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How to Care Houseleeks
How to Care Houseleeks, Growing Houseleeks, Caring for Houseleeks
Also known as : Liveforever
Houseleeks are succulent perennials known for their ease of care and resilience. They thrive in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight and require minimal watering. Temperatures should be moderate to cool, and they prefer outdoor growing conditions. Common challenges include overwatering, frost damage, and pests such as aphids. Seasonal care involves less frequent watering in winter and protecting from excessive rain, while ensuring full sun exposure in summer for optimal growth.
Watering Frequency
Every 3 weeks
Sunlight
Full sun
Basic Care Guide
Feedback
How to Water Houseleeks?
Watering Frequency: Every 3 weeks
Originating from the rocky and arid regions of Europe and the Mediterranean, houseleeks has evolved to store water efficiently within its succulent leaves, exhibiting a high drought tolerance. This resilience allows houseleeks to thrive with minimal moisture, necessitating watering only once every three weeks. As an outdoor plant that often graces rock gardens and roof plantings, houseleeks's ability to retain water is enhanced by its preference for well-draining soil, which prevents root rot and mimics its native dry conditions.
Advanced Care Guide
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How to Propagate Houseleeks?
Propagation Type: Sowing, Cutting, Division
Primary propagation methods for houseleeks include offsets division and seed sowing. Key factors for success are well-draining soil, bright light without direct scorching sun, and moderate temperatures. Special considerations involve allowing cut surfaces to callous over before planting to prevent rot. Propagation is generally easy, though seeds may take longer to establish. Step-by-step division approach: 1) Gently separate offsets from the parent plant. 2) Allow offsets to dry for a day. 3) Plant offsets in well-draining soil. 4) Water sparingly until roots establish.
How to Plant Houseleeks?
Planting Time: Spring, Fall
Houseleeks generally requires well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade conditions. They are drought-resistant, so adequate watering without over-saturating is crucial. Start by loosening the soil in the planting area and adding a layer of compost or grit for drainage. Dig a hole of enough size, position your houseleeks plant and backfill with the soil mix. Water sparingly after planting and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Different species within the houseleeks genus may have specific needs, so research is key. Always maintain good hygiene when handling plants to prevent disease transmission.
Key Facts About Houseleeks
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Attributes of Houseleeks
Water
Drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering.
Sunlight
Full sun
Tolerance Lighting
Partial sun
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Soil
Sand, Loam
Propagation
Sowing, Cutting, Division
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Scientific Classification of Houseleeks
More Info About Houseleeks
Types of Houseleeks
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Gold Nugget Chick Charms
In 2014, Chris Hansen identified gold Nugget Chick Charms as a stable sport from Sempervivum 'Ruby Heart.' This succulent, the world's first gold-leafed Sempervivum, was named Best New Perennial for 2019 in Essen, Germany. It has enormous, eye-catching rosettes in vibrant colors that change significantly throughout the year. It looks great as a border plant or in elegant trough planters.
Sempervivum hybrid
Sempervivum hybrid are hardy succulents forming rosettes of fleshy leaves, which often display vibrant tips. Their resilient nature allows them to thrive in rocky and arid environments, embodying adaptability as they store water within to endure drought. Seasonally, sempervivum hybrid graces with star-shaped flowers, an alluring contrast to its tough foliage.
Hens and Chicks
The hens and Chicks, a hybrid of unknown parentage, has enormous rosettes of burgundy leaves with dark green tips that darken in cooler temperatures. Its pink star-shaped blossoms attract bees and butterflies. This succulent's rosettes die after producing flowers.
Houseleek 'Sir William Lawrence'
Houseleek 'Sir William Lawrence' is an evergreen succulent offering clusters of pink flowers and fleshy, gray-green leaves that show maroon tips under the right growing conditions. It is a cultivar of Sempervivum calcareum. Gardeners enjoy this variety as it is deer-tolerant, drought-resistant, rabbit-resistant, and tolerant of dry or rocky soil.
Houseleeks 'Ruby Heart'
Houseleeks 'Ruby Heart' is a colorful houseleek variety, bred in the USA in 1969 by Kevin C. Vaughn. It is a medium-sized, semi-open, mat-forming Sempervivum, characteristic for its coloration — the bluish-green rosettes are flushed with rosy red at the base. The color pattern and intensity depend on the season and the weather, and they are the most intense in cooler temperatures. The flowers are pinkish-purple and appear in midsummer.
Mountain house-leek
As a member of the Hen and Chicks family, the mountain house-leek (Sempervivum montanum) spreads baby offset plants from a "mother hen," giving this succulent an adorable clustered appearance that makes for a great houseplant. The foliage of each is presented in tight rosettes that slowly mature into a rotund ball of fleshy foliage.
