Sempervivum Care: 2 Species for Beginners

A round-up of 2 Sempervivum varieties worth growing, with the key care difference between them.

These all belong to Sempervivum. They share a love of full, direct sun for most of the day.

The Species

  • Cobweb Houseleek (Sempervivum arachnoideum) -- The white 'web' is natural -- don't pick it off.
  • Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) -- The mother rosette dies after flowering but leaves a ring of chicks.

Shared Care

  • Light: full, direct sun for most of the day.
  • Water: let the soil dry fully between drinks.
  • Soil: a gritty, free-draining mix and a pot with a drainage hole.
  • Propagate: mostly with an offset pup pulled from the base or fresh seed sown on the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which is easiest to start with?

A:

The one whose look you like most -- they are all beginner-friendly.

Q: Can they share a pot?

A:

Yes, if they share the same light and water needs, which these do.

Q: Why are the leaves losing colour?

A:

Usually too little light; move them somewhere brighter.

Collecting a genus is a fun way to learn one plant family deeply. Pair your favourites with the light calculator to place them well.