Cacti & Succulents

If you are looking for a low - sustenance succulent to add to your garden , look no further than the Hens and Chicks works . Aptly name for the way of life they grow , these plants make great indoor or outdoor garden companions . In this clause , gardening expert Paige Foley walk through everything you require to know about these popular succulent and their aid .

succulent are a very pop works to grow indoors and out of doors . They are make out for giving and giving without asking for much in return . Hens and chicks are the ultimate industrial plant for any gardener with interest in growing succulents . They amount in a smorgasbord of semblance and sizes to befit any panache .

hens and chicks

Hens and chicks are a extremity of thesemperviumgroup ofsucculent plants . They are various , can be grown indoors , outdoors , and can tolerate both moth-eaten and fond temperatures . This make them a great succulent for beginner but also feel succulent growers as well .

These popular succulents go by a few names , such as houseleek and liveforever . They are winter fearless and thrive in almost any soil conditions . They look groovy in rocky landscapes , wall fissure , pots , and just about anywhere else other plant life clamber to live .

wish for hen and chicks is rather simple as long as you allow them with a few round-eyed needs . Theyspread quicklyand will soon blanket an area with big and small rosettes . Let ’s take a deeper look into theproper caution take for biddy and chicks .

Succulent plant growing in garden with green leaves and red tips

Contents

biddy and Chicks Plant Overview

About Hens and Chicks

biddy and wench are a lush plant that gets their name from the rosette growing habits of the plant . You will start with one undivided rosette , and presently , minor rosette will organise around the large one . The modest succulents are tie to the large mother plant bylateral radical . like to a female parent biddy and her chicks , they are never far apart .

Hens and chick are alpine plants , think they do well in poor soils and sturdy conditions . They tend to grow adept where most plants ca n’t make it . This is why they turn well in rocky landscape and in little crevices and gravelly or sandy areas .

They are alsoexcellent for rise indoors in pots . They are low-pitched - upkeep and have very little water requirements . This get them an excellent choice for founder succulent owner because they are forgiving if you implant them and bury about them for a while .

Close-up of succulent plant surrounded by white decorative stone. The plant has dense rosettes, consisting of oval, bright green, juicy, thick leaves with pointed and burgundy edges.

Growth Rate

biddy and doll have a growing time of year which is in the spring and summertime . This is when you will see thesucculent garden truck offsets from the mother flora . you may expect to get 1 to 3 generation of plants in a single growing time of year .

They hand a matured height of 3 to 4 inch tall and can spread up to 2 to 3 feet . Hens and biddy also go through a growth jet in the fall just before they go dormant for the winter . They will re - go forth again in the outflow and begin this cycle over again .

How To Grow

When growing these succulent , there are several unlike factor that can influence their growth . For successful plant , you ’ll desire to check that you have the right amount of sunlight , the right type of soil , enough water , and proper dirt nutrition .

You ’ll also necessitate to provide them with the good temperature & clime . permit ’s take a look at each of these ontogeny factor in additional particular .

Light

Hens and chick love the sun , so planting inat least 6 hours of sunlightor more per day will relent healthy , thriving flora . They come in an array of colours . Sunlight photo impact how vivacious their food color can get . When temperatures are warmer , their leafage will be more vivacious . Once temperature become cooler in the fall , they will become more muted in colour .

They willtolerate planting in fond tint , especially if you experience in live and dry climate . Afternoon shade is never a big theme , as the sunshine in the afternoons can be fairly intense . But be cognisant that coloring may not be as vibrant , and increase may be obtuse if acquire in partial shade .

Soil

Hens and chicksaren’t very picky when it fare to land . They grow best in a mixing of soberly and arenaceous soils . They favor soils that are well - draining andcan evolve problem if planted in squashy soils .

If you have poorly drain ground , consider mixing in sand or gravelbefore planting . This will help improve drain and create a proficient ground composition . If you are produce them in a container , apply a admixture explicate for succulents and cacti . you may also make your own soil using potting mix blended withperlite or vermiculite .

you’re able to better your soils to befit the growth of hens and bird fairly easily . If you are looking to increase drainage , look at adding pumice stone , Baroness Dudevant , or gravel . This will not only increase drain but also increase airflow . This helps keep stem rot and make an overall healthier plant .

Close-up of a succulent plant in a pot. Many beautiful, dense, bright green rosettes with oval, pointed leaves and red tips. The plants are a bit like rubber roses.

Water

As drought - tolerant perennials , hens and skirt can handle calendar week at a time without receiving water . With that being said , you should still give them water now and again to help oneself encourage novel growth . If you have late transpose plants , watering can help them establish .

But once they have established , you may back off on watering . If you do decide to startle a watering schedule , irrigate them deeply and less often . This will allow roots to develop deep and tap into moisture deeper in the soil .

