How to Plant and Care for Hens-and-Chicks: Guide for 2024

Share This on

Botanical Name	Sempervivum tectorum
Family	Crassulaceae
Plant Type	Succulent
Mature Size	3-6 inches tall, 6-12 inches wide
Sun Exposure	Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
Soil pH	Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0-7.5)
Bloom Time	Summer
Flower Color	Pink, red, yellow
Hardiness Zones	3-8 (USDA)
Native Area	Europe, particularly the mountains

Types of Hens and Chicks Plants

Here a quick look on the types of Hens and Chicks succulent, each with unique appearance.

Name	Grown Indoors?	Unique Features
Sempervivum tectorum	✓	Green rosettes with reddish tips
Sempervivum arachnoideum	✓	Tiny white hairs resembling cobwebs
Sempervivum calcareum	✓	Green rosettes with striking red edges
Sempervivum ‘Pacific Blue Ice’	✓	Cool blue-green leaves with purple tips

How to choose the right Hens and Chicks plant

You can go with any type of hen and chicks you want but if you are buying from nursery then you should know what you have to look for when selecting the Hen and Chicks plant. We have compiled some simple tips:

Look for	Comments
Lively color	Look for a variety of colors in the rosettes, from vibrant greens to deep purples and reds
Sturdy leaves	The central rosette (the “hen”) is firm and upright, with compact leaves tightly clustered together.
No damage	Ensure leaves and stems are not torn, broken, or discolored.
No disease	Check for pests like aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites in between the rosettes and along the stem.
Size	Hens-and-Chicks stay small, typically 3-6 inches tall and up to 12 inches wide
Shape	Look for Hens-and-Chicks which have: Compact rosette shape, firm plump leaves, Densely packed foliage and Symmetrical appearance.
Environment	Full sun to partial shade Well-draining soil Dry conditions between watering Good air circulation to prevent rot

Choosing the Right Pot and Soil

Best pot for Hens and Chicks Plant

Terracotta hens and chicks planter is the best choice for hens-and-chicks from the pots mentioned in the table below.

Pot	Specification	Dimensions (Width x Height)	Comments
Terracotta	Porous, breathable material	Width: 4-6 inches Height: 3-4 inches	Ideal for Hens-and-Chicks as it provides excellent drainage and prevents root rot.
Plastic	Non-porous, lightweight, retains moisture longer	Width: 4-6 inches Height: 3-4 inches	Less ideal for Hens-and-Chicks due to moisture retention, which can lead to root rot.

Best soil for Hens and Chicks Plant

Best soil for hens and chicks depends on your specific needs. We have prepared the soil for propagation, potting mix for indoor and potting mix for outdoors.

Soil	Best Mix	Comments
Propagation	50% potting soil 25% Perline 25% Coarse Sand Mix	Check out how to make your own mix here or buy a readymade Seed Starting Mix.
Potting Mix for Indoors	50% potting soil, 50% perlite or coarse sand	Buy a readymade Cactus/Succulent Potting Mix.
Potting Mix for Outdoors	40% potting soil, 40% perlite, 20% coarse sand or gravel	Buy a readymade Cactus/Succulent Potting Mix for outdoor use.

Additional Tip:
Do not use regular garden soil or heavy soil that retains too much water.

How to Grow Hens and Chicks Plant Indoors

To start growing Hens and Chicks indoor, you can acquire them from a local nursery or garden center, or you can propagate offsets from a friend who already has the plant. Place them in a location with bright, indirect light and use a well-draining succulent soil mix.

How to Grow Hens and Chicks Plant Outdoors

To grow the Hens and Chicks plant outdoors, you can directly plant the offset in soil with good drainage. Choose a sunny spot with a sandy area. Once established, Hens and Chicks are drought-tolerant and require minimal watering.

How to Propagate Hens and Chicks: Step-by-Step Propagation

We have multiple methods to propagate hens and chicks. You can choose from the table below which method you like best.

Propagation Method:	Recommended	Difficulty	Comments
Offsets	✔	Easy	Simply remove the offsets (chicks) and replant them.
Leaf Cutting	✘	Hard	Leaves do not root well.
Seed	✔	Moderate	Method is time consuming, germination and growth are slow.
Bulb	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not a bulbous plant
Division of Rosettes	✔	Easy	Dividing mature rosettes can be done to propagate the plant.
Layering	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Layering technique is not used
Grafting	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not suitable or necessary for Hens-and-Chicks propagation.

Preparation for propagating the Hens and Chicks Plant:

Topic	Items	Comments
Safety	Gloves & Scissors
Source	Offset / seeds / leaf cutting / rosettes	Get your selected source item for propagation.
Soil	Propagation Mix	Use or make the appropriate propagation mix for best results.
Pot	Terracotta Pot
Others	Repotting Mat	A good repotting mat constraints the mess created during the procedure.

Propagating from Offsets:

This is probably the best way to plant hens and chicks.

Removing Chicks: Carefully separate chicks from the mother plant.
Planting: Plant chicks in well-draining soil, ensuring roots are covered.
Rooting hens and chicks in water (Optional): Place chick in a container of water, changing water regularly.
Transferring to Soil: Once roots develop, transfer chick to soil, burying roots and base.

