Houseleek Plant Care
Sempervivum morelianum Viviand-Morel
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Sempervivum morelianum is a succulent plant known for its rosettes of thick, pointed leaves that have a striking red hue. Its unique coloration and compact growth habit make it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts looking to add a pop of color to their gardens or indoor spaces.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Houseleek?
Water 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. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Houseleek?
Houseleek (Sempervivum morelianum) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Sempervivum genus. Houseleek is native to Mexicoheight: 0.5width: 1fertilizer: 2leafSize: 3.
Houseleek displays a low rosette, clumping habit growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Houseleek produces small star-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Houseleek?
Sempervivum morelianum 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 Houseleek Need?
Houseleek thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Houseleek Prefer?
Sempervivum morelianum grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Houseleek prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Houseleek?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Houseleek to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Houseleek?
Feed Houseleek every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a 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 Houseleek?
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 Houseleek Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list 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 Houseleek?
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 Houseleek Need?
Houseleek grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Houseleek is native to Mexicoheight: 0.5width: 1fertilizer: 2leafSize: 3. In cooler regions, grow Houseleek as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
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.
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 morelianum Viviand-Morel, family Crassulaceae (first published in Lyon Hort. 1905: 295 (1924)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Houseleek Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species