Hens and Chicks Sempervivum ciliosum
ABOUT
Sempervivum ciliosum, commonly known as the Hens and Chicks or Ciliosum, is a perennial succulent that is well-loved for its decorative and hardy nature. This plant boasts a rosette shape, which is formed by a tight cluster of fleshy leaves that are green in color, often with a hint of red or purple at the tips when exposed to full sun or during colder temperatures. What sets the Ciliosum apart is the presence of fine white hairs along the edges of its leaves, which can give it a slightly fuzzy appearance. The leaves themselves are thick and pointed, designed to store water, which allows the plant to survive in drought conditions. The rosettes can produce offsets on stolons, or runners, resulting in clusters that expand over time to form a dense mat. During its blooming season, the Hens and Chicks sends up a flower stalk that bears star-shaped flowers. These blossoms can range in color from light pink to reddish-purple, adding a splash of color to the otherwise green succulent mat. Overall, the Hens and Chicks is a charming and tough plant, often used in rock gardens, as ground cover, or in containers, providing year-round interest with minimal care requirements. Its distinctive rosettes and hairy leaf margins are easily recognizable and admired in many gardening circles.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Fringed Houseleek, Ciliate Houseleek, Hairy Houseleek.
Common names
Sempervivum borissovae, Sempervivum ciliosum var. borissovae, Sempervivum ciliosum var. hirtum, Sempervivum ciliosum var. pseudobarbulatum, Sempervivum ciliatum, Sempervivum davisii, Sempervivum hirtum, Sempervivum octopodes.
ToxicityTo humans
Sempervivum ciliosum, commonly known as Hens and Chicks, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or significant evidence supporting that the ingestion or handling of Hens and Chicks leads to poisoning or any adverse health effects in humans. Therefore, it is not typically a cause for concern in terms of human toxicity.
To pets
Hens and Chicks is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not associated with causing poisoning in animals such as cats and dogs if they ingest the plant. There have been no significant reports of toxicity or symptoms of poisoning linked to Hens and Chicks in the pet population. Owners can typically have this plant in their environment without worrying about the risk of pet poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
12 inches (30 cm)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Balkans
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Sempervivum ciliosum, commonly known as Hens and Chicks, is a succulent that requires minimal watering and care, making it an ideal plant for beginner gardeners or those with a busy lifestyle.
- Drought Tolerant: This succulent is highly adapted to dry conditions and can survive prolonged periods without water, which is beneficial in water-scarce regions or for water-wise gardening practices.
- Cold Hardy: Hens and Chicks is resistant to low temperatures and can tolerate frost, making it a versatile choice for gardens in cooler climates.
- Erosion Control: The mat-forming habit of Sempervivum ciliosum helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and in rock gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Hens and Chicks can attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity and the health of the local ecosystem.
- Architectural Interest: With its rosette shape and attractive patterns, Hens and Chicks adds texture and visual interest to rockeries, garden borders, and containers.
- Easy Propagation: This plant easily propagates from offsets, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others without the need for complex cultivation techniques.
- Versatile Design Element: Hens and Chicks is suitable for various garden designs, including xeriscaping, fairy gardens, and as ground cover in sustainable landscaping.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Sempervivum ciliosum is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory effects to treat skin conditions and minor wounds.
- Astringent: The plant is known for its astringent properties, which can help in tightening the skin and reducing irritation.
- Antimicrobial: It is believed to have antimicrobial activity that can help prevent infection in small cuts and abrasions.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sempervivum ciliosum, commonly known as "Hens and Chicks", can be used as a living roof covering, providing insulation and creating habitats for wildlife.
- The plant's ability to store water makes it an ideal candidate for creating self-sustaining eco-friendly art installations or botanical sculptures.
- Due to its resilience, the Hens and Chicks can be employed in harsh land reclamation tasks, stabilizing soil and preventing erosion.
- In regions prone to wildfires, planting Hens and Chicks can serve as a fire-resistant landscaping choice.
- Their range of shapes and colors allows them to be used as a ground cover to add visual interest and contrast in rock gardens.
- With their unique ability to propagate easily, Hens and Chicks can be used in children’s gardens to educate about plant growth and reproduction.
