Also known as Hens and Chicks · 366 saves
Sempervivum
Sempervivum, the genus most gardeners know as hens and chicks. We track 16 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 15 most-saved Sempervivum varieties
Browse all 16 Sempervivum varieties →
5 species of Sempervivum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Sempervivum in Sow
Save the Sempervivum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Sempervivum
Whats common across all Sempervivum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 16 most-grown of them.
The Sempervivum year
- PropagateApril–August94% of varieties
Gently detach offsets ('chicks') and replant them immediately
- Spring CleanupMarch and April75% of varieties
Remove any dead or rotting leaves/rosettes from winter moisture
- DeadheadJuly–September63% of varieties
Cut off the entire flower stalk after blooming; the parent rosette will die
- PlantApril, May, October and November44% of varieties
Plant offsets or new plants in very gritty, well-drained soil
- Check for PestsJune–August31% of varieties
Inspect rosettes for aphids on flower stalks and spider mites during hot, dry weather.
Do
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Remove dead or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth
- Water only when soil is completely dry 🌱
- Ensure plenty of sunlight for vibrant coloration 🌞
- Water only when soil is completely dry ❌
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t use heavy clay soil that retains moisture
- Don’t expose to frost; protect in cold zones
What goes wrong with Sempervivum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or a strong stream of water |
| Mealybugs | White cottony spots on leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root mealybugs | White, cottony masses on the roots accompanied by slow, stunted plant growth. | Unpot the plant, wash the roots thoroughly to remove pests, and repot in fresh, sterile gritty mix. |
| Slugs and snails | Irregular holes chewed in the fleshy leaves during damp conditions. | Clear away nearby debris where pests hide and hand-pick them at night. |
| Root rot | Wilting, blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Fungal leaf spots | Dark spots on leaves | Remove affected leaves and apply fungicide |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery fungal growth on the leaves in damp, stagnant conditions. | Increase air circulation around the plants and keep the foliage dry. |
Making more Sempervivum
Offsets
- Gently remove offsets from the parent plant.
- Plant them in well-draining soil.
- Water lightly after planting.
- Allow roots to establish for 4-6 weeks.
Leaf cuttings
- Select healthy leaves and let them callus for 2 days
- Place leaves on soil surface without burying
- Mist lightly every few days to keep humidity
- Roots and new rosettes form in 2-4 weeks
- Transplant to individual pots once rooted
Sempervivum questions
How many types of Sempervivum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 16 distinct Sempervivum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 366 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Sempervivum grow in?
Across its varieties, Sempervivum covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Sempervivum bloom?
Most Sempervivum varieties bloom in summer, late summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Sempervivum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.