Sempervivum “Neptune”, also known as Silver Suede, is a large, velvety, cold-hardy succulent that perfectly complements a four-season garden.

The hues of its eye-catching rosettes change with the season. The fleshy green leaves get flushed with the colors, pink in spring, dark yellow in summer, and soft purple in fall to winter.

Sempervivum Neptune grows up to 3-inches (7.5cm) tall and 6-inches (15cm) wide. It multiplies fast and grows “chicks” or offsets on stolons. These offsets form tidy clusters that spread out beautifully on the ground or fill every inch of space in a pot.

Typical of succulents that produce offsets, Neptune is sometimes referred to as “Hens and Chicks” or “Houseleeks”.

Silver Suede only blooms star-shaped pink flowers once in their lifetime. As a monocarpic succulent, the mother plant dies after flowering. It’s a good thing, Houseleeks will leave you offsets to propagate the species.

This evergreen perennial is a cold-hardy succulent and can tolerate freezing temperatures down to -28.8° C (-20° F). Many gardeners prefer to plant this succulent in a rock or rooftop garden because it can happily thrive under blankets of snow.

Sempervivum Neptune is a hybrid created by Ed Skrocki and is native to the United Kingdom. It is part of the Sempervivum genus from the Crassulaceae family.

General Information

Also known as: Neptune, Sempervivum Silver Suede, Hens and Chicks, and Houseleeks.
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Native to the United Kingdom; hybridized by Ed Skrocki
Height: 3-inches (7.5cm)
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade for up to 6 hours every day.
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant; use the ”soak and dry” watering method
Soil Type: Standard cactus or succulent soil mix combined with gritty materials such as coarse sand, gravel, pumice, and perlite
Soil pH: 6.6 to 7.5

How to Grow and Care for Sempervivum ‘Neptune’

Sempervivum species are very easy-to-care-for. They grow well outdoors and indoors with little attention. There is no need to dote on your Sempervivum ‘Neptune’ for as long as you provide its growing requirements.

Sunlight

Whether planted outdoors or potted indoors, place your Sempervivum Neptune in an area where it can bask under the bright or filtered sun for at least 6 hours daily. Avoid exposure to intense afternoon sun so the leaves will not get sunburnt.

Indoors, place Silver Suede near a sunny window or less than 1 ft from a South-facing window. Turn the pot often so all sides will receive ample light.

When the leaves of your Hens and Chicks plant start to elongate and lose their shape, move the pot to a better location. Low-light settings cause etiolation, where the plant stretches out to seek a light source.

If there is no sunny area in your house, it is best to get a Grow Light for your succulent plant. LED and fluorescent bulbs can provide the full-spectrum light that your indoor plant needs to grow healthy.

Watering

During the summer and spring months, you might water your Sempervivum Neptune once every seven to 10 days. To be sure, check the soil and make sure it has completely dried out before giving it water.

You can test the soil’s dryness by inserting a stick into the soil. If it comes out covered with soil, do not water your plant yet. Now, if the stick comes out dry, then prepare to give the soil a good soaking. This is called the “Soak and Dry” method.

Succulents do not like to sit on damp soil for too long. The roots will rot if you water the plant excessively. The soil can also become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.

Pot and Soil

Use a terracotta or ceramic pot with a drain hole for your Sempervivum Neptune. It is made with porous materials that will prevent moisture retention. Never use a pot without a drain hole because the soil will get waterlogged.

When it comes to the pot size, always get one that is 10% larger than the plant’s width. An oversized pot will stress out the fragile roots, while an undersized pot will cramp the roots. Wait for the plant to outgrow its container before you move it to a bigger pot.

Sempervivums thrive best in fast-draining soil. Combine potting soil with a 2 to 1 ratio of gritty materials such as coarse sand, gravel, pumice, and perlite.

It’s not necessary to fertilize the soil but doing so won’t do any harm as long as you dilute the formula to just 25% of its original strength and use fertilizer only at the start of the growing season.

During summer, feed your young Silver Suede with a low nitrogen fertilizer once a week. As it matures, feed it once a week with a diluted liquid 20-20-20 fertilizer.

How to Propagate Sempervivum ‘Neptune’

Sempervivum Neptune can be easily propagated by using its offsets or “chicks” on stolons. Unlike other succulents, Neptune cannot develop a root system from leaf cuttings.

Since it is a cold-hardy succulent, propagation should be done in spring or summer.

Offsets Method

Step 1: Fill a terracotta pot with store-bought succulent or cactus soil. You can also make your potting mix by combining %to 20% compost or potting soil with 80% to 90% pumice and coarse sand.

Step 2: Add half a teaspoon of dry all-purpose fertilizer to every 2 cups of potting mix. Water the soil and allow it to drain until it becomes slightly damp.

Step 3: Gently pull an offset that has already formed some roots from the mother plant. You can also use a sterile sharp knife or pair of pruning shears to cut away the chick from the base of the mother plant.

Step 4: Leave the offset in a well-ventilated shaded area for a few days to allow the cut ends to be sealed or calloused.

Step 5: Gently press the offset into the potting mix. Place the pot in a warm and partially shaded area. Wait for the soil to completely dry out before you water it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Kalanchoe orgyalis is a captivating succulent that creates a wonderful contrast whether it’s planted in an outdoor garden or displayed in a room accented with bright colors.

The opal-shaped leaves of Kalanchoe orgyalis which bend at the middle and angle upward have colors that range from bronze to gray on its underside while the topside is covered with fine hairs that appear to have the color of cinnamon.

As the succulent plant matures, the topside of the leaves assumes the same bronze to gray colors as the underside.

Kalanchoe orgyalis’ leaves that have copper-like colors and curvy shapes have spawned a number of nicknames such as “Copper Spoon”, “Cinnamon Bear”, “Leather Plant”, and “Shoe Leather Kalanchoe”.

Copper Spoon is popularly marketed as a small succulent but this slow-growing, multi-branched shrub can actually reach a height of 6-feet (1.8m) tall. It can also grow as wide as it is tall.

Kalanchoe orgyalis is native to Madagascar and is a member of the Crassulaceae family. From late winter to early springtime, charming, yellow-colored flowers appear as clusters on the tips of the branches.

General Information

Also known as: “Copper Spoon”, “Cinnamon Bear”, “Leather Plant”, and “Shoe Leather Kalanchoe”.
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Madagascar
Height: 6-feet (1.8m)
Exposure: 6 hours of partial to full sunlight; exposure to the bright sun will bring the leaves’ colors to their fullest.
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant; water the soil only when it’s 100% dry.
Soil Type: Use succulent soil or combine 2 parts potting soil with 1 part perlite, pumice, coarse sand, and lava rock to speed up soil drainage.
Soil pH: 6.0 to 6.5

How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe Orgyalis

Typical of many varieties of succulents, Kalanchoe orgyalis stores plenty of water in its leaves and stems and can tolerate drought conditions. This makes Copper Spoon an ideal plant to grow in an outdoor setting or inside the home as decor.