If you notice your works start to look gangly or the leaf are look less full , take a look at the land . travail into the soil and see how much wet remain in the soil . This is the plant secern you it may be clip to piss .

Top view, close-up of a succulent plant in a large brown flower pot in the garden. The plant is short, densely grown, consisting of many dense rosettes with fleshy, bright green, oblong, upward directed leaves with purple and pointed edges.

Temperature

One of the best feature of hen and chicks is they can be grow in a big range of mountains of temperatures . On average , they favor to be between65 to 75 ° Fbut can be in cool and warmer temperature . If you live in part where the average temperature is above 75 ° atomic number 9 , consider providing shade during the hottest hours of the 24-hour interval .

If temperatures become too low-down , they will cease growing and go into a semi - torpid country . They need to go through this period of time to be healthy . If you know in a hardiness zone below 4 , bring them indoors or put them in a sheltered country .

‘ Hairy ’ and ‘ Jovibarba ’ cultivar are moresusceptible to damage during cold conditionsand should be placed indoors or covered with a glass or plastic domed stadium .

Close-up of female hands planting a succulent plant in a clay pot outdoors. In one hand she holds a clay pot full of soil, and in the other hand a seedling of Hens and chicks. The seedling consists of fleshy bright green leaves with pointed reddish edges that form a rosette. Soil is scattered on a wooden table and two old clay flower pots stand.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing your hens and biddy uprise in the dry land is n’t necessary . There are generally enough nutrient in the grunge for them to hold out . But if you have them planted in a container , that might be a unlike narration . If you necessitate to inseminate your biddy in chicks in container , deliberate a irksome - release fertilizer .

Be sure to choose afertilizer design specifically for succulentsand cacti . Be careful not to over - fertilize . The plant life will show star sign that it is being over - fertilized by dieback .   If your flora are dying shortly after applying fertilizer , this may be your sign to stop fertilize . Do n’t fertilize for at least a few weeks , and your flora should come back .

When to Plant

Hens and chicks can be establish any clock time during the year . endeavor to avoid planting in freezing temperature and uttermost heat , as this can induce the plant life to go into jounce . Spring plantingis great because your hen will be able to produce chicks during the warmer months and quickly fill your landscape , rock seam , or pots .

If growing indoors , you could plantany timebut debate planting before they have a declivity emergence jet . If you want to constitute them outside , the cutoff date should be 5 to 7 weeks before the first frost . Indoor planting can happen at any clock time as long as the right growing conditions are provided .

Maintenance

If you are search for a low - sustentation succulent , look no further . hen and chicks flourish on neglect and will proceed to produce offsets during difficult conditions . imbed them in full sunlight and watch them grow .

Even after the mother henhas sent up her peak , you may leave her lay with her “ chicks ” unless she has diseases or insects . You will most belike not discover that she has died as her chick will lie close and cross the dead stem canker . You may have to weed around the rose window from time to fourth dimension , but other than this , they will take maintenance of themselves .

Pruning

You will rarely have to rationalize these low - sustainment succulents . The only time you may want to crop is if you have them establish in small outer space or pots and have become overcrowded . If the plant die hard out of room , it will begin to grow upwards . Simplythin out some of the chicksto make room for more growth .

you may fling the chicks or place them into a new pot or location to begin a young dependency of plants . It also might be tantalizing to cut down the flowering stock of the biddy , so she does n’t die , but this is n’t recommended . The rosette need to go through this cycle for the residue of the plant to be healthy .

Overwintering

Hens and chick do n’t expect you to prepare them for a recollective wintertime . If necessary , clearly forth any rubble from the base of the succulent to prevent molding . Theydon’t like fuddled wintertime conditions , and incite debris will allow some flow of air .

If you have pot plants , they will need a little protection from the elements . Place them in a sheltered country or bring them indoors for the winter . They will survive the wintertime in passing cold regions in the background , but sight should be give some extra charge to forestall the succulents from damage .

You will notice if you live in cold part that theleaves on this succulent will start to release brownand die . This is normal , and the flora is going abeyant . The rosettes are save energy to regrow in the spring . Simply leave behind them alone , and once temperatures rise again , they will quickly perk up .

Close-up of a Sempervivum tectorum plant covered in water drops against a blurred background. The succulent consists of oblong fleshy green leaves with red tips that form a dense rosette.

Flowering

finally , this succulent will produce a flower . This signify the remainder of the mother works , and she will go among her chicks . The wench will proceed to grow , and in some clock time , they too , will station out a peak and die . provide the plant life to send up a stalk and produce seed . This is healthy for the plant life .

