Hens and Chicks
sempervivum ciliosum
Also known as: ["Houseleek","Liveforever"]
Overview
A hardy succulent forming rosettes of fleshy leaves, often with red or purple tints, native to mountainous regions.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","deer resistant","cold hardy","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Sempervivum |
| Botanical Name: | Sempervivum ciliosum |
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":"–12–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light to full sun (4–6 hours daily). Adjust to avoid scorching in intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from harsh midday sun; place 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; provide shade during peak summer; ensure adequate light for compact form.
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 garden soil; amend with grit if needed.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C). Tolerates frost but thrives in cooler conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature swings; protect from frost; ensure good ventilation.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize only during active growth; dilute to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets (pups).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offset.
- Let callus form.
- Plant in medium.
- Water sparingly until rooted.
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; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Clean knife, small pot, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callus before planting; use a small pot to limit soil volume; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Gently pull off dead leaves or use clean scissors to trim.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged leaves and separating offsets for propagation.
Tools
Clean scissors or fingers.
Checklist
Remove dead leaves; separate offsets; check for pests.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter).
Method
Use fresh cactus soil mix; ensure drainage holes; gently tease out roots if compacted.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant outgrows its container.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; check root health; ensure proper drainage; avoid over-potting.
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 coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; use a gritty mix to prevent waterlogging.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf discoloration (yellowing or browning), stunted growth, or mushy leaves.
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.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause dehydration, sunburn, or etiolation if not acclimated.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; water carefully to avoid overheating roots.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer (quarter strength) once in spring and once in summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSempervivum ciliosum is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known harmful effects when ingested or touched by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicSempervivum ciliosum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicSempervivum ciliosum 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: How often should Sempervivum ciliosum be watered?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, typically every 2-3 weeks depending on climate.
Q: Can Sempervivum ciliosum be grown indoors?
A: While possible, it thrives best in outdoor conditions with ample sunlight and good air circulation.
Q: Does Sempervivum ciliosum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it can attract bees and butterflies due to its flowering habit.
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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