However, if the temperature in your region tends to get frosty and drop below 20° F (-6.7° C), it would be best to grow Copper Spoon in a movable container so you can transfer the plant indoors.

A few tips before going to your nearby nursery to buy Cinnamon Bear.

Before you introduce Kalanchoe orgyalis to the other plants in your succulent garden, we recommend isolating it for a few days and checking for pest infestation. If you don’t notice whitish, waxy, and cotton-like substances growing on the leaves, Leather Plant should be free of pests.

Assuming you want to grow Kalanchoe orgyalis as an indoor succulent plant, make sure the intended location has good air circulation. This type of succulent doesn’t do well in humid conditions. If you’re looking for a plant to grace your powder room, Copper Spoon isn’t the one.

Sunlight

Sunlight plays a big role in the growth of Kalanchoe orgyalis. In addition to helping the plant produce food, sunlight influences how Copper Spoon’s colors will come out.

Whether you decide to grow Cinnamon Bear in an outdoor garden or in your home office, it must get up to 6 hours of sunlight every day. Failure to do so will lead to etiolation – a condition where the leaves stretch out as if looking for the sun’s rays. The leaves will wither and die.

Shoe Leather Kalanchoe will appreciate partial or full sun but if you want the leaves of the succulent plant to attain brighter hues of bronze or copper, full sun is your best choice.

To clarify further, make sure it’s the morning and not the afternoon sun. The rays of the midday sun are too harsh and intense and will burn the leaves of Copper Spoon.

Exposure to partial sun will result in a subdued variety of copper or gray in the leaves.

As an indoor succulent, look for a window that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Buy a Grow Light for Cinnamon Bear to help it achieve full color and as an option during the winter months when it will be harder to get daily sunlight.

Watering

Kalanchoe orgyalis can’t forgive you for neglecting its everyday need for sunlight but Cinnamon Bear will be forgiving even if you forget to water it for weeks.

Water this succulent sparingly. Always check the soil’s level of dryness first before deciding on giving it water. You can easily do this by inserting a stick into the soil. If the stick feels dry to the touch, it will be safe to give the soil a thorough soaking.

This process is called the “Soak and Dry” method and is the popular approach for watering succulent plants.

If you water the soil too frequently, the roots will be immersed in moist conditions for a long period of time. The cells of the roots will rupture and eventually, rot.

Root rot exposes Leather Plant to contamination as moist soil can also breed harmful bacteria and fungi.

Pot and Soil

To prevent root rot from taking place, choose a type of pot and a soil variety that will speed up drainage.

You can choose either unglazed ceramic or terracotta for the type of pot. These materials are quite porous and absorb moisture from the soil quickly. Buy a size that’s slightly larger than the base of Kalanchoe orgyalis to give its roots room to grow.

The last thing you should check is if the pot has a drain hole at the bottom. The drain hole allows excess water to filter out of the soil.

You can plant Copper Spoon in any commercially available brand of succulent soil or make your own blend of well-draining soil. Simply mix 2 parts of potting soil with 1 part of gritty materials such as pumice, pine bark, coarse sand, perlite, or lava rocks.

Cinnamon Bear is a slow grower which is why people are amazed it can actually reach 6-feet (1.8m). To help in its growth, add diluted organic fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

Fertilizer is especially important for Shoe Leather Kalanchoe that’s grown indoors because the soil will have fewer nutrients.

How to Propagate Kalanchoe Orgyalis

Are you planning to add more to your collection of Kalanchoe orgyalis? You can propagate the species 3 ways: Cuttings, Leaves, and Offsets.

Stem Cuttings Method

Step 1: Sterilize a sharp knife with 70% isopropyl alcohol and cut a healthy stem from the main plant.

Step 2: Allow the stem cuttings to develop calluses. This process might take 2 to 4 days.

Step 3: Place the calloused stem cuttings on well-draining soil. Lightly moisten the soil with water and situate the pot in an area that gets up to 6 hours of partial sunlight.

Step 4: Once the roots have developed, water the soil only when it has dried out completely.

Leaves Method

Step 1: Perform a clean twist and pull to remove the leaf from the stem. If any part of the leaf remains on the stem, you’ll have to repeat the process to ensure successful propagation.

Step 2: Let the leaves develop calluses over a period of 2 to 4 days.

Step 3: Place the leaves on top of well-draining soil and give it some water. Transfer the pot in an area where it can get regular sunlight for up to 6 hours.

Step 4: If a root system has taken place, use the “Soak and Dry” method for watering the soil.

Offsets Method

Step 1: Choose large-sized offsets that are growing out of the main plant.

Step 2: Use a sterilized knife to cut around the offsets in order to free them from the main plant without damaging the root system.

Step 3: Dry out the offsets in a clean area and let them grow calluses over 2 to 4 days.

Step 4: Plant the calloused offsets in well-draining soil and water it slightly. Move the pot to an area that receives 6 hours of sunlight every day.

Step 5: Once the root system has firmed up in the soil, apply the ”Soak and Dry” method for watering.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sempervivum “Hot Shot” is an elegant-looking succulent that will surely grace any outdoor garden and space inside the home. The evergreen perennial is distinguished by having maroon-colored, fleshy, and fuzzy leaves that form a tight, compact rosette with a green center.

Hot Shot will produce charming small, star-shaped flowers that have pink colors in the summer. However, Sempervivum is a monocarpic succulent which means it will die after it blooms.

The good thing is that Hot Shot will also produce several offsets that you can use for propagation and grow more of this eye-catching succulent. As fast as a grower as Hot Shot is, at full maturity, it won’t grow taller than 3-inches (7.6cm) and 4-inches (10cm) wide.

Typical of succulents that produce offsets, Hot Shot is also commonly referred to as Hens and Chicks and Houseleeks.

Sempervivum Hot Shot is native to the United States and was hybridized by Kevin C. Vaughn from Sempervivum Marietta and Sempervivum Denise’s Cobweb. Hens and Chicks is a member of the Crassulaceae family.

