Jovibarba globifera, Hen and Chicks

sempervivum globiferum

Also known as: ["Jovibarba globifera","Hen and Chicks"]

Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Sempervivum Category: Succulents & Cacti

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:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • 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.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite dry soil, root rot, or prolonged dormancy indicate poor soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

easy

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
  1. Remove offset/leaf.
  2. Let callus form.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Water lightly.
  5. 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.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target soil without wetting leaves.
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

Yellowing leaves in Sempervivum globiferum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Sempervivum globiferum can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, disrupting nutrient uptake and potentially leading to root damage.

Leaf spots on Sempervivum globiferum may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf loss.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Sempervivum globiferum due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to plant decline and death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Sempervivum 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

No specific safety precautions are necessary for growing this plant around cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Sempervivum 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

No specific safety precautions are necessary for growing this plant around dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Sempervivum 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

No specific safety precautions are necessary for handling or growing this plant around humans.

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
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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