Propagating Hens-and-Chicks from Seed

Seed Sowing: Sprinkle seeds on the surface of well-draining soil.
Moisture Control: Keep soil lightly moist, avoiding waterlogging.
Patience: Seeds may take time to sprout, requiring weeks or even months.
Growth: Watch for new growth, indicating successful germination.

Propagating from Division of Rosettes

Rosette Separation: Carefully divide mature rosettes into smaller sections.
Root Inspection: Ensure each section has healthy roots attached.
Planting.
Divisions: Plant divisions in fresh soil, burying roots and base.
Establishment: Allow time for divisions to establish and grow new rosettes.

How to Care for Hens and Chicks

Here is the brief information on lighting, watering and all basic care needs of your hens and chicks plant:

Needs	Ideal State	Avoid	Frequency (if applicable)	Recommendations
Light	Bright indirect sunlight	Too much direct sunlight	N/A	Indoor: Place it near the window. Outdoor: Provide shade in summer.
Air Circulation	Keep in a well distanced space	Stagnant, humid air	N/A	Ensure the plant is in a well-ventilated area, especially indoors.
Watering	Allow soil to dry out between waterings	Watering on a fixed schedule. Excess water in the plant saucer	Water when soil is completely dry	Water thoroughly, then allow to dry out completely before watering again.
Fertilizer	Use diluted fertilizer. Check the label of your liquid fertilizer for the recommended concentration. 1/8 teaspoon of fertilizer in 2 quarts of water	Rich fertilizers Fertilize dry soil Fertilize during dormancy Over-fertilize	Once a month during growing season (spring and summer)	Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Temperature	60-75°F (15-24°C)	Extreme heat above 85°F (29°C) or frost	N/A	Protect from extreme temperatures.
Humidity	Low to moderate	High humidity	N/A	Avoid placing in humid areas like bathrooms.
Pruning	Remove dead leaves and offsets	Cutting healthy rosettes unnecessarily	As needed
Repotting	When plants outgrow their pot or soil becomes depleted	Keeping in the same pot for too long	Every 2-3 years	Repot in spring or early summer.
Pest Control	Inspect regularly and use natural pest control methods	Using harsh chemicals	As needed	Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat infestations.

How to Prune Hens and Chicks

Pruning of Hens-and-Chicks is easy! Use clean scissors and be gentle with the rosettes. Just remove any dead or dying leaves and trim off the “chicks” if they overcrowd the “hen.”

How to Repot Hens and Chicks Step by Step

Signs that indicate the need for repotting:

It’s time to repot your Hens-and-Chicks if:

The pot is overcrowded with “chicks.”
Roots are growing out of the drainage holes.
The soil dries out too quickly.

Choosing a New Pot and Soil for Hens and Chicks Plant:

Pick a pot with good drainage.
Use well-draining, sandy soil, like cactus mix.

Steps for repotting Hens and Chicks plant:

Unpotting:
- Gently remove the plant from its current pot. Shake off excess soil from the roots.
Planting:
- Place it in the new pot with fresh soil.Watering:
Watering & Lighting:
- Water lightly and place in bright, indirect sunlight.

Common Problems and Solutions

Here are all the problems your Hens and Chicks plant can face, with solution, so you don’t need to go anywhere esle for the solutions.

Hen and Chicks Turning Yellow?

Root Cause: Your hens and chicks are turning yellow or black, having mushy, soft leaves and leaves dropping off are all caused by the overwatering.

Solution: To solve this, carefully read the hens and chicks water requirements.

Hen and Chicks Drying?

Root Cause: The problems like leaves drying, leaves curling or browning at edges, and slow growth are caused by the underwatering.

Solution: Know how to water Hens-and-Chicks above.

Pest Infestation in Hens and Chicks

Root Cause: Aphids, mealybugs, and other pests can attack the plants.

Solution: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regularly inspect the plants and remove any visible pests by hand.

Poor Drainage

Root Cause: Soil that doesn’t drain well can lead to root rot.

Solution: Use a well-draining soil mix and pots with drainage holes.

Frost Damage

Root Cause: Exposure to frost can cause leaves to turn black and die.

Solution: Protect the plants by bringing them indoors or covering them during cold snaps.

Sunburn

Root Cause: Intense, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing them to turn brown or black.

Solution: Follow the hens and chicks light requirements which we have mentioned above.

Nutrient Deficiency

Root Cause: Lack of essential nutrients can cause poor growth and discoloration.

Solution: Follow the best practices for fertilizing hens and chicks.

Conclusion

Hens-and-Chicks (Sempervivum) is perfect for anyone who likes gardening. They can grow pretty much anywhere and look cool with their little rosette shapes, which makes them a nice addition to any garden or even inside the house.

Just make sure you know how to care for them. Watch out for pests and make sure the water doesn’t get stuck in the soil.

If you follow the simple tips in this article, your Hens-and-Chicks will do great and keep looking awesome for a long time.
Interested in other succulents? Check out Aloe vera, Burro’s tail plant and Christmas Cactus.

IN THIS ARTICLE