Houseleek Sempervivum altum

Names

• Synonyms

  Houseleek, Roof Houseleek, Hen and Chicks, Liveforever.

• Common names

  Sempervivum ciliosum var. altum, Jovibarba globifera subs. hirta var. altum

Toxicity

• To humans

  Sempervivum altum, commonly known as Houseleek, is not considered to be toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant typically does not lead to poisoning or serious health issues. However, like any non-food item, if ingested in large quantities it could potentially cause stomach discomfort or indigestion.

• To pets

  For pets, Houseleek (Sempervivum altum) also does not display toxicity. It is generally regarded as safe, and ingestion should not cause poisoning in animals such as dogs and cats. Similar to humans, consuming large amounts might cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but it is not known to be harmful to pets under normal circumstances.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Red

• Height

  6 inches (15 cm)

• Spread

  12 inches (30 cm)

• Plant type

  Succulent

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Peru

General Benefits

• Drought Tolerance: Sempervivum altum, commonly known as houseleek, has the ability to survive prolonged dry periods, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
• Low Maintenance: Houseleeks require minimal care and do not need frequent watering or fertilizing, which makes them an ideal plant for novice gardeners or those with limited time.
• Cold Resistant: This species can tolerate cold temperatures and is hardy in many climates, allowing it to survive in outdoor gardens year-round in many regions.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With its rosette form and variety of colors, houseleeks add unique visual interest to rock gardens, rooftop gardens, and container arrangements.
• Insect-Resistant: Houseleeks are not prone to many pests, reducing the need for chemical insecticides and contributing to a more natural garden ecology.
• Fits Small Spaces: Their compact size makes houseleeks ideal for small gardens, terraces, and balconies where space is at a premium.
• Soil Adaptation: They can thrive in poor, gravelly, or sandy soils where many other plants would struggle, making them excellent for challenging garden spots.
• Propagation Ease: Houseleeks readily produce offsets (pups) that can be easily propagated to expand the garden or share with others.
• Versatility in Landscaping: They can be used as ground cover, in crevice and wall gardens, or to fill spaces between stepping stones, providing diverse landscaping uses.
• Evergreen: As an evergreen plant, houseleeks provide year-round color and texture to the garden, even when other plants are dormant.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Sempervivums, commonly known as houseleeks, are used as living roof coverings, offering not only aesthetic appeal but also additional insulation and protection to structures.
• These resilient plants can be employed in rock gardens to create intricate alpine landscapes, mimicking their native mountainous habitats.
• Houseleeks are often utilized in xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation, making them perfect for drought-prone areas.
• Enthusiasts of miniature gardening incorporate Sempervivum altum to create fairy gardens or small-scale scenes that invite imaginative inspiration.
• Due to their thick, fleshy leaves and attractive rosette patterns, houseleeks are used as natural art subjects for botanical illustration and photography hobbies.
• They can also be used as a living mulch to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and provide year-round ground cover with minimal maintenance.
• Sempervivum altum can be planted in cracks of stone walls or walkways, where their resilience allows them to thrive and beautify otherwise barren spaces.
• These plants are sometimes planted on graves as a symbol of everlasting life and love due to their hardy nature and year-round presence.
• Houseleek leaves have been traditionally used to acidify milk for cheese production in some rural European cultures, leveraging their natural acidic properties.
• They are utilized in educational projects to teach about succulents, their adaptations to hostile environments, and survival strategies of plants.

Feng Shui

The plant Sempervivum, commonly known as Hen and Chicks, is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant Hen and Chicks is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Perseverance: Sempervivum altum, commonly known as "Houseleek," is renowned for its ability to thrive in harsh, rocky environments, symbolizing resilience and the ability to endure challenging conditions.
• Protection: Historically, Houseleeks were planted on rooftops to prevent lightning strikes and fire, representing safeguarding and a shield against harm.
• Longevity: The name "Sempervivum" means "live forever" in Latin, symbolizing long life and immortality, as these plants can survive for many years and regenerate readily.
• Self-Reliance: Houseleeks are succulents that store water in their leaves, which allows them to withstand drought. This characteristic embodies independence and self-sufficiency.