Hen and Chicks Care Guide: Lighting, Fertilizing, Soil

Hen and chicks plant is known for its low care requirements, low maintenance and easy to grow nature. Hen and chicks plant is a very popular and widely used in rock gardens.

It’s springtime and you’ve just purchased a new hens and chicks plant for your indoor garden. You want to do everything right, but are not sure what that entails. The Hens and Chicks plant is a wonderful addition to any garden, but it can be a little tricky to care for if you’re not familiar with it. Luckily, this guide has all the necessary information you need to keep your plant happy and healthy.

So how do you care for hen and chicks plant? Hens and Chicks plants thrive in moist, well-drained soil. Provide room to spread roots or it will become root-bound. Water deeply but infrequently, the main thing is to ensure that the plant gets plenty of water while ensuring that it doesn’t get too wet. Take care never to fertilize if the plant has just finished blooming. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least 6 months after flowering before fertilizing again. Regular fertilization will promote new growth far too often, which can lead to a quick death.

Hens and chicks plant coins its name from the fact that each plant has multiple small chicks, or pups. This article discusses how to care for these pups. This includes propagation, water needs, and sun exposure.

Interesting facts about The hen and chicks plant:

  • The plant is composed of multiple small chicks, or pups. These are clones of the original hens and chicks mother plant. The new plants will sprout from between ½ to an inch beneath the soil surface in springtime when temperatures reach above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (around 11 Celsius).
  • This plant loves full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade.
  • The plant can grow anywhere between 12 and 18 inches tall (30 to 45 centimeters). When the plants begin flowering, they produce pink or white flowers.
  • The number of branches on this plant will vary depending upon growing conditions but is typically four to six branches that bear five petals each.
  • There are about 100 species of this plant.
  • The name “hens and chicks” comes from the fact that each branch has multiple pups growing along it, which are clones of the original mother plant
  • This plant is native to South Africa where they grow in dry grasslands or open scrub lands near sandy soils.
  • They can also be found in Australia, California, and the Mediterranean.
  • The plant is drought tolerant, but will suffer if the soil becomes too dry.
A hens and chicks plant in a pot.
The name “hens and chicks” comes from the fact that each branch has multiple pups growing along it.

How to Propagate Hen and Chicks Plant

While the propagation of this succulent is possible through its seeds, it works best to do so through its offsets. The following steps will help you propagate your hen and chicks plant:

1.       Once the flowers have died and faded away, mark where the new pups are growing. This can be done by using a stick, noting with a marker, or taking a picture.

2.       Loosen the soil around each pup very gently with your fingers until you can see the roots. For offsets with roots, gently tease the roots apart and transplant them into individual pots. For offsets without roots, just place the pup on top of soil in a pot and press down lightly.

3.       Separate the pup from its mother plant and transplant it into a new pot.

4.       Water each newly transplanted pup thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

5.       Place your pups in an area with full sun exposure.

6.       Once the new plants have established themselves, you can begin fertilizing your plant once every other month.

Best Growing Conditions for Hen and Chicks Plant:

Your hens and chicks plant demands proper care and attention to thrive. The following are some of the best growth conditions if you are looking to make your plant happy.

Light Needs

A hen and chicks plant can thrive in a wide range of lighting conditions. If you place it outdoors, make sure to bring the plant indoors before the temperature dips below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (around 11 Celsius). This is because extended hours in temperatures below this range will cause the delicate succulent leaves to burn.

A sempervivum exposed to the sun.
Extended hours in temperatures below this range will cause the delicate succulent leaves to burn.

The best option is to give your hen and chicks plant full sun exposure. Partial shade will be tolerated if the plant is in a pot, but it is best to avoid placing the plant in an area that experiences late afternoon shadows.

Watering Needs

The hen and chicks plant is a drought tolerant succulent and can go for long periods of time without water. However, this doesn’t mean you should neglect your plant. During periods of active growth, water the plant thoroughly but wait until the soil dries out before watering again.

