Hen and Chicks (Echeveria sempervivum)

Hen and Chicks

Echeveria sempervivum

Tight rosettes of fleshy leaves hold desert resilience and quiet beauty. Evergreen succulent perennial; common name: Hen and Chicks.

Full sun
1/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright full sun to partial sun; intense midday summer sun may scorch leaves in hot climates, so provide light shade during peak hours
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Watering Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, and do not wet the center of rosettes to avoid fungal growth
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Temperature Thrives in 15–28℃; can tolerate brief light frosts down to 5℃ but should be protected from prolonged freezing temperatures
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Fleshy, pointed leaves arranged in dense rosettes; blue-green to gray-green foliage with reddish tips under bright sunlight
  • Flower: Bell-shaped, coral-pink to orange blooms borne on thin, upright stalks above rosettes
  • Stem: Short, compact central stems that produce small offset "chicks" around the parent rosette
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Care Guide

Watering

Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry; ensure excess water drains away

Fertilization

Diluted cactus fertilizer applied once monthly. Do not fertilize during autumn and winter when growth slows

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush thoroughly dried eggshells into a fine powder; sprinkle a thin layer on the soil surface to add calcium without risking root burn
Pruning
  • Remove dead, brown outer leaves to maintain a tidy rosette appearance and improve airflow
  • Separate mature offset "chicks" in spring for propagation by gently detaching them from the parent rosette
  • Trim spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy back to rosette growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental succulent for rock gardens, container planters, and indoor decorative displays