Also known as Hens and Chicks · 375 saves
Sempervivum
Sempervivum, the genus most gardeners know as hens and chicks. We track 13 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 11 most-saved Sempervivum varieties
Browse all 13 Sempervivum varieties →
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 13 most-grown of them.
The Sempervivum year
- PropagateMarch, April, May, June, July and September85% of varieties
Gently detach offsets ('chicks') and replant them immediately
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March85% of varieties
Remove any dead or rotting leaves/rosettes from winter moisture
- PlantMarch, April, September and October54% of varieties
Plant offsets or new plants in very gritty, well-drained soil
- DeadheadJune–August54% of varieties
Cut off the entire flower stalk after blooming; the parent rosette will die
Do
- Water only when soil is completely dry 🌱
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Remove dead or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth
- 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
- Avoid overwatering; succulents are drought-tolerant ❌
What goes wrong with Sempervivum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | White cottony spots on leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or a strong stream of water |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Root rot | Wilting, blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Fungal leaf spots | Dark spots on leaves | Remove affected leaves and apply fungicide |
| Fungal spots | Spots on leaves with fuzzy growth | Apply a fungicide and improve air circulation |
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 13 distinct Sempervivum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 375 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Sempervivum grow in?
Across its varieties, Sempervivum covers USDA Zones 4–9. 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.