General Information

Also known as: Hot Shot, Hens and Chicks, and Houseleeks.
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: The United States of America; hybridized by Kevin C. Vaughn from Sempervivum Marietta and Sempervivum Denise’s Cobweb.
Height: 3-inches (7.6cm)
Exposure: 6 hours of partial to full sun; avoid the afternoon sun
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant; only water the soil when it’s completely dry.
Soil Type: Cactus mix, sandy soil, succulent soil, or a blend consisting of 2 parts potting soil mixed with 1 part 50% perlite, pumice, coarse sand, and lava rock to speed up soil drainage.
Soil pH: 6.6 to 7.5

How to Grow and Care for Sempervivum “Hot Shot”

Are you worried that growing succulents in your backyard is a lost cause because your region experiences frosty weather? If so, you have nothing to worry about with Sempervivum Hot Shot.

This is a cold-hardy succulent that won’t mind being buried under a blanket of snow. Houseleeks can handle temperatures as low as -30°F (-34.4°C) and they will maintain their sublime colors throughout the winter season.

Whether you live in a temperate or frosty zone, you won’t have a hard time growing and caring for Sempervivum Hot Shot.

Sunlight

Sempervivum Hot Shot must get up to 6 hours of sunlight every day. It will appreciate the partial or full sun as long as they aren’t of the afternoon rays variety. The mid-day sun can be scorching hot and will burn the magnificent leaves of Sempervivum.

As an outdoor succulent, plant Hot Shot in a location that gets the required amount of sunlight. If the area is exposed to the afternoon sun, plant Hens and Chicks in partial shade.

Sunlight becomes more important when Houseleeks is raised as a houseplant. You have to situate the pot near a window that filters in up to 6 hours of sunlight per day. If this isn’t possible – particularly during winter – place the succulent under a Grow Light.

Watering

Be generous with sunshine but go easy with the water when growing and caring for Sempervivum Hot Shot. 6 hours of sunlight every day will keep Hens and Chicks healthy but water should only be given sparingly. To be precise, water only when the soil is 100% dry.

In the spring and summer months which are the growing seasons, the soil will dry out faster and you might water the soil every seven to 10 days. In contrast, the soil will retain moisture faster when it’s winter, so you’ll probably water only once every month.

If you give the soil water while it’s still wet or contains some moisture, the roots will rot and expose the plant to fungal infection.

To know that it’s safe to give water, stick your finger inside the soil. If the soil feels dry, then give it a drenching. You can also insert a stick and if its end feels dry after you pull out, go ahead and water the soil.

Pot and Soil

Sure that glass pot might look classy but in a few weeks, it might kill Sempervivum Hot Shot. The ideal pot for Houseleek is one that’s made of either unglazed ceramic or terracotta. These materials are highly absorbent and will dry out the soil faster. Glass pots won’t.

The right pot size for Hot Shot is one that’s slightly bigger than its base to enable the roots to grow without getting tangled up. Finally, make sure the bottom of the pot has a drain hole to filter out excess water from the soil.

Drainage must also be your priority when it comes to choosing the ideal soil for Hot Shot. Among your best choices are cactus soil, sandy soil, and succulent soil. You can also make your own blend of 2 parts potting soil mixed with 1 part gritty materials like perlite, pumice, coarse sand, and lava rocks.

Fertilizer is recommended if you’re growing Houseleeks indoors in order to improve the quality of the soil. Use organic fertilizer that has low nitrogen content and dilute it down to only 25% of its original strength. Fertilize the soil only once per month during the growing season.

How to Propagate Sempervivum “Hot Shot”

Sempervivum Hot Shot produces offsets that grow out of the rosettes. Not all offsets are ideal for propagation. Choose offsets that are bigger or approximately one-fifth the size of the plant because these are mature enough to have developed root systems.

Offsets Method

Step 1: Get a sharp knife and sanitize it with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Free up the offset by cutting around the area taking care that the roots remain intact.

Step 2: Allow the offsets to dry out and grow hard calluses over a period of 2 to 4 days.

Step 3: Plant the calloused offsets in well-draining succulent soil.

Step 4: Lightly water the soil and place the container in an area that gets up to 6 hours of partial sunlight every day.

Step 5: Once the roots have settled firmly in the soil, give it water only when the soil has completely dried out.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Orostachys iwarenge is a charming perennial succulent that is characterized by its long stems that sit atop cone-shaped and lavender-colored rosettes. In fact, its name is a description of the rosettes and their position on the stems. A fully-grown succulent can reach a height of 6-inches (15cm).

Speaking of names, Orostachys iwarenge goes by the common names “Chinese Dunce Cap” and “Dunce Cap” alluding to the cone-shaped of the rosettes.

Also, the common names refer to Northern China, where it originated from. It has also been discovered that Chinese Dunce Cap might have also come from Japan and Mongolia. These regions have one thing in common – mountainous terrain with frigid weather conditions.

Another possibility for having the word “Dunce” in its nickname is that Orostachys iwarenge might trick you into thinking it’s dead during winter. But wait until spring rolls in and Chinese Dunce Cap will spring back to life.

However, Orostachys iwarenge is a monocarpic succulent and actually dies after it blooms. Dunce Cap’s blooming period is in late summer when you’ll see white and yellow-colored flowers grow out from the center of the mother rosette.

Plant hobbyists love Chinese Dunce Cap because it produces several offsets on the stems that arise from the main rosette. These offsets are used for easy propagation of the species.

Orostachys iwarenge comes from the genus Orostachys and is a member of the Crassulaceae family.

General Information

Also known as: Chinese Dunce Cap, Dunce Cap
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Northern China and parts of Japan and Mongolia.
Height: 6-inches (15cm)
Exposure: Partial or full sun for up to 6 hours; avoid the afternoon sun.
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant; use the “Soak and Dry” method for watering
Soil Type: Well-draining soil such as cactus or 2 parts potting soil mixed with 1 part perlite, pumice, coarse sand, or lava rock.
Soil pH: 7.9 to 8.5

How to Grow and Care for Orostachys Iwarenge

Do you live in a region that gets chilly? If so, Orostachys iwarenge will be the perfect addition to your outdoor garden.

Chinese Dunce Cap is more tolerant of frosty conditions than most succulent plants. However, If the temperature in your area drops lower than -10° F (-23.3° C), it would be a good idea to plant this succulent in a container that you can move indoors.

If you follow our care tips below, you won’t have problems growing Orostachys iwarenge in your outdoor garden or inside your home.

Sunlight

It’s very important for Orostachys iwarenge to get the sun’s rays on a daily basis. Without enough sunlight, its leaves will stretch out, wither, and get weak because of a process called etiolation.

As an outdoor garden succulent, plant Dunce Cap in an area that regularly receives 6 hours of partial to full sunlight. Never expose Orostachys iwarenge to the afternoon sun as its rays get extremely hot and will burn the succulent plant’s leaves. The morning sun is always the best choice for these types of plants.

