Water
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the primary cause of root rot. Reduce watering significantly in winter when the plant is dormant.
Ensure pots have excellent drainage.
Also known as Common House Leek · Common Houseleek · Hen-And-Chickens
Houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum) is a hardy succulent forming dense rosettes of fleshy leaves, perfect for rock gardens and containers. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenan
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Needs at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for best growth and color.
Allow soil to dry out completely
25% intensity
Prefers dry conditions; overwatering causes root rot.
Well-drained, Gritty
50% intensity
Tolerant of a wide range
50% intensity
Prefers moderate temperatures but can withstand frost and heat.
Minimal
10% intensity
Feed sparingly once in spring with a diluted succulent fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the primary cause of root rot. Reduce watering significantly in winter when the plant is dormant.
Ensure pots have excellent drainage.
Pruning is generally not required. Remove dead or faded flower stalks after flowering. Occasionally, trim away any damaged or overcrowded leaves to maintain a tidy appearance and improve air circulation.
Easily propagated from offsets (chicks) which grow around the base of the parent plant. Gently detach offsets with roots and plant them in well-draining soil. They root quickly in warm conditions.
Repot only when necessary, typically every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes crowded. Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for succulents or cacti. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current root ball.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum)
Where Houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Sempervivum |
| Species | Sempervivum tectorum |
Similar in genus Sempervivum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