In winter, when the plant is dormant, you can withhold water altogether and wait until spring to resume regular watering. Fertilization is not necessary during winter.

Temperature and Humidity

Hen and chicks plants do well in average home temperatures. The plant will grow slowly in cooler temperatures and may stop growing altogether in very hot conditions. Make sure to place your hen and chicks plant in an area where the temperature remains between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 29 Celsius).

Sempervivum on a basket.
Hen and chicks plants do well in average home temperatures.

In dry environments, supplementing with humidifiers can help to increase humidity levels around the plant. Succulents generally prefer a higher level of humidity.

Fertilization

Fertilize your hen and chicks plant every other month with a water-soluble fertilizer. Too much fertilization can result in leaf burn, so make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.

How to Repot hen and chicks plant

Hen and chicks plants grow slowly and will only need to be repotted every other year. When you do repot your plant, use a pot that is only one size larger than the current pot. This will help to keep the roots from becoming too spread out.

When repoting, make sure to gently loosen the soil around the roots before transferring to the new pot. Water thoroughly after repotting. Remember, a good pot or container is important for succulents; drainage is key!

Sempervivum in a pink spot.
Separate the pup from the mother plant by gently loosening the soil around the roots with your fingers.

If you have an hens and chicks plant with offsets (pups), you can separate them from the mother plant and transplant them into new pots. Separate the pup from the mother plant by gently loosening the soil around the roots with your fingers. If the offset has roots, tease them apart and transplant them into individual pots.

For best results, use clay pots since they help to retain moisture.

Common Growing Problems

The hen and chicks plant may be resistant to pests and diseases, but there are still a few problems that can occur during its growth. These include the following:

Leaf burn – Leaf burn is a common issue and is usually caused by over-watering or fertilizing the plant. Overly wet soil will cause the succulent leaves to rot and die. Fertilizer can cause leaf burn if too much is applied. Symptoms of leaf burn include brown or black patches on the leaves.

·         Wilting – Wilting is a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. If the soil is dry, the plant will wilt.

·         Root rot – Root rot is caused by over-watering and can be fatal to the plant. Symptoms of root rot include drooping leaves and yellowing.

If you suspect that your hen and chicks plant has a pest infestation, take the following steps:

·         Remove the plant from its pot to inspect the roots for signs of damage or presence of bugs. If there are any visible sign of pests like bugs, insects or mites check out these guides on how to get rid of them:

·         If the plant is infested with mealybugs, you can get rid of them by using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For aphids, you can use a strong stream of water to dislodge them or spray with an insecticidal soap.

A sempervivum with water droplet.
You can get rid of them by using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

·         In case of a fungus infection, remove all the infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Sanitize your pruning tools with alcohol or bleach before cutting any other succulent.

Hen and Chicks Plant Varieties

Hen and chick plant comes in multiple varieties and colors.

·         Reinhardt variety – The Reinhardt hen and chicks succulent has a rosette shape with smooth, grayish-green leaves that have pink tips. This plant does well in bright light but can also grow in partial sun or shade.

·         Tokajense variety – The Tokajense hen and chicks is a variation of the original Reinhardt variety. It has shorter leaves with red tips and can be grown in full sun or light shade.

·         Meyer variety – The Meyer hen and chicks is one of the most popular varieties because it has brightly painted pink, white, yellow or orange leaves that sit atop long stems. This plant is best suited for hanging pots to show off its colorful leaves.

·         Alpine variety – The Alpine hen and chicks succulent has small, round leaves that are grayish-green in color. This plant is drought tolerant and can be grown in full sun or partial shade.

Conclusion

Growing and caring for a hen and chicks plant is not much of a hassle after all. With just a little bit of TLC, your plant will thrive and grow slowly but steadily. Remember to keep it in a container with good drainage and water sparingly. Once you get the hang of caring for this succulent, you can start experimenting with different types to find your favorite. So, go ahead and add a hen and chicks succulent to your indoor garden today.