If you decide to have Chinese Dunce Cap as an indoor plant, place it near a window that gets 4 to 6 hours of partial sunlight per day. You can also place Dunce Cap under a Grow Light.

Watering

If Orostachys iwarenge needs its daily dose of the sun’s rays every day, the same can’t be said about its need for water.

Succulents aren’t like most types of plants. These are considered cacti because succulents can store water in their leaves and stems to keep them alive during drought.

Treating Chinese Dunce Cap like an ordinary plant and watering it frequently will do more harm than good. In fact, overwatering will kill it.

When it comes to watering, less is best. Follow the “Soak and Dry” method for best results.

First, check the soil’s dryness by inserting a stick an inch deep. Pull out the stick and if it feels dry, then give the soil a thorough soaking. Yes, water the soil. Don’t water the plant directly.

You might find yourself watering Dunce Cap every seven to 10 days during the growing months of spring and summer. In contrast, winter causes the soil to retain moisture longer. You might water the soil only once per month during the cold season.

Pot and Soil

The best pot for Orostachys iwarenge is one that allows moisture to escape from the soil right away. This means choosing only between 2 types of materials – unglazed ceramic or terracotta.

Both of these pots are highly absorbent and enable moisture to evaporate from the soil. Take note “unglazed” ceramic pot. Unglazed pots are made of organic materials and don’t include contaminants that affect their absorbent properties.

Always choose a pot that’s slightly bigger than the base of your plant because it will continue to grow. As the succulent grows, so will its roots. You want the roots to have enough space in the soil without getting entangled.

Lastly, check that the bottom of the pot has a drainage hole to filter out excess water from the soil.

Chinese Dunce Cap prefers well-draining soil. You can plant Dunce Cap in cacti soil or use potting soil with added gritty materials to improve drainage.

The best gritty materials are perlite, pumice, coarse sand, and lava rocks. Combine 2 parts of potting soil with 1 part of gritty materials for the best results.

Adding fertilizer to the soil is a good idea to improve the quality of nutrients. This is especially important if Chinese Dunce Cap is a houseplant.

Choose a brand of organic fertilizer with low nitrogen content and dilute it to only 25% of its original strength. Fertilize only twice during the growing season or once a month during the first 2 months.

How to Propagate Orostachys Iwarenge

Orostachys iwarenge can be propagated by using the offsets growing on its stems. It’s important to choose only offsets that are mature or big enough to have their own root system.

You can also propagate Chinese Dunce Cap via seeds. Once the succulent has produced its flowers you can collect the seeds and use them to grow new plants.

Offsets Method

Step 1: Use a sterilized knife to gently remove the offsets from the stem. Make sure the roots stay intact.

Step 2: Allow the offsets to dry out and grow hard calluses over a period of 2 to 4 days.

Step 3: Plant the calloused offsets in well-draining soil.

Step 4: Lightly spray the soil with water to keep it moist. Place the pot near a window that gets partial sun for 6 hours every day.

Step 5: Once the roots have firmly taken hold in the soil, back off the watering schedule and use the soak and dry method.

Seeds Method

Step 1: Plant the seeds in well-draining soil.

Step 2: Lightly water the soil and place the pot under a Grow Light. You can also use a Seed Mat.

Step 3: When the roots have fully formed, water the soil only when it has dried out completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sempervivum heuffelii “Lemon Sky” is a cold-hardy succulent that can easily brighten up any outdoor garden or indoor living space with its scintillating lemon-yellow leaves that have pink-tinged tips. Over time and given enough sunlight, you might see the pink-colored tips turn purple. 

Lemon Sky also goes by the names Hens and Chicks and Houseleeks because they produce offsets or pups that you can use to propagate the species. Similar to other varieties of Sempervivum heuffelii succulents, Lemon Sky will produce the offsets through division. 

Hens and Chicks is also a monocarpic succulent which means the plant will die after it blooms. It will take 3 to 4 years before Lemon Sky can produce flowers. You can expect the small, yellow-colored flowers to present themselves in the late summer to early fall. 

Sempervivum heuffelii Lemon Sky is from the genus Sempervivum and belongs to the Crassulaceae family. Its rosettes can reach a maximum height of 3-inches (7.6cm) with a width of 4-inches (10cm).

You can find Lemon Sky growing in the Balkans and Carpathians in Europe. However, it’s been theorized that Lemon Sky and other species of Sempervivum heuffelii were naturalized in North America, particularly Wisconsin. 

General Information

Also known as: Lemon Sky, Hens and Chicks, and Houseleeks
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Balkans and Carpathians in Europe; parts of North America particularly in Wisconsin
Height: 3-inches (7.5cm)
Exposure: Up to 6 hours of partial or direct sunlight; avoid the afternoon sun to protect the leaves from burning.
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant; follow the “Soak and Dry” method where you only water between dry periods.
Soil Type: Cactus mix or succulent soil with added 50% perlite, pumice, coarse sand, and lava rock to speed up soil drainage.
Soil pH: 6.6 to 7.5

How to Grow and Care for Sempervivum Heuffelii “Lemon Sky”

If Santa Claus decided to become a horticulturist, he would certainly have Sempervivum heuffelii Lemon Sky on the top of his list.

Lemon Sky is a succulent that’s tolerant of both drought and frost conditions. Thus, if your region experiences temperature drops to as low as-30°F (-34.4°C), you don’t have to worry about Hens and Chicks growing in the cold outdoors. Sempervivum can find itself under a blanket of snow and it will do just fine.

In addition to being resilient against hot/dry and cold/frosty conditions, this durable and beautiful succulent plant is easy to grow and care for.

Sunlight

Sempervivum heuffelii Lemon Sky will do well under partial or full light conditions. To help Hens and Chicks achieve the max beauty of its colors, it would be best to expose the succulent to direct sunlight. However, avoid the afternoon sun as the scorching rays will burn the leaves.

You can grow Houseleeks in an outdoor succulent garden or indoors as a houseplant. Plant Hens and Chickens in an area in the garden that gets up to 6 hours of partial to full sunlight.

Keep in mind that the ready availability of sunlight and the richness of the soil in an outdoor garden will provide a better environment for growth for Lemon Sky compared to conditions inside your home.

If you decide that you want Hens and Chicks to light up your living space, you must position the pot near a window that assures your succulent regular sunlight for up to 6 hours per day.

Get a Grow Light and place Lemon Sky under it for 6 hours every day if the availability of sunlight indoors is a serious concern. Lack of sunlight will put Lemon Sky in a state of etiolation where its leaves will stretch out and wither.