- Hens and Chicks can be utilized in miniature gardening, adding a touch of greenery to small-scale designs or fairy gardens.
- As a drought-tolerant species, they provide an eco-friendly option for xeriscaping, helping to conserve water in dry climates.
- The plant can be used as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and reducing the need for water and pesticides in gardens.
- Sempervivum ciliosum can be planted between paving stones, softening hard lines in landscaping and providing a pop of color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum ciliosum) is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHens and Chicks (Sempervivum ciliosum) is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Resilience: Sempervivum, commonly known as Hens and Chicks, symbolizes longevity due to its ability to survive in harsh conditions and regenerate itself.
- Protection: This plant is often associated with protection because it was traditionally used on roofs to ward off lightning and fire.
- Self-Sufficiency: The ease with which this plant propagates, creating numerous offsets, signifies self-sufficiency and resourcefulness.
- Perseverance: The way Hens and Chicks manages to thrive in poor soil and with minimal water reflects an attribute of perseverance and the ability to endure challenging situations.
WaterThe Hen and Chicks should be watered sparingly, as it's a drought-tolerant succulent. The ideal method is the 'soak and dry' technique, meaning you should water the soil thoroughly, then allow it to dry out completely before watering again. This plant typically needs watering once every 7-10 days during the growing season and even less frequently during the winter. In terms of the amount, approximately 8 to 16 ounces of water every two weeks should suffice in most conditions, adjusting for size and environmental factors. Never let the plant sit in water as this can cause root rot.
LightHen and Chicks thrives in full sun conditions, preferring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. The best spot for this plant is a south-facing window or an outdoor location with plenty of sunlight. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates where the afternoon sun can be too intense.
TemperatureHen and Chicks is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as 90°F, making it versatile for a range of climates. The ideal temperature range for this succulent is between 65°F and 75°F. Protect the plant from extreme cold by bringing it indoors or providing cover if planted in the ground in colder regions.
PruningPruning Hen and Chicks mainly involves removing dead or damaged leaves to maintain its appearance and health. Pruning can be done at any time of the year as needed. The best time to prune is during its growing season, spring through summer. It's a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require regular pruning, and over-pruning should be avoided to prevent harm to the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum ciliosum) should be well-draining and gritty, like a cactus potting mix with additional perlite or coarse sand. A pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is suitable for this plant, ensuring that the soil is not too acidic or alkaline for its growth.
RepottingHens and Chicks (Sempervivum ciliosum) should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth. They do not need frequent repotting as they have a shallow root system.
Humidity & MistingHens and Chicks (Sempervivum ciliosum) prefer low to moderate humidity levels and can tolerate dry air conditions typical of most home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For Hens and Chicks, use well-draining soil, place in bright light.
Outdoor
Plant Hens and Chicks in full sun, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleSempervivum ciliosum, commonly known as the Ciliate Houseleek, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in relatively cool temperatures in a well-draining soil mix. Seedlings establish themselves and grow into rosettes, the plant's primary form, through vegetative growth where they will slowly expand and may produce offsets (chicks). These rosettes mature for several years, after which they typically flower once in the summer, producing star-shaped, pinkish flowers at the end of a tall stalk extended from the center of the rosette. After flowering, which is the reproductive stage, the individual rosette that blooms will usually die, a process known as monocarpic behavior. However, the plant continues its life cycle through the offsets it has produced, which root independently and continue to grow, forming new clusters. These offsets will eventually mature and repeat the life cycle, ensuring the survival of the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Sempervivum ciliosum, commonly known as Hens and Chicks or Ciliosum Sempervivum, can be propagated primarily by offsets, which are small replicas of the parent plant that grow around its base. The best time to propagate Hens and Chicks is during its growing season, which is typically in the spring or early summer. To propagate using offsets, gently pull an offset from the mother plant, ensuring that some roots are attached. You should let the offset dry for a couple of days to allow the cut end to callous over, which helps prevent rotting when planted. Plant the offset in well-draining soil, providing light watering until established. This method is quick, maintains the characteristics of the parent plant, and can lead to a large number of new plants over a relatively short period.
