How to Grow and Care for Hens and Chicks (House Leek)
Plant Overview
Hens and chicks, also known as house leek, are mat-forming succulents characterized by their fleshy, pointed leaves arranged in rosettes. The parent rosette is the “hen,” while the smaller rosettes that grow from it are the “chicks.” These drought-tolerant plants thrive in temperate to warm, dry climates with full sun to light shade and well-draining soil.
Care Requirements
Light: Hens and chicks prefer full sun (at least six hours daily) for optimal coloration and abundant offsets. However, they can also grow in partial shade, especially in hot, dry climates.
Soil: These plants are not particularly picky about soil but grow best in sandy or gravelly, well-draining mixes. If your soil is heavy and does not drain well, incorporate gravel, pumice, perlite, or sand to improve aeration and drainage. Hens and chicks prefer a neutral soil pH.
Water: As drought-tolerant perennials, hens and chicks can withstand weeks without watering. Water newly transplanted plants sufficiently to help them establish, but be careful not to over-water once they are established. Check the soil and ensure it is dry before watering.
Temperature and Humidity: Hens and chicks thrive in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate lower temperatures but will go into a semi-dormant state. These plants also tolerate a wide range of humidity levels and are popular in dry climates.
Fertilizer: Hens and chicks can grow in poor soils and appreciate a slow-release fertilizer designed for succulents or cacti with low nitrogen content and beneficial soil microbes. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Types of Hens and Chicks
The two most common species of hens and chicks are:
- Sempervivum tectorum var. arvernense: Features leaves covered with velvet-like hairs.
- Sempervivum tectorum var. tectorum: Has smooth leaves edged with hairs.
Additionally, there are numerous cultivars of S. tectorum bred for different foliage colors and shapes, such as:
- ‘Bernstein’ (copper and gold leaves)
- ‘Big Blue’ (bluish-green leaves)
- ‘Black’ (green leaves with purple tips)
- ‘Terracotta Baby’ (vibrant orangey-red foliage)
- ‘Claudia’ (large rosettes with bright red leaves)
- ‘Herringer Rose’ (red leaves tinged with brown)
- ‘Launcelot’ (brownish-red leaves)
- ‘Morgenrote’ (plumb-red leaves edged with green)
- ‘Pelora’ (unusual mutant variety with bright green, bullet-shaped leaves)
Propagation
To propagate hens and chicks, simply split the offsets (the “chicks”) from the parent plant (the “hen”), preserving the roots of each, if possible. Transplant the offsets into well-drained soil, creating a shallow hole where you can spread out the roots. Replace the soil to the crown of the plant and gently compact it around the roots. You can give the offset a light watering, but let the new plant dry out between waterings.
Growing from Seed
Hens and chicks can also be grown from the seeds produced from a mature plant’s flowers. However, seeds from hybrid plants may not produce true-to-parent offspring. To propagate from seed:
- Collect the seeds from the pods left behind after the flowers fade and sprinkle them on top of pots filled with cactus/succulent potting mix.
- Lightly moisten the mix and place the pot in a bright location. The seeds should sprout within three weeks.
- Once the seedlings emerge, add some fine gravel and mulch.
Potting and Repotting
Hens and chicks are well-suited for container gardening, both indoors and outdoors. Use a shallow, well-drained container filled with a cactus/succulent potting mix. Clay pots are recommended as they wick moisture to prevent overwatering. Hens and chicks can be grown alone or in mixed groups with other succulents or miniature rock garden plants.
Overwintering
Hens and chicks do not require winter cold protection but resent wet winter conditions. Clean away ground debris to prevent moisture accumulation, which can lead to rot. Outdoor potted plants may need to be placed in a sheltered location or brought indoors during cold winter months.
Common Pests and Diseases
Hens and chicks grown indoors or in overly-moist conditions are susceptible to pests, such as mealybugs and aphids. If you notice an infestation, try removing the bugs with a cotton swab or cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. You can also treat the plants with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Fungal leaf spots or root rot can occur in moist or poorly drained conditions. Keeping these plants dry is the best way to prevent these issues.
Flowering
Hens and chicks are primarily grown for their foliage, but they do produce flowers, typically after several years of growth. The flowers are small and daisy-like, with petals in shades of pink, orange, yellow, or white.
Bloom Encouragement
Flowering in hens and chicks is not always desirable or necessary. However, if you wish to encourage blooming, you can deliberately stress the plant by shading it.
Post-Bloom Care
After flowering, the central rosette (the hen) may die. You can remove the stalk or leave it in place to decompose into the colony. The offset chicks will continue to grow and propagate the colony.
Common Problems
- Mushy Plant: Overwatering can cause the leaves to become soft and wilt. Dig up the plant, split off healthy rosettes, and discard the rotting sections. Improve drainage by amending the soil with sand or gravel.
- Rosettes Dying Back: The hen rosette may die back after flowering and seed production. This is a natural process. Excessive watering or fertilization can also lead to rosette dieback.
Additional Long-Tail Keyword-Focused Information
- How to Grow Hens and Chicks in Full Sun: Place the plant in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
- What is the Best Soil for Hens and Chicks: Use a well-draining mix such as sandy or gravelly soil with a neutral pH.
- How Often Should You Water Hens and Chicks: Water newly transplanted plants regularly to help them establish. Once established, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
- What Temperature Do Hens and Chicks Prefer: These plants thrive in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate lower temperatures but will go into a semi-dormant state.
- How to Repot Hens and Chicks: Repot the plant when it becomes overcrowded or the roots start to grow out of the drainage holes. Use a larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
- How to Overwinter Hens and Chicks in Cold Climates: Bring outdoor potted plants indoors or place them in a sheltered location during cold winter months. Protect them from frost and excessive moisture.
- How to Treat Mealybugs on Hens and Chicks: Use a cotton swab or cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove the bugs. You can also treat the plants with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- How to Encourage Flowering in Hens and Chicks: Shade the plant slightly to stress it and promote flowering.
- What Does It Mean When a Hens and Chicks Plant Turns Mushy: Overwatering can cause the leaves to become soft and wilt. Dig up the plant, split off healthy rosettes, and discard the rotting sections.
- How to Fix a Hens and Chicks Plant That Is Dying Back: The hen rosette may die back after flowering and seed production. This is a natural process. Excessive watering or fertilization can also lead to rosette dieback.