Watering

Sempervivum heuffelii Lemon Sky stores water in its leaves and stems. That’s why it’s able to survive long periods without water.

If there’s one rule that you must always remember when growing succulents is to never water them until the soil is 100% dry. Watering while the soil is moist will cause the plant’s roots to rupture and rot.

Fungi can easily develop under moist conditions. Once the roots have rotted away, the fungi can find their way inside Lemon Sky.

Use the “Soak and Dry” method when watering succulent plants. Check the soil’s level of dryness by inserting your finger or a stick an inch deep. If it feels bone dry, then you can give the soil a thorough soaking.

Don’t water the plant directly as this will make Lemon Sky retain more water. Only water the soil.

Fertilizer is not necessary although it might be valuable for succulent plants that are grown indoors because the soil might be lacking nutrients.

Choose an organic succulent fertilizer and dilute it to only a quarter of its original strength. Fertilize once a month during the growing seasons which are spring and summer for Sempervivums.

Pot and Soil

If you’re looking to grow Sempervivum heuffelii Lemon Sky in a pot, choose one that’s made of either unglazed ceramic or terracotta. These types of pots are ideal for succulents because they help remove moisture from the soil faster.

The next item on your checklist when shopping for a pot is the right size. Most Sempervivum succulents are sold in pots that measure 2-inches (5.08cm) in width. Get one that’s slightly larger to allow the roots room to grow in the soil.

Finally, make sure the pot has a drain hole at the bottom to let excess water run out.

You can plant Hens and Chicks in cactus soil or potting soil mixed with 50% gritty materials such as coarse sand, pumice, perlite, and lava rock to help improve its quality of drainage.

How to Propagate Sempervivum Heuffelii “Lemon Sky”

The best way to propagate Sempervivum heuffelii Lemon Sky is by using the offsets that it produces.

Unlike other Hens and Chicks types of succulent plants where you simply pull out the pups from the soil, the procedure of removing the offsets from Lemon Sky is a bit different.

Offsets Method

Step 1: Use a sharpened and sterilized knife or garden shears to separate the clumps of offsets from the rosettes growing from the main plant. For a better chance of successful propagation, keep the roots with the stem intact with the offsets.

Step 2: Allow the offsets to grow calluses over a 2 to 4-day period.

Step 3: Plant the calloused offsets in well-draining soil.

Step 4: Lightly water the soil and move the pot near a window that gets 4 to 6 hours of sunlight. You can also use a Grow Light.

Step 5: Once the roots have fully taken hold of the soil, water only when the soil has gone completely dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Graptopetalum “Alpenglow” is a charming succulent that will surely bring a smile to the faces of people who see it. 

A hybrid of Graptopetalum and Sedum, Alpenglow will also bring relief to those who are welcomed by its countenance when they get home because its primary color of Pink is a symbol of hope. 

Alpenglow has another alias that’s based on what people associate its tight, compact, pink-colored rosettes with – a pink sunset. The alternate alias is “Twilight”. 

The leaves of Alpenglow are quite fleshy and have an arrow-like shape. Before they turn pink, the leaves start out light green and take on different iterations of the color green as the plant matures. 

The stems have a light brown color and are marked by scars. The rosettes grow and form along the stem. Over time, the rosettes spread out and become ground cover.

In the spring, look out for small, star-shaped, yellow-colored flowers that bloom along the sides of the stems. While not particularly beautiful, the flowers lend an aesthetic appeal that complements the overall allure of Twilight. 

Graptosedum Alpenglow is native to Mexico and is a member of the Crassulaceae family. It can grow to a height of 8-inches (20cm) with a width of 12-inches (30.5cm).

General Information

Also known as: Alpenglow, Twilight
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Mexico
Height: 9-feet (274.32cm)
Exposure: Partial to full sunlight for up to 6 hours every day
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant; follow the Soak and Dry method for watering
Soil Type: Cactus mix or succulent soil then add 50% perlite, pumice, coarse sand, and lava rock for better drainage.
Soil pH: 6.6 to 7.5

How to Grow and Care for Graptosedum Alpenglow

There’s no question that its eye-catching color and shape are the reasons why people want Graptosedum Alpenglow inside their homes or their outdoor gardens.

Lesser-known reasons are that it serves as wonderful ground cover, the species is easy to propagate, and Alpenglow is one of the most durable succulent plants out there.

With all of these benefits of having Twilight in your home, add to the list it’s a type of succulent that’s easy to grow and care for.

Sunlight

You can grow Alpenglow in an outdoor garden, in container baskets, and indoors. The most important thing to keep in mind is to give the succulent its daily dose of the sun’s rays.

If you don’t, the leaves will etiolate or stretch out as if searching for sunlight, then wither and die.

When you’re looking to set up a rock or succulent garden in your backyard, make sure Alpenglow is situated in an area where it can receive 6 hours of partial to full sunlight every day. Full sunlight would be better so that Twilight can achieve its maximum colors.

However, avoid the rays of the afternoon sun at all costs as these will burn Graptosedum Alpenglow’s leaves. What you can do is plant Alpenglow in a pot and expose it to direct morning sunlight for a few hours before moving the pot to an area with partial shade.

Growing Alpenglow in a pot is a good idea if temperatures in your region drop below 30° F (-1.1° C) because as durable as the succulent is, it’s not cold-hardy.

Once indoors, place the pot near a window that gets 4 to 6 hours of partial sunlight every day. A better option would be to put Twilight under a Grow Light.

Watering

Graptosedum Alpenglow stores water in its leaves and stems. This ability allows Twilight to survive long periods of drought.

If you’re planning a month-long vacation, just water Twilight before you go to the airport. Graptosedum will just be fine.

Remember this rule – it’s better to give succulents less water than to overwater them.

Unlike sunlight, succulent plants don’t need everyday or frequent watering. Doing so will put Alpenglow’s health at risk because soil that stays moist for a long time becomes an ideal breeding ground for fungus.

The roots of Twilight will rot if immersed in a moist environment. Once the roots have turned bad and fungus has developed, your plant will be in trouble.

The best method for watering Alpenglow is the “Soak and Dry” approach – give the soil a thorough soaking only after it has completely dried out.

You can easily check the soil’s level of dryness by sticking your finger an inch deep. Does it feel dry? If yes, the soil can receive a good amount of water. You can also use a stick if you don’t want to get your finger dirty.

In the spring and summer months, expect to water the soil every seven to 10 days. However, during the colder months, the soil will stay moist longer. Watering the soil once a month will be just fine.

Pot and Soil

“How do I remove excess moisture from the soil?” is the same question you need to answer when you’re choosing the best pot and soil for Graptosedum Alpenglow.