Moroccan houseleek
Moroccan houseleek (*Sempervivum 'Atlanticum'*) is a succulent species that is considered easy to grow and often cultivated in rock gardens and containers. Outdoors, moroccan houseleek can tolerate frost in the winter and grows best with copious amounts of outdoor light. This species produces many offset shoots compared to other succulents.
Hens and chicks
Each hens and chicks leaf has dense little tomenta around its margin. When light is sufficient, the leaves wrap up tightly, like a beautiful lotus flower. With the right temperatures, the surface of each leaf turns a bright crimson. The hens and chicks is sensitive to high temperatures and goes into dormancy in the heat. It requires a shaded, dry, and well-ventilated environment to survive the summer season.
More Similar Plants
Feedback
xPachysedum
XPachysedum are popular houseplants, also grown in rock and succulent gardens in warmer climates. They are prized for their attractive clumping growth habit. The plants grow in rosettes and produce tiny bell-shaped blossoms throughout the spring and summer, growing on long, thin stems. Handling the plants can mar the appearance of the leaves due to oils on the skin.
Adromischus
Adromischus are succulents native to Africa that feature small clumping leaves. These leaves inspired its scientific name Adromischus with the Greek word adros, meaning thick and mischos, meaning stem. Many in this species are appealing to collectors due to their coloured leaves, however, when not stressed by sunlight, nearly all develop a similar green colour. To showcase the attractive leaves the best way possible a high level of light is required.
Monanthes
Monanthes are commonly found thriving in sunny locations and are popular container plants grown for their attractive shapes. The plants stop growing in the winter but resume in the spring and occasionally produce flowers from single stems in optimal conditions. The plants are usually spread by seeds but can also be grown from cuttings.
Pachyphytum
Pachyphytum are slow-growing succulents popular as container plants. They are also commonly planted outdoors in rock and desert gardens. Plants in the genus can be tubular or grape-shaped, and some have a powdery coating on their thick leaves. Pachyphytum produce small flowers in the spring and summer that can be deep red, greenish-white, or both.
jeweled crown
Jeweled crown are actually a man-made genus of small succulents, created from hybrids of various Pachyphytum and Echeveria species. These hybrids and their various cultivars are available from nurseries and online as potted plants, and for inclusion in rock and drought-friendly gardens.
Echeveria
Echeveria are succulent houseplants that consist of a mature plant and its offset plants. The mature plant supports the offset plants with nutrients until they are mature enough to thrive on their own. Often, once matured, the offset plant will break off from the original and can be replanted.
Crassula
Crassula are flowering succulent plants that make for popular houseplants. A few species are aquatic and often live in brackish water but can become invasive in waterways due to their aggressive growth rate. Terrestrial species make great container plants and are easy to grow. However, many crassula die after flowering.
Leatherpetal
Leatherpetal comprise a small genus of perennial succulents that grow in rosettes. The foliage is smooth, comes in shades of silver, pink, or green, and may be speckled depending on the species. This attractive foliage and star-shaped leaves make these plants popular houseplants and additions to desert gardens.
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About
Basic Care Guide
Advanced Care
Key Facts
Types
Similar Plants
Houseleeks
Sempervivum
Also known as: Liveforever
Houseleeks are succulent perennials known for their ease of care and resilience. They thrive in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight and require minimal watering. Temperatures should be moderate to cool, and they prefer outdoor growing conditions. Common challenges include overwatering, frost damage, and pests such as aphids. Seasonal care involves less frequent watering in winter and protecting from excessive rain, while ensuring full sun exposure in summer for optimal growth.
Watering Frequency
Every 3 weeks
Sunlight
Full sun
Basic Care Guide
Feedback
How to Water Houseleeks?
Watering Frequency: Every 3 weeks
Originating from the rocky and arid regions of Europe and the Mediterranean, houseleeks has evolved to store water efficiently within its succulent leaves, exhibiting a high drought tolerance. This resilience allows houseleeks to thrive with minimal moisture, necessitating watering only once every three weeks. As an outdoor plant that often graces rock gardens and roof plantings, houseleeks's ability to retain water is enhanced by its preference for well-draining soil, which prevents root rot and mimics its native dry conditions.
Advanced Care Guide
Feedback
How to Propagate Houseleeks?
Propagation Type: Sowing, Cutting, Division
Primary propagation methods for houseleeks include offsets division and seed sowing. Key factors for success are well-draining soil, bright light without direct scorching sun, and moderate temperatures. Special considerations involve allowing cut surfaces to callous over before planting to prevent rot. Propagation is generally easy, though seeds may take longer to establish. Step-by-step division approach: 1) Gently separate offsets from the parent plant. 2) Allow offsets to dry for a day. 3) Plant offsets in well-draining soil. 4) Water sparingly until roots establish.
