Photo: Aaron ListonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Hens and Chicks Plant Care
Sedum sexangulare L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's succulent, fleshy leaves form a dense mat, making it a standout ground cover. Originating from Europe, Sedum sexangulare's bright green foliage and yellow flowers make it a coveted addition to rock gardens and alpine plant collections.
Full sun to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for Hens and Chicks?
Hens and Chicks grows best in full sun to partial shade.
Where Is the Hens and Chicks Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
What Is the Hens and Chicks?
Hens and Chicks (Sedum sexangulare) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Sedum genus. Hens and Chicks is native to Europe and Asia. Hens and Chicks is also known as Six-angled Stonecrop, Tasteless Stonecrop.
Hens and Chicks displays a low-growing, spreading succulent growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Hens and Chicks produces star-shaped clusters in shades of pink, red, white, or yellow.
What Light Does the Hens and Chicks Need?
Hens and Chicks thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hens and Chicks?
Well-draining sandy or loamy soil mix with added perlite or pumice. Good drainage is essential for Hens and Chicks to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Hens and Chicks?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Hens and Chicks?
Hens and Chicks can be propagated through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white stonecrop plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hens and Chicks Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hens and Chicks, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Hens and Chicks?
Hens and Chicks is susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Hens and Chicks Need?
Hens and Chicks grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Hens and Chicks is native to Europe and Asia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Hens and Chicks is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Sedum genus — compare its care with other Sedum species on PlantoScan.
Sedum is part of the Crassulaceae plant family — browse all Crassulaceae genera and species.
Hens and Chicks thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Sedum Species
Other Sedum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sedum sexangulare L., family Crassulaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 432 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hens and Chicks, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Aaron Liston, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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