The best answer for the type of pot is one that’s made of either unglazed ceramic or terracotta. These pots are composed of substances that not only support soil aeration but expedite the evaporation of water from the soil.

The size of the pot is another consideration. Buy a pot that’s slightly larger than the base of Alpenglow because as it grows, you don’t want the roots to get tangled up.

Remember – only slightly larger. If the pot is too big, that means you need more soil. And more soil means more water.

Before paying for the pot, check its bottom. A succulent pot must have a drain hole that allows excess water to spill out. When you see this happen, stop watering the soil.

Speaking of soil, Twilight will thrive in well-draining cactus soil or potting mix with added gritty materials to improve drainage. You can include 50% perlite, pumice, coarse sand, or lava rock.

How to Propagate Graptosedum Alpenglow

Graptosedum Alpenglow can multiply easily by using any of the 4 following methods for propagation: Cuttings, leaves, offsets, and seeds.

Cuttings Method

Step 1: Choose a healthy stem and cut a small section with a sharpened and sterilized knife.

Step 2: Set aside the stem cuttings and let them develop calluses over a period of 2 to 4 days.

Step 3: Place the calloused stem cuttings on a pot filled with well-draining soil.

Step 4: Lightly water the soil and position the pot near a window that gets 4 to 6 hours of partial sunlight per day.

Step 5: Observe the development of roots. When the roots have taken hold in the soil, follow the “Soak and Dry” method for watering.

Leaves Method

Step 1: Perform a clean and pull on a healthy leaf that’s growing near the stem. Twist the leaf and gently pull it off the stem. If a part of the leaf remains on the stem, you must repeat the procedure.

Step 2: Allow the leaves to form calluses. This process might take 2 to 4 days.

Step 3: Place the leaves on well-draining soil and spray it with water.

Step 4: Situate the pot near a window that receives up to 6 hours of sunlight every day.

Step 5: Back off the watering schedule once the roots have formed. Shift to the “Soak and Dry” method.

Offsets Method

Step 1: Alpenglow produces offsets from its rosettes. Use a sterilized and sharpened knife to remove the offsets from the stems.

Step 2: Give the offsets up to 4 days to grow calluses.

Step 3: Plant the calloused offsets in well-draining succulent soil.

Step 4: Water the soil lightly and place the pot near a window that can assure you of 4 to 6 hours of partial sunlight.

Step 5: Only water the soil when it’s 100% dry if the roots have fully formed.

Seeds Method

Step 1: Plant the seeds in well-draining soil only when temperatures are warm.

Step 2: Lightly water the soil and put the pot under a Grow Light or on a Seed Mat.

Step 3: Water the soil only sparingly once the roots have formed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sempervivum heuffelii “Irene” starts out as a tight and compact rosette with deep burgundy colored leaves that have hints of green on their edges. The “heart” or center of the rosette has a yellow-green color. 

As winter approaches, the leaves turn from burgundy red to dark purple and the colors on the edges turn from green to white. The combination of colors, the symmetrical growth of the rosettes, and the lushness of its leaves make Irene a majestic addition to any outdoor garden or an indoor living room. 

If your outdoor garden is frequently threatened by deer, place Irene beside your most precious plants and they’ll protect them from getting eaten. 

Irene is an evergreen monocarpic that produces vegetative offsets through division. The offsets can be pulled out, dried out, and repotted for propagation or just left alone to grow into clusters of rosettes. 

As a monocarpic, Irene will produce flowers after it matures or around 3 to 4 years. The yellow-colored flowers will come out in the late summer or early fall. Shortly after the flowers bloom, Irene will die.

Sempervivum heufelii Irene is native to the Balkans and Carpathians in Europe. It’s part of the genus Sempervivum and is a member of the Crassulaceae family. Fully-matured Irene can reach a height of 3-inches (7.5cm) tall with the rosettes growing up to 4-inches (10cm).

General Information

Also known as: Irene
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Balkans and Carpathians in Europe
Height: 3-inches (7.5cm)
Exposure: Preferably sunlight for up to 6 hours every day but Irene will also do well under partial sunlight.
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant; use the “Soak and Dry” method for watering
Soil Type: Cactus mix or succulent soil with added 50% perlite, pumice, coarse sand, and lava rock to speed up soil drainage.
Soil pH: 6.6 to 7.5

How to Grow and Care for Sempervivum Heuffelii “Irene”

Sempervivum heuffeilii Irene is the ideal succulent to start with if you’re a first-time horticulturist. You don’t have to fuss over it. As long as you plant Irene in a location that guarantees its daily dose of the sun’s rays, you’ll be fine.

Irene is the perfect houseplant for those with a busy lifestyle because you don’t have to water it every day.

You might be on a flight for a 2-week vacation and suddenly forgot to water before leaving home. Don’t worry as Irene will be just fine.

Speaking of being a houseplant, this would be a good idea if temperatures in your region drop below -30° F (-34° C) because Irene doesn’t like the cold.

Sunlight

Sempervivum heuffelii Irene thrives when given regular sunlight. Not only will Irene produce food but the plant will achieve its maximum colors. It’s also not healthy if the succulent doesn’t get enough sunlight because its leaves will etiolate or stretch out, wither, and die.

If you want to plant Sempervivum heuffelii Irene in an outdoor succulent garden, find a location where it can get 6 hours of partial or full sunlight. It’s better for Irene to get full sun in order to bring out the magnificent dark purple colors and white-tinged edges of the leaves.

Just remember to avoid the early to mid-afternoon sun. During these hours, the sun rays are quite hot and these will burn the leaves of Sempervivum.

As an indoor plant, find a location where Irene can get 4 to 6 hours of partial sun. If it’s not possible to get sun exposure for that length of time indoors, buy a Grow Ligh for Irene and keep her under it for 6 hours per day.

Watering

Like other varieties of succulent plants, Sempervivum heufelii Irene stores water in its leaves and stems. This ability to store water allows them to survive harsh drought conditions.

Thus, if you forget to water Sempervivum, don’t worry. Irene will be okay. The problem starts when you give your succulent water too often.

If the soil is kept moist too long, it might become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. The roots of Irene will rupture and rot. This gives the bacteria the opening it needs to contaminate your entire plant.

Follow the “Soak and Dry” method for watering Irene. Check the soil level first by inserting a stick an inch deep into the topsoil. Pull out the stick and if it feels dry to the touch, then get ready to give the soil a good soaking.

You’ll probably water Irene every seven to 10 days during summer and spring and only once a month in winter.

Pot and Soil

A pot that’s made of unglazed ceramic or terracotta is best for Sempervivum heuffelii Irene because these types of pots help the soil free up excess moisture. Choose a pot that’s slightly larger than the base of the plant to give the roots enough space to grow.

