Wulfen's Houseleek
sempervivum wulfenii
Also known as: ["Jovibarba wulfenii","Houseleek"]
Overview
A hardy succulent forming rosettes of fleshy leaves, native to mountainous regions of Europe.
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 wulfenii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or container gardens
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically once a year or when dead leaves accumulate.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or yellowing leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light to full sun (4–6 hours/day). 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 dappled sunlight.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; avoid direct midday sun in summer; increase light in winter if indoors.
Watering
every 7–10 days in summer, every 3–4 weeks in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; prioritize dryness over moisture.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or gritty soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; topdress with gravel if needed.
Temperature
Ideal range 50–75°F (10–24°C). Tolerates cold but prefers moderate temperatures; avoid extreme fluctuations.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; adjust watering with temperature shifts.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth
Fertilize only during active growth; dilute to prevent salt buildup; skip winter feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets (pups).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Remove offset.
- Let cut end dry for 1–2 days.
- Plant in medium.
- Water sparingly until rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, bright indirect light; moderate humidity (40–60%); well-ventilated.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Roots form in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callous before planting; use small pots for better control; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Gently pull off dead leaves by hand or use clean scissors for stubborn ones.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged leaves to maintain shape.
Tools
Clean fingers or small, sharp scissors.
Checklist
Check for dead leaves; remove gently; avoid cutting healthy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh cactus mix; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Necessary to refresh soil and prevent root crowding.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water sparingly post-repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce winter watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even moisture without wetting the leaves. Allow water to drain freely from the pot, avoiding standing water.
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 commercial potting soil to enhance drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf discoloration (yellowing or browning), stunted growth, or mushy leaves (overwatering in cold).
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause root rot if soil remains wet; leaves may become brittle or discolored.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil; protect from frost; reduce watering in cold periods; move indoors if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, dehydration, or sunburn; may enter dormancy if too hot.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water early morning or late evening; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer (¼ strength) once in spring and once in summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSempervivum wulfenii is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known harmful effects when ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicSempervivum wulfenii is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicSempervivum wulfenii is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Sempervivum wulfenii?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Q: Does Sempervivum wulfenii need full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: Can Sempervivum wulfenii be grown indoors?
A: It can be grown indoors but requires bright light and good air circulation.
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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