conditions.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to standard potting mix; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf discoloration (yellowing or browning), stunted growth, or mushy rosettes.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth but do not harm unless prolonged freezing occurs without protection.
Solution: Provide frost protection in severe cold; ensure good air circulation to prevent rot; avoid overwatering in winter.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause dehydration, sunburn, or root rot if overwatered.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; water early morning or late evening.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer monthly during growing season (spring–summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSempervivum tectorum is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicSempervivum tectorum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicSempervivum tectorum is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Sempervivum tectorum toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Sempervivum tectorum?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Q: Can Sempervivum tectorum be grown indoors?
A: While it can be grown indoors, it thrives best in outdoor conditions with plenty of sunlight.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days in summer, e |
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