Lastly, make sure the bottom of the pot has a drainage hole. When you see water leaking out of the drain hole, you can stop watering the soil.

Irene grows best when planted in sandy or gritty soil such as cactus mix or potting soil with added materials such as coarse sand, perlite, pumice, and lava rock. These materials will help speed up soil drainage.

How to Propagate Sempervivum Heuffelii “Irene”

Sempervivum heuffelii Irene made it easier for you to propagate the species by producing offsets or pups for you.

Offsets Method:

Step 1: Using a sterilized and sharpened knife, separate the clumps of offsets from the main plant. The roots must remain intact with the offsets.

Step 2: Allow the offsets to grow hard calluses over a period of 2 to 4 days.

Step 3: Once the calluses have formed, plant the offsets into well-draining soil.

Step 4: Water the soil lightly and place the pot in an area that gets up to 6 hours of partial sunlight daily.

Step 5: If the roots have taken hold properly, follow the “Soak and Dry” method for watering Irene.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Aeonium canariense is an enchanting succulent that can illuminate your home or outdoor garden with its luminescent emerald green leaves which can assume a reddish-purple color when consistently exposed to sunlight. 

Nurseries might sell this variegated, shrub-like perennial by its alias “Giant Velvet Rose”. Not only is the alias easier to pronounce and remember but it’s aptly descriptive of this large plant which can grow to a height of 1-foot (30cm).

The emerald green leaves are fleshy and have a fuzzy texture reminiscent of velvet and they grow into compact rosettes that can reach a width of 8-inches (20cm).

In the summertime, expect Giant Velvet Rose to produce small, star-shaped, yellow-colored flowers that sit on top of 3-foot (90cm) long stems. The flowers measure a quarter of an inch (0.64cm) wide.

Aeonium canariense is a monocarpic succulent and will die shortly after producing flowers. This type of succulent is native to Tenerife of the Canary Islands. 

Giant Velvet Rose belongs to the genus Aeonium and is a member of the Crassulaceae family. Coincidentally, the name of the island of where it is endemic from is called Canary Island Aeonium.

General Information

Also known as: Giant Velvet Rose
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Tenerife of the Canary Islands
Height: 1-foot (30cm)
Exposure: Partial to full sun exposure for up to 6 hours per day.
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant; only water the soil when you can confirm that it has dried out completely.
Soil Type: Sandy soil with loam plus 50% gritty materials such as coarse sand, pumice, perlite, and lava rock for better draining qualities.
Soil pH: 5.6 to 6.0

How to Grow and Care for Aeonium Canariense

You’ll be forgiven to assume that Aeonium canariense with its magnificent, compact, and symmetrical rosettes must be a challenge to grow. The truth is exactly the opposite.

Giant Velvet Rose is a wonderful type of succulent to grow and care for whether you have an experienced green thumb or someone who’s looking to start a new hobby.

The rules for properly growing and maintaining Aeonium are simple and easy to remember. We can summarize it in one sentence:

Give Giant Velvet Rose sunlight every day but water sparingly.

However, if you live in an area where the temperature can drop below 20° F (-6.7° C), it would be best to plant Aeonium canariense in a container that you can move indoors. Aeonium canariense is tolerant of drought but not frost.

Sunlight

You have to provide Aeonium canariense 6 hours of partial or full sunlight every day. Aside from helping the succulent to produce food, stressing out the plant with the sun’s rays will change the leaves’ colors from emerald green to reddish-purple.

Giant Velvet Rose is ideal for an outdoor succulent or rock garden. Just make sure that its daily dose of the sun’s rays comes from the morning sun. The afternoon sun will be too hot and will burn Aeonium’s beautiful leaves.

If you want to grow Giant Velvet Rose as a home ornament, place its pot near a window that regularly receives up to 6 hours of partial sunlight every day.

It’s important to get Aeonium regular sun exposure or the leaves might stretch out and wither because it has undergone etiolation.

Watering

Those thick, lush, and enticing green leaves have a purpose. They store water that allows Aeonium canariense to survive long periods of drought. For this reason, you shouldn’t worry if you forget to water this succulent for weeks.

In fact, to ensure the health and long life of your succulent plants, you should water them only sparingly.

If you overwater Giant Velvet Rose, the soil will stay moist longer than necessary. The soil will become a breeding ground for fungi and the roots will rot. Once the roots rupture, the fungi will have a way to get inside Aeonium and contaminate the entire plant.

The best approach to water Aeonium canariense is the “Soak and Dry” method.

First, test the soil’s dryness. Some horticulturists will use a Hygrometer to measure the level of moisture but you’ll be fine with a stick. Just insert the stick about an inch deep into the soil then pull it out. If the stick comes out dry, get ready for step two.

Second, give the soil a thorough soaking. Again, water the soil and not the plant directly. If you’re watering an indoor Giant Velvet Rose, it’s had its fill if water starts coming out of the drain hole.

Pot and Soil

Terracotta or unglazed ceramic pots are the best choices for Aeonium canariense because these materials support aeration and at the same time, enable moisture to escape from the soil faster than other types of containers.

Choose a pot that’s slightly wider than the base of the plant in order for the roots to grow without getting tangled. More space also means that air can freely pass between the roots which dry out the soil faster. Make sure the pot has a drain hole at the bottom to filter out excess water.

Giant Velvet Rose does well in sandy soil and varieties that contain a little bit of moisture such as those mixed with loam. To improve drainage, add gritty materials such as perlite, pumice, coarse sand, or lava rock.

How to Propagate Aeonium Canariense

If you want more Aeonium canariense for your outdoor garden, your living room, or to adorn your office, you can propagate the species using 3 methods: Leaves, Offsets, and Seeds.

Leaves Method

Step 1: Remove a healthy leaf from the stem by gently twisting and performing a smooth and slow pull. If a part of the leaf remains on the stem, you won’t be able to propagate successfully.

Step 2: Let the leaves dry and form calluses over a period of 2 to 4 days.

Step 3: Fill a new terracotta pot with fresh, well-draining soil. Place the leaves on top of the soil but space them evenly.

Step 4: Spray the soil with water to moisten it lightly. Place the pot near a window that gets 4 to 6 hours of sunlight every day.

Step 5: If you notice the roots taking hold, water the soil only when it has gone completely dry.

Offsets Method

Step 1: Gently pull out the offsets that are growing near the base of the plant. You can free them up by cutting around the area with a sterilized and sharpened knife.

Step 2: Allow the offsets to develop calluses. This might take 2 to 4 days.

Step 3: Once the calluses have formed, plant the offsets in well-draining soil.

