Hens and Chicks Sempervivum 'Corsair'
ABOUT
Sempervivum 'Corsair', commonly known as Hen and Chicks, is an eye-catching succulent that consists of a rosette of fleshy, evergreen leaves. These leaves are thick and pointy, arranged in a tightly packed, spiraling pattern that emanates from the center of the rosette. The color of Hen and Chicks is one of its most distinctive features; 'Corsair' in particular boasts rich, deep hues that can range from green to reddish-purple, often with a gradient or mottled pattern that adds visual depth to the plant. The leaves may also feature cilia, or fine hairs, along their edges, which can give them a slightly fuzzy appearance. The outer leaves can take on a protective, slightly curled form to endure harsher conditions, while the inner leaves remain more erect. The 'Corsair' variety has the unique ability to produce offsets, or "chicks," that cluster around the mother rosette, or "hen," giving the impression of a small, verdant community of plants huddled together. These chicks can eventually be separated from the mother plant to propagate and form new clusters. The overall aesthetic of the Hen and Chicks is one that exudes hardiness and symmetry, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, container arrangements, and as ground cover in areas where traditional lawn grasses may struggle.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Hen and Chicks, Houseleek, Live Forever
Common names
Sempervivum 'Corsair'.
ToxicityTo humans
Houseleeks, including the Sempervivum 'Corsair', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. They do not contain any known toxic elements that could pose a risk if ingested. Therefore, eating parts of the plant should not lead to symptoms of poisoning, but it is always advisable to avoid consuming any plants not intended for human consumption to prevent any unexpected reactions or consequences.
To pets
Houseleeks, such as the Sempervivum 'Corsair', are also non-toxic to pets. They are safe for cats, dogs, and other household pets, and there should not be any symptoms of poisoning if a pet ingests parts of the plant. However, as with humans, it is generally recommended to discourage pets from eating plants not specifically meant for them to avoid any potential digestive upset or unforeseen issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
0.75 feet (23 cm)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: Corsair, commonly known as Hens and Chicks, is hardy and can thrive in a variety of conditions with minimal care.
- Drought-tolerant: This succulent retains water in its leaves, allowing it to withstand dry periods without frequent watering.
- Cold-resistant: Corsair is capable of surviving in colder climates, where other plants may not be able to thrive.
- Attractive foliage: The rosettes provide an interesting and aesthetic appeal with their symmetrical shape and varied colors.
- Ground cover: Its ability to spread and form a dense mat makes it a good choice for covering bare patches in the garden.
- Low maintenance: Requires little pruning or deadheading, reducing gardening workloads.
- Pest resistant: Generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Versatile: Suitable for rock gardens, borders, containers, and as a houseplant, providing flexibility in garden design.
- Propagation ease: Easily propagated from offsets, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings without additional costs.
- Year-round interest: Evergreen in many climates, providing color and texture throughout the year.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sempervivum 'Corsair', also known as Hen and Chicks, can be used as a living mulch in garden beds to suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture.
- In outdoor miniature/fairy gardens, Hen and Chicks can create a realistic landscape due to their small and varied shapes.
- This plant can serve as a textural contrast in mixed container plantings, providing a rosette form amongst other foliage types.
- Hens and Chicks can be grown as an alternative ground cover on green roofs due to their drought tolerance and hardiness.
- The plant can be used in eco-friendly gardening projects since it requires minimal care, water, and no pesticides.
- They can be planted in wall crevices or rock walls, where they will grow to fill the spaces, creating a natural stone garden look.
- Hens and Chicks can act as a 'living carpet' for outdoor model railways, helping to create a naturalistic setting.
- Their ability to grow in shallow soil makes them ideal for decorative moss or succulent letters and shapes for garden art.
- Use Sempervivum 'Corsair' in jewelry making by carefully removing a rosette and embedding it in a living plant pendant or brooch.
- Hen and Chicks can be used as a natural edge border in garden landscaping, forming distinctive and resilient lines.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hen and Chicks is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hen and Chicks is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance and Survival: The common name for Sempervivum 'Corsair' is Hens and Chicks, and like other Sempervivum species, it symbolizes incredible survivability and the ability to withstand harsh conditions, much like a mother hen protecting her brood.