The plant will send up a bulge or stalk from the center field of the matured hen . Typically , peak will emerge in summer , but container plants may bloom in recent spring or former summertime . Indoor plant life have an irregular bloom cycle because of the consistent environment .

Propagation

propagate this succulent is fairly dewy-eyed . You will want to start by removing the set-back or the chick of the plant . Be trusted to keep the root word integral . Once you have dispatch the offset , dig out a shallow hole andplace the offset into the hollow .

you may give your propagation some light watering for a duad days . check that the grease dry out between waterings . Overwatering is the number onekiller of most lush plant life .   They uprise rather quickly and should found roots within a week or so .

Growing From Seed

Yes , you’re able to grow these succulents from seed ! The seminal fluid are collected from a mature hen and chick flower , or you may buy some from a glasshouse or online . Theflower will bring out a podonce the flower fades , and this is when you could collect the seed . Remove the pod and pop them open , and remove the seeds .

Spread the seeds onto the potting grunge specifically for succulent or cacti . Lightly water the seeds and aim them in a bright location . localise the potful in a ardent way that ’s between 70 to 75 F if you’re able to . seedling should emergewithin three weeks .

Keep in mind that seeds from hybrid motley may develop plants that wait different than their parents . Most probably , not all the source you plant will germinate , and this is common . Keep trying until you get the desired amount of plant .

Close-up of a succulent plant in a white ceramic pot. The plant produces fleshy green leaves in the shape of a rosette. The ground is covered with orange pebbles. Decorative white ceramic mushroom in the soil.

Growing Indoors

hen and doll can be farm year - round or just in the winter months . If you farm them in potbelly during the summertime , you’re able to contribute the pot indoors , and they will continue to get .

They havethe same requirement for growing both indoors and outdoors . When growing them indoors , it may take a little sentence to chance the correct location in your home . Move your succulent around until you find the right-hand sunlight . Keep in mind that they need at least 6 hours of sun per 24-hour interval .

If your quite a little becomes overcrowded , separate the chicks from the hen and startle them in a fresh crapper . This is the time to share with family and friends the pleasure of grow these adorable succulent . They will give thanks you for give them such an easy - run plant life .

Close-up of a growing succulent in a white container. The soil is sprinkled with white granular fertilizer. Several small rosettes of fleshy green leaves with reddish tips.

There are many differenthens and bird varietiesto prefer from when considering the sodding flora . They range in color from red , pinkish , purple , greens , and wild blue yonder . Colors can commute during the time of year depending on climate and temperature . As long as you wish little potato shape and slurred leaves , there is a variety that will befit your style . Below is alist of democratic varieties .

The perfect example of a hen and chicks with thickly - pack rosettes that grow in bright green leave with change colors of Orange River to red to burgundy at the wind . The rosettes will reach about 4 column inch in diameter when fully fledged .

Looking for a miscellany that has a piffling texture ? “ Wendy ’ has beautiful obtuse rosettes that are immature , turning red at the tips . The leafage have tiny hair that make them soft to the soupcon .   This variety will form dim colony of offset .

Close-up of a gardener’s hands in gray gloves planting a small sprout of succulent plant into the soil in a terracotta pot. The sprout has fleshy dark green leaves arranged in the form of a rosette.

With hues of blue , this variety form geometrical rosettes that have a blue - green tone to the leaves . This variety is more dusty - tolerant than most , but that means it also ca n’t tolerate heat as well either . With around 4 column inch rosettes , this variety is sure to become one of your favorites .

This alone succulent produces green leaves with burgundy tips . But the fun feature of this miscellanea is the white cobweb - looking center . These cobwebs are in reality grown to protect the industrial plant from drouth . The cobweb gob wet when the H2O supply is low .

Common Uses

Hens and skirt will grow just about anywhere that has relatively dry soil and plenty of sunlight . They look great in stone gardens , crevices in rock walls , and pots . They will also uprise well with other succulents that can survive in the same hardiness zones .

Anywhere you may think of growing them , they will hold up . engraft them indoors to bring a bit of color and life to a bleak winter . They arean excellent succulent for a beginnerto assay growing indoors as a houseplant .

Plant Problems

hen and chick have a few vulgar issues that can get them to exchange colors and die if not remedied in a well-timed way . Let ’s take a flavour at some of the most common issue that will pop up when growing these succulents .

If you notice their leafage are commence to droop and becoming mushy , this is a sign that the plant life is in too wet of conditions . basically the plant is commence to rot from the roots up .

The best answer to this job is to dig up the plant anddiscard the septic flora . The chicks may be unharmed and can be planted back into drier condition .

Close-up of a Succulent in a black square plastic pot on a white background. The plant is a dense rosette of fleshy dark green leaves covered with fine white hairs. The plant is surrounded by small rosettes - offsets.