Step 4: Lightly water the soil and place the pot near a window that gets up to 6 hours of sunlight.

Step 5: If the roots have formed, put off watering the soil until it has 100% dried out.

Seeds Method

Step 1: Soak the seeds overnight in order to soften their tough outer layer.

Step 2: Plant the seeds in well-draining, sandy soil. Add perlite to balance out the level of moisture in the soil. The best time to plant is when temperatures are warm.

Step 2: Lightly water the soil and place it under a Grow Light or a Seed Warmer. You should notice the seeds sprouting out in six weeks’ time. Water the soil only when it has dried out.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sempervivum globiferum easily catches the attention of passers-by and house guests because its unusual appearance makes it beautiful in a bizarre way. This spiky succulent might remind you of the odd-looking Dragonfruit which looks strange on the outside but is actually soft, tasty, and sweet on the inside. 

This variety of succulent comes from the genus Sempervivum and is a member of the Crassulaceae family. Sempervivum globiferum is native to the Eastern and Southern Alps, the Carpathians, and the western Balkans south to northern Albania. 

Based on the regions of where the succulent can be found, you can tell that Sempervivum is a cold-hardy plant. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -20° F (-29° C). 

Sempervivum globiferum’s enticing disc-shaped, lime green leaves will develop attractive red tips on their pointed ends when regularly exposed to sunlight. In some varieties of this succulent, the leaves will have a yellow-green color. 

The leaves will form a tight and compact rosette that can reach a maximum height of 3-inches (7.62cm) and 3-inches (7.62cm) in width. 

Sempervivum globiferum is also known as Rolling Hens and Chicks for 2 reasons. First, Sempervivum produces offsets or pups on its long stems. Succulents that produce offsets are referred to as Hens and Chicks. 

Second, In time, these offsets will break off the stem and “roll” to the ground where they will take root in the soil. For this reason, Rolling Hens and Chicks is popularly used as a ground cover because they spread and grow very fast. 

In the summertime, from July to August. Sempervivum globiferum produces small, bell-shaped, white flowers. As a monocarpic succulent, Rolling Hens and Chickens will die after blooming.

General Information

Also known as: Rolling Hens and Chicks, Houseleeks
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Eastern and Southern Alps, the Carpathians, and the western Balkans south to northern Albania
Height: 3-inches (7.62cm)
Exposure: Full sun for up to 6 hours to get Hens and Chicks to attain their full colors but the succulent will also thrive with partial sun.
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant; follow the “Soak and Dry” method and water only in between dry periods.
Soil Type: Succulent soil mix or potting soil with 50% added gritty materials like coarse sand, pumice, and perlite for better drainage
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0

How to Grow and Care for Sempervivum Globiferum

Horticulturists who live in frosty regions – rejoice! You have the perfect succulent to grow in your garden in Sempervivum globiferum.

If you wake up one morning and find Rolling Hens and Chickens under a blanket of snow, don’t worry because they’re happy. What you need to protect your succulents from are from harsh rain.

Thus, if you experience intermittent rains, it would be a good idea to have Rolling Hens and Chickens growing in a container that you can move indoors if the weather turns wet.

Other than that, you won’t have a hard time growing and caring for Sempervivum globiferum.

Sunlight

Rolling Hens and Chickens needs 6 hours of sunlight every day in order to produce food and to attain the full spectrum of colors.

You can plant Sempervivum in outdoor rock or container gardens. Place the succulent in an area that gets partial to full sunlight every day. Avoid the afternoon rays because the leaves will burn when they come in contact with the sunlight.

As an indoor succulent, position the pot in a location where Rolling Hens and Chickens can still get up to 6 hours of partial sunlight. If this might be a problem during certain months, put Sempervivum globiferum under a Grow Light.

Watering

Unlike sunlight which Sempervivum needs 6 hours of every day, this succulent does better when it hardly receives water.

Sempervivum globiferum like other types of succulents stores water in its leaves and stems. This water-storing ability allows Rolling Hens and Chicks to survive drought conditions.

Frequent watering is not good for Sempervivum globiferum. If you water the soil too often and it remains moist for long periods of time, fungi can develop. The roots of Hens and Chicken will also rot and create an entryway for the bacteria to contaminate the entire plant.

A simple rule for properly watering succulent plants is the “Soak and Dry” method which is to water only between dry periods but to give the soil a good soaking.

The first step is to test the soil’s level of dryness. Some will just touch the topsoil and if it’s dry to the touch, they’ll give it water.

A better measure would be to insert your finger or a stick an inch deep into the topsoil and if it feels dry, prepare to give the soil a thorough drenching. Expect to water the soil more frequently during summer and less during winter.

Sometimes you’ll see scenes in a TV show where an actor sprays the succulent leaves with water. Don’t do that. Only water the soil and never the leaves. Spraying the leaves will retain moisture longer.

Pot and Soil

Overwatering is your number one enemy for growing and caring for succulent plants. Choose a pot and a type of soil that allows water to escape or evaporate faster.

Usually, a nursery will sell the succulent in a plastic container. This is just a temporary “home” for Hens and Chicks because the nursery believes the plants will be bought very soon.

Once you get Sempervivum, transfer the plant to a pot made of unglazed ceramic or terracotta because these materials allow moisture to leave the soil right away. The size of the pot must be slightly larger than the base of the plant so that the leaves won’t get tangled.

The last thing you need to do is to check the bottom of the pot. It must have a drain hole large enough to filter excess water out of the soil.

Sempervivum globiferum will thrive in a succulent soil mix or you can combine potting soil with 50% gritty materials such as coarse sand, perlite, and pumice. The addition of gritty materials will help speed up drainage.

How to Propagate Sempervivum Globiferum

As discussed earlier, Sempervium globiferum produces offsets that you can use to create more of the species.

Offsets Method

Step 1: Gently pull out the offsets that are growing near the base of the plant. You can do this by loosening the offsets by cutting the area around it with a sterilized and sharpened knife.

Step 2: Allow the offsets to dry off and grow hard calluses. It might take 2 to 4 days for the calluses to form.

Step 3: Plant the callused offsets in well-draining soil and lightly moisten it with water.

Step 4: Place the pot near a window that gets 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Step 5: If you notice the roots take hold, switch to the “Soak and Dry” method of watering.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Echeveria “Azulita” enchanting beauty is made possible by its thick, blue-green colored leaves that have a velvety feel and a waxy texture about them. In some species of Azulita, the leaves appear to be covered with tiny hairs. When exposed to direct sunlight the tips of the leaves turn pink.

The fleshy leaves of Azulita or “Little Blue One” grow several