- Protection: Hens and Chicks have been traditionally used on rooftops to protect houses from lightning strikes, hence they are often associated with the symbolic meaning of protection and safety.
- Self-reliance: As a plant that can grow in poor soils and requires minimal care, Hens and Chicks are symbolic of self-sufficiency and independence.
- Eternal love: The ability of the Hens and Chicks to propagate from their offsets signifies enduring love and the perpetuation of relationships over time.
- Renewal: The life cycle of Hens and Chicks, where the mother plant (hen) dies off to give life to its offsets (chicks), is a powerful symbol of renewal and the circle of life.
WaterThe Sempervivum 'Corsair', commonly known as Hens and Chicks, should be watered deeply yet infrequently to mimic the plant's natural arid environment. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Depending on the climate, this could mean watering once every 7-10 days during the active growing season or summer. During the winter or dormant period, water sparingly, just enough to prevent the soil from being bone dry—this might equate to watering once every 4-6 weeks. Typically, using about half a gallon for a medium-sized pot during each watering session should suffice, but always adjust according to the size of the plant and pot.
LightHens and Chicks thrives in bright, full sunlight conditions, so position Sempervivum 'Corsair' in a spot where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal location would be a south-facing window indoors or an unobstructed outdoor area. If grown in too much shade, the plant's growth may become leggy and its vibrant colors can fade.
TemperatureHens and Chicks prefer moderate to cool temperatures and are extremely cold hardy, making Sempervivum 'Corsair' capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -20°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 65°F and 75°F during the active growing season. It is tolerant of high temperatures, but ensure that it is not exposed to prolonged periods of heat above 90°F.
PruningPruning the Sempervivum 'Corsair' is minimal, primarily involving the removal of dead leaves or spent flower stalks to maintain a tidy appearance and promote healthy growth. Prune as needed, usually after a bloom cycle or when you notice dead foliage, which could be once or twice a year. The best time for pruning is in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe common name of Sempervivum 'Corsair' is Hen and Chicks. The best soil mix for Hen and Chicks is a well-draining substrate, which can be achieved with a mixture of potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice at a ratio of 1:1:1. They prefer a neutral to slightly acidic pH of around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingHen and Chicks, or Sempervivum 'Corsair', should typically be repotted every 2-3 years to ensure optimal growth and prevent crowding as this plant can multiply rapidly.
Humidity & MistingHen and Chicks, or Sempervivum 'Corsair', are well-adapted to low humidity levels and thrive in average household humidity conditions. No specific humidity adjustments are necessary.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Hen and Chicks in bright light, avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA.
Life cycleSempervivum 'Corsair', commonly known as Hen and Chicks, begins its life as a seed, germinating in well-draining soil with light moisture. Upon sprouting, the seedling develops a central rosette which matures and grows into a succulent plant, characterized by fleshy, symmetrical leaves arranged in a dense, spiraling pattern. As it reaches maturity, the Hen produces offsets, colloquially known as Chicks, which are miniature replicas that grow at the base of the mother plant and can eventually establish their root systems. The Hen will eventually enter a flowering stage, sending up a tall bloom stalk with star-shaped flowers, usually in the summer. After flowering, which signals the end of the Hen's lifecycle, the plant will die, allowing the Chicks to take over its space and resources. Over the years, a colony of Hens and Chicks expands as the cycle repeats, with each generation producing more offsets and, in turn, flowers before completing their lifecycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Propogation: The Sempervivum 'Corsair', commonly known as Hens and Chicks, can be propagated primarily through the division of offsets, which is the plant's natural method of producing new plants. Typically, the best time for propagation is during the spring or early summer when the mother plant produces new offsets that are easily separable. To propagate Sempervivum 'Corsair', you need to gently pull away the offsets from the base of the mother plant, ensuring that there are roots attached. After separating them, allow the offsets to dry for a day or two to form a callous on the cut surface, which helps prevent rot. Then, plant the offsets in well-draining soil, and water them sparingly until they establish themselves and begin to show new growth, which usually takes a few weeks. This method harnesses the plant's natural reproductive cycle and usually results in high success rates for gardeners.
