Hens and Chicks Plant Care
Sempervivum altum Turrill
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This succulent plant is known for its striking rosettes of thick, pointed leaves that range in color from deep green to purple. Originating from the mountains of Europe, Sempervivum altum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in rocky, dry conditions.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Hens and Chicks?
Water Hens and Chicks every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 30–60% humidity.
Where Is the Hens and Chicks Native To?
What Is the Hens and Chicks?
Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum altum) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Sempervivum genus. Hens and Chicks is native to the Caucasus Mountains. Hens and Chicks is also known as Houseleek, Liveforever.
Hens and Chicks displays a low rosette, clumping habit growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Hens and Chicks produces small star-shaped flowers in various colors.
How Often Should You Water a Hens and Chicks?
Sempervivum altum requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
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 Temperature and Humidity Does the Hens and Chicks Prefer?
Sempervivum altum grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Hens and Chicks prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hens and Chicks?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. 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 early 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 offsets (chicks) and seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pitton's houseleek 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 aphids, mealybugs, 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 4a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Hens and Chicks is native to the Caucasus Mountains.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 9b
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 Sempervivum genus — compare its care with other Sempervivum species on PlantoScan.
Sempervivum 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 Sempervivum Species
Other Sempervivum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sempervivum altum Turrill, family Crassulaceae (first published in Izv. Bulg. Bot. Druzh. 7: 126 (1936)) — 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 9b, 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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