This is very usual when the “ hen ” rose window grow a flower and position seeded player . The “ biddy ” will then dieback . Even though the “ hen ” has died , the chicks will continue the settlement . Dieback can also be a signboard of over - watering or too much fertilizer .

Take a look at the dirt and the surroundings to see what might be induce the die back . Dig into the soil and see how much moisture is being carry in the soil . You may have totry adding sand or gravelto improve drainage if the soils are too soggy . Be thrifty amending the ground where plants are established .

Although hens and bird are pretty resistant to insects , if rise in the wrong conditions can become accented and be a great innkeeper for aphids and mealybug . These pests are less common in works grown outdoors and more vulgar in plant grown indoors .

Close-up of many rosettes of a succulent plant in a brown pot. The succulent produces dense rosettes of green, oblong, succulent leaves with pointed ends. In the background are pruning shears.

If your plant become septic with aphids or mealybugs , you canspray with a preferred insecticide . The honest manner to foreclose these dirt ball from appearing is to increase airflow , keep the plants in a sunny location and increase soil drain .

Frequently Asked Questions

Hens and bird are good to found around dog , cats and horse but they can deliver humiliated toxicity to children and adults . The leave-taking convey alkaloid that are considered poisonous . Some may develop dermatitis or an antsy rash from the sap from the leaves .

Yes ! They are a perennial succulent which imply they will come back every year . They are even winter hardy so they can be produce in northern regions of the United States . These succulents will go dormant when downfall temperatures become too frigid and will re - alive in the spring .

The female parent hen will send out offset or also known as chicks . This cycles/second continues over and over again for long time . One the female parent russet scab blossom , she will die and her offsets will take her place . you could expect the colonies of hens and chicks to get about 2 to 3 feet all-embracing .

Close-up of a succulent plant in a gray pot covered with snow. Gorgeous bright green rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves with red tips.

Final Thoughts

Hens and chicks are peachy plant for gardeners that are newfangled to growing succulents . They are crushed - maintenance andcome in a smorgasbord of colour to take from .

They flourish on disregard and will be just happy to experience their daylight just hang out in your rock garden , landscape or clay pots . Great for all experience levels , biddy and chicks are the succulent that shine even when the going gets tough .

Close-up of the flowers of a flowering succulent plant. Many inflorescences of small pink flowers with yellow centers. Petals with pointed ends and dark pink central veins, turning into a border in the center of the flower.

Close-up of many succulent offsets planted in a pot. Small rosettes of fleshy bright green leaves with reddish tips, covered with drops of water. The soil is covered with orange and brown pebbles.

Top view, many white plastic pots with succulents grown from seeds. Succulents have small rosettes of dark green, fleshy, pointed leaves. The pots are illuminated by sunlight.

Close-up of succulent in full sun in a white hanging pot against a blurred green background. The plant has many low-growing rosettes consisting of green, fleshy leaves with pointed purple tips.

Close-up of many ‘Sirius’ succulents. The plant forms dense rosettes of bright green, succulent leaves with red-burgundy and orange tips and outer rows of reddish leaves. The tips of the leaves are slightly pubescent with white hairs.

Growing succulent plant Sempervivum ‘Wendy’. Many dense rosettes of succulent, oblong, red-tipped green leaves covered with tiny white hairs. The leaves are slightly curved upwards.

Close-up of a growing Sempervivum ‘Berry Blues’ plant in a flowerbed garden. A large dense geomatric rosette consists of fleshy flat blue-green leaves with pointed and slightly reddish ends. Small shoots (small dense rosettes) grow near the mother plant. The edges of the leaves are covered with tiny white hairs.

Top view of many ‘Cotton Candy’ succulents. Plants are dense rosettes of succulent green leaves with burgundy tips. The leaves in the center of the plant are covered with a white cobweb.

Close-up of a Sempervivum tectorum plant in the pot outdoors. Large dense rosettes of bright green oblong leaves with red and pointed tips. The leaves are slightly pubescent.

Close-up of a succulent plant with pale and withered leaves. The leaves are oblong, pale green-gray with pink and brown-red spots, and mushy due to over-watering or damp conditions.

Top view, dying succulent in a transparent flower pot on a white table. The plant is a dense rosette that consists of long, fleshy, slightly hairy, green leaves with reddish tips and several shoots on long red stems. Some leaves are brown-black, shriveled, rotting. The shoots also have fleshy leaves forming small dense rosettes.

Close-up of an elongated succulent plant with black aphids on the leaves. The plant consists of an oblong, thick rosette with fleshy bright green leaves with pointed and reddish ends. Tiny soft-bodied black insects sit on the leaves and suck the juice from the plant.