How to Plant Houseleeks?
Planting Time: Spring, Fall
Houseleeks generally requires well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade conditions. They are drought-resistant, so adequate watering without over-saturating is crucial. Start by loosening the soil in the planting area and adding a layer of compost or grit for drainage. Dig a hole of enough size, position your houseleeks plant and backfill with the soil mix. Water sparingly after planting and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Different species within the houseleeks genus may have specific needs, so research is key. Always maintain good hygiene when handling plants to prevent disease transmission.
How to Grow and Care for Gardenia
Feedback
Attributes of Houseleeks
Water
Drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering.
Sunlight
Full sun
Tolerance Lighting
Partial sun
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Soil
Sand, Loam
Propagation
Sowing, Cutting, Division
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Scientific Classification of Houseleeks
Types of Houseleeks
Feedback
Gold Nugget Chick Charms
In 2014, Chris Hansen identified gold Nugget Chick Charms as a stable sport from Sempervivum 'Ruby Heart.' This succulent, the world's first gold-leafed Sempervivum, was named Best New Perennial for 2019 in Essen, Germany. It has enormous, eye-catching rosettes in vibrant colors that change significantly throughout the year. It looks great as a border plant or in elegant trough planters.
Sempervivum hybrid
Sempervivum hybrid are hardy succulents forming rosettes of fleshy leaves, which often display vibrant tips. Their resilient nature allows them to thrive in rocky and arid environments, embodying adaptability as they store water within to endure drought. Seasonally, sempervivum hybrid graces with star-shaped flowers, an alluring contrast to its tough foliage.
Hens and Chicks
The hens and Chicks, a hybrid of unknown parentage, has enormous rosettes of burgundy leaves with dark green tips that darken in cooler temperatures. Its pink star-shaped blossoms attract bees and butterflies. This succulent's rosettes die after producing flowers.
Houseleek 'Sir William Lawrence'
Houseleek 'Sir William Lawrence' is an evergreen succulent offering clusters of pink flowers and fleshy, gray-green leaves that show maroon tips under the right growing conditions. It is a cultivar of Sempervivum calcareum. Gardeners enjoy this variety as it is deer-tolerant, drought-resistant, rabbit-resistant, and tolerant of dry or rocky soil.
Show More Plants
More Similar Plants
Feedback
xPachysedum
XPachysedum are popular houseplants, also grown in rock and succulent gardens in warmer climates. They are prized for their attractive clumping growth habit. The plants grow in rosettes and produce tiny bell-shaped blossoms throughout the spring and summer, growing on long, thin stems. Handling the plants can mar the appearance of the leaves due to oils on the skin.
Adromischus
Adromischus are succulents native to Africa that feature small clumping leaves. These leaves inspired its scientific name Adromischus with the Greek word adros, meaning thick and mischos, meaning stem. Many in this species are appealing to collectors due to their coloured leaves, however, when not stressed by sunlight, nearly all develop a similar green colour. To showcase the attractive leaves the best way possible a high level of light is required.
Monanthes
Monanthes are commonly found thriving in sunny locations and are popular container plants grown for their attractive shapes. The plants stop growing in the winter but resume in the spring and occasionally produce flowers from single stems in optimal conditions. The plants are usually spread by seeds but can also be grown from cuttings.
Pachyphytum
Pachyphytum are slow-growing succulents popular as container plants. They are also commonly planted outdoors in rock and desert gardens. Plants in the genus can be tubular or grape-shaped, and some have a powdery coating on their thick leaves. Pachyphytum produce small flowers in the spring and summer that can be deep red, greenish-white, or both.
jeweled crown
Jeweled crown are actually a man-made genus of small succulents, created from hybrids of various Pachyphytum and Echeveria species. These hybrids and their various cultivars are available from nurseries and online as potted plants, and for inclusion in rock and drought-friendly gardens.
Echeveria
Echeveria are succulent houseplants that consist of a mature plant and its offset plants. The mature plant supports the offset plants with nutrients until they are mature enough to thrive on their own. Often, once matured, the offset plant will break off from the original and can be replanted.
Crassula
Crassula are flowering succulent plants that make for popular houseplants. A few species are aquatic and often live in brackish water but can become invasive in waterways due to their aggressive growth rate. Terrestrial species make great container plants and are easy to grow. However, many crassula die after flowering.
Leatherpetal
Leatherpetal comprise a small genus of perennial succulents that grow in rosettes. The foliage is smooth, comes in shades of silver, pink, or green, and may be speckled depending on the species. This attractive foliage and star-shaped leaves make these plants popular houseplants and additions to desert gardens.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
