Jovibarba globifera, Hen and Chicks
sempervivum globiferum
Also known as: ["Jovibarba globifera","Hen and Chicks"]
Overview
A low-growing succulent forming rosettes of fleshy leaves, known for its ability to produce offsets that roll away and root elsewhere.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Sempervivum |
| Botanical Name: | Sempervivum globiferum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or shallow containers
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining
- Soil Type: Sandy, gritty, well-draining cactus or succulent mix
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed; remove dead leaves anytime
- Pruning Intensity: Light
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun 6–8 hours/day; bright indirect light indoors; adjust for intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from scorching midday sun; place in bright windows indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains in summer; move outdoors in spring/summer.
Watering
every 10–14 days, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; ensure excellent drainage.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or gritty soil mix
pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Use terra cotta pots for better drainage; avoid peat moss; ensure soil dries quickly
Temperature
50–75°F (10–24°C); tolerates frost but prefers cool conditions; avoid extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain consistent cool temps.
Fertilizing
every 3–4 months during active growth with a balanced, diluted succulent fertilizer
Dilute to half strength; fertilize only during active growth; stop in fall/winter.
Propagation
Methods
offsets or leaf cuttings
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Remove offset/leaf.
- Let callus form.
- Plant in medium.
- Water lightly.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing
Environment
Warm, bright indirect light; high humidity (e.g., propagation dome)
Medium
Well-draining mix like cactus soil with perlite or sand
Hormone
Not necessary but can speed rooting
Timeline
2–4 weeks for roots; 2–3 months to establish
Tools Needed
Clean knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, propagation tray
Quick Tips
Let cuttings callus for 1–2 days; use bottom heat for faster rooting; avoid overwatering
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Gently pull off dead leaves or use clean scissors for precise cuts
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged leaves to maintain shape
Tools
Clean scissors or fingers
Checklist
Check for dead leaves; remove carefully; avoid cutting healthy growth
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it’s not too deep
Method
Use fresh cactus mix; ensure drainage; gently tease apart roots if crowded
Suggestions
Repot only when roots fill pot or every 2–3 years; avoid frequent repotting
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; water lightly after repotting
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, avoiding foliage; ensure water reaches root zone; allow excess to drain thoroughly; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to standard potting mix; ensure no organic matter retention
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf discoloration, stunted growth, or rot in cold; scorching or dehydration in heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause root rot if soil remains wet; leaves may turn purple or red.
Solution: Ensure dry soil; provide frost protection; move indoors in freezing temperatures.
Hot Stress
Leaf edges may brown; plant may wilt or stop growing; risk of sunburn.
Solution: Provide shade during peak sun; increase air circulation; water early morning or late evening.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use correct dilution; fertilize during growing season; avoid overfertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer; apply monthly in spring/summer; avoid winter feeding.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSempervivum globiferum is not considered toxic to cats. It does not contain any known substances that are harmful to feline health upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicSempervivum globiferum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases or scientific evidence suggesting that this plant poses a risk to canine health when ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicSempervivum globiferum is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Sempervivum globiferum?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Q: Does Sempervivum globiferum need full sun?
A: It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Can Sempervivum globiferum be grown indoors?
A: While possible, it prefers outdoor conditions with good air circulation.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 10–14 days, allowing s |
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