Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Magnoliophyta
Class Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Sub-Class Rosidae
Order Rosales
Family Crassulaceae
Genus Sempervivum
Species Approximately 35
The name
sempervivum comes from the latin, and is very apt to the characteristics of the plant. Semper means "
forever" or "
always" and vivum means "
live". This Subgenus of plants has an amazing ability to
propagate itself, seeming to live forever. These plants are commonly referred to as "
hens and chicks", "houseleeks", and "live-forevers".
This is an
monocarpic alpine succulent, and part of the Crassulaceae family, making it a relative of plants such as
jade plant and
kalanchoe.
Sempervivum is characterized as a compact,
rosette shaped plant which readily reproduces itself through the production of
offshoots, or "pups". The main plant (the
hen) will grow stems, called
stolons, which will grow new rosettes (the
chicks). Each
rosette will, eventually, form a pink star-shaped
flower, then die. The chicks will continue to live and
propagate until they themselves form a
flower.
Sempervivum is similar to several other members of the
Crassulaceae family (such as
echeveria,
jovibarba and
rosularia), so much so that
taxonomy is still the subject of intense
debate. Most of these plants are called
hens and chicks and have very similar
soil,
light, and
water needs (specific care and information can, indeed, be found at
hens and chicks). Variations among plants can be huge, even within the same
species, based merely on environmental factors and
hybridization. This makes specific
identification of cultivated plants difficult. Given that the care of most of these plants falls within the same guidelines, the is a problem for few except
enthusiastic collectors.
Sempervivum Tectorum is the most commonly sold species using the name
hens and chicks within the
United States. The reasoning for this is simple, it is an
attractive ornamental plant for indoor and outdoor use. It is extremely hardy and can
survive winter outdoors in many parts of the country (winters to -5
fahrenheit). Many home supply and hardware stores will sell this as an outdoor ground cover. Most likely, it will only be labeled
hens and chicks. These stores can provide adequate plant stock, however, a
succulent enthusiast will do better to buy from specialized
cactus and
succulent gardens and nurseries which should have
genus and
species labeled (and, ideally, the name of the specific
hybrid).
This common
sempervivum species originates from the mountains of
Europe, and can be seen growing in the crevasses of stone walls, and covering the entire rooftops.
OVERVIEW OF GENERAL SEMPERVIVUM NEEDS:
- Soil: Well draining and sandy
- Light: Direct, filtered, or indirect sunlight
- Water: Water only when the soil is completely dry
- Temperature: Many will withstand high temperatures, but will then require more water. Most sempervivums can survive a winter to -5 fahrenheit.
- Humidity: The less the better during winter dormancy. Sempervivums will easily tolerate humid conditions during it's active growing state, so long as the soil is dry between waterings.
- Fertilizer: rely on fertlizer present in commercial potting mixes. For outdoor plants, trust nature to take care of it.