Yellow-Haired Houseleek
sempervivum grandiflorum
Also known as: ["Zebra Hen and Chicks","Yellow-Haired Hen and Chicks"]
Overview
A succulent perennial forming rosettes of fleshy leaves with yellow flowers, native to the Mediterranean region.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","deer resistant","pet-friendly","cold hardy","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Sempervivum |
| Botanical Name: | Sempervivum grandiflorum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or containers with excellent drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Sandy, gritty, well-draining soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few months or when offsets form.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or overgrown parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or full sun (4–6 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 a south-facing window or outdoors in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; avoid direct midday sun in summer; provide bright light year-round.
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).
Ensure soil dries quickly; avoid heavy, water-retentive mixes; use terra cotta pots for better drainage.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C). Tolerates mild frost but thrives in cooler conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; maintain good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth
Fertilize only during active growth; dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; avoid over-fertilization.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets (pups).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offset.
- Let cut end dry for a few days.
- Plant in dry soil.
- Water lightly after 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
Not necessary but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, small pot, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callous before planting; use a small pot to avoid overwatering; keep soil lightly moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Gently pull off dead leaves or use clean scissors to cut back damaged growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged leaves and separating offsets for propagation.
Tools
Clean fingers or small, sharp scissors.
Checklist
Check for dead leaves; remove offsets if desired; ensure tools are clean.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter).
Method
Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant outgrows its container.Offsets can be separated during repotting.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare well-draining soil; handle roots gently; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting 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 to enhance drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf discoloration (yellowing or browning), stunted growth, or mushy leaves.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause root rot if soil remains wet in cold conditions.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil; protect from frost; reduce watering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Can lead to sunburn, dehydration, or etiolation if not provided adequate light and water balance.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; water carefully to avoid overheating roots.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize in spring/summer only.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer (half-strength) once in spring and once in summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSempervivum grandiflorum is not considered toxic to cats. The plant has no known adverse effects on felines when ingested or handled.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicSempervivum grandiflorum 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 grandiflorum is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant has no known adverse effects when handled or ingested in small quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Sempervivum grandiflorum?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, especially during winter.
Q: Does this plant require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: Can Sempervivum grandiflorum be grown indoors?
A: While possible, it prefers outdoor conditions with good air circulation and bright light.
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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