Last update on 2023-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

read this next

When you have cactus plants, one of the first things that you’ll come across is the situation where the cactus is dying from the bottom. There are quite a few potential causes for this, so it’s important to diagnose the problem correctly if you want to fix it!
Desert plants are among the low-maintenance species, which can handle relatively harsh environments and do not require much care. Decorate your garden with one of these beautiful plants: Texas Sage, Mexican Feather Grass, Pencil Plant, Living Stone, Zebra Cactus, Desert Marigold, Ocotillo, Aloe Vera, Fox Tail Agave, and Paddle Plant
Although cacti are low-maintenance plants and can do well in harsh conditions, you still need to do some research to grow healthy cactus. Here are 10 facts you should consider before getting a cactus for your indoor or outdoor garden.
Agave and Aloe are similar in many ways, but they differ in many others. Thai Aloe Vera is an excellent example of how these plants are different. It comes from the same plant family as agave, but is more widely used today in skin care products.
Terrariums are a fun, creative way to display live plants at home or in the office. They require little maintenance and can last for years. Although each living thing is different, there are some general guidelines to follow to ensure the long life of your terrarium. Here are some things you need to know about terrarium plant’s lifespan.
A sempervivum on rocks and exposed to sunlight.
Does your hen or chick plant require direct sunlight? Do you have limited space for growing veggies? A small Sempervivum succulent is an excellent indoor succulent for it’s high light resistance and drought resistant nature. In fact, do not give up anything but water to this great little houseplant. With a lifespan of 15-20 years, as well as a low maintenance care regimen, it can be grown almost anywhere.
Cacti are incredibly strong plants but they are also sensitive and should be treated with care. They are best served being slightly neglected over being micro-managed with too much water or interference
The cactus plant is one of the most popular and easiest to grow houseplants. Propagating a cactus is much easier than most of us think. If you are thinking about propagating cactus plants, then stick around for a little bit as I will show you how to do it like a pro.
A air plant exposed to sunlight.
Air plants do not need direct sunlight. However, bright indirect light is best because it will encourage the plant to spread its beautiful leaves. The leaves of an air plant may look like they are underwater, but in actuality the air plant absorbs moisture from the air to survive.
Haworthia are succulents (cactus plants). They absorb a very small amount of water and nutrients through their leaves, but they store the majority of these things in their main body. Here are 8 amazing facts that you didn’t know about Haworthia.
Caudex plants are excellent for people looking to add variety to their indoor gardens. These plants have a long history, dating all the way back to the 1800s. Most people don’t realize that many of the plants their grandparents grew in their yard were actually caudex plants. T
While some succulents love being under direct sun, others may develop brown spots or even die when being exposed to too much direct sunlight. Here are some tips on how to avoid sun damage and take proper care of succulents.
The best place to buy succulents is from a local nursery. They are much cheaper and ready for you if you buy them at the store. The cost of shipping them would be way more than what it would cost to buy at a nursery or hardware store.
Grafted Cactus is a unique type of cactus that is used for growing indoors or outdoors. The plants are distinguished by their long history and ability to adapt to almost any environment. You can grow these plants as houseplants or outdoor garden plants.
Succulents add such a beautiful festive touch to your home, and add personality (and life) to any dull corner. Although many succulent plants are easy to care for, there are some key things you should know before you purchase one. Follow this guide and learn about 14 amazing facts you didn’t know about succulents!
The cactus is a weird shaped plant, alright, but how can you tell one cactus from the other? There are thousands of cacti species in the world and some look distinctively similar. A closer look will reveal the various features that set them apart.
Cacti prefer to be repotted in the spring, when they are active. Select a pot that will hold the roots comfortably and leave a small space at the top of your new pot for drainage. The cactus itself should be placed holeside down, so that its base is firmly anchored in the soil and its crown is exposed to light.
If your Succulent is turning brown or losing its leaves, it’s probably time to give it a little less water. Follow our 5 Sign Method and use your own eyes to determine if your succulent needs more or less time spent in the water

Receive the latest news

Get Our Cacti Newsletter

Stay updated with the latest facts, tips, advice, and more!

Your privacy is important to us.