Mountain Houseleek Plant Care
Sempervivum montanum L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Sempervivum is a genus of about 40 species of flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae, commonly known as houseleeks. Other common names include liveforever and hen and chicks, a name shared with plants of other genera as well.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Mountain Houseleek?
Water Mountain Houseleek 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.
What Is the Mountain Houseleek?
Mountain Houseleek (Sempervivum montanum) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Sempervivum genus. Mountain Houseleek is also known as Common Houseleek.
Mountain Houseleek displays a low rosette, clumping habit growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Mountain Houseleek produces small star-shaped flowers in various colors.
How Often Should You Water a Mountain Houseleek?
Sempervivum montanum 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 Mountain Houseleek Need?
Mountain Houseleek thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mountain Houseleek Prefer?
Sempervivum montanum grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Mountain Houseleek prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mountain Houseleek?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Mountain Houseleek to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Mountain Houseleek?
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 Mountain Houseleek?
Mountain Houseleek 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 Mountain Houseleek Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mountain Houseleek, 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 Mountain Houseleek?
Mountain Houseleek 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 Mountain Houseleek Need?
Mountain Houseleek grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Mountain Houseleek as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Mountain Houseleek 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.
Mountain Houseleek 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 montanum L., family Crassulaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 465 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mountain Houseleek, 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 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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