Houseleek care guide
Sempervivum
Also known as: Hens and chicks, Cobweb houseleek
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Houseleek
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 14 days
- In spring, water well about two or three days after the soil dries; the heat from the rainy season to midsummer weakens it, so give a light watering about twice a month on cool evenings.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- Growth returns as it cools, so water thoroughly once the soil dries, about weekly.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 3 weeks
- Outdoors in winter, rain nearly covers it; otherwise a light watering about once or twice a month on a mild day.
Light and placement for Houseleek
A spring-fall grower that generally wants a sunny, airy spot outdoors; it shrugs off cold but struggles in Japan's humid summers, so shade about 50 percent in midsummer in a breezy, rain-free spot, and it is not an indoor plant.
Overwintering Houseleek
Overwintering guide: −10°C (14°F) or above
Generally it overwinters outdoors well below freezing, snow and frost included; keep it on the dry side and move it under the eaves only through long rains, as bringing it indoors makes it stretch.
Fertilizing and repotting Houseleek
Fertilizer
It hardly needs feeding: diluted liquid fertilizer about once a month in spring and fall, none in summer or winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Houseleek
- Rainy-season and midsummer humidity melts the rosette from the center.
- Kept indoors it stretches, fades, and loses its shape.
- Daytime watering in summer scalds the roots.
Tips for growing Houseleek
- A rosette dies after flowering, but the offsets around it keep the clump going.
- Detach and plant the offsets to multiply it.
- In summer, raise the pot off the ground onto a breezy shelf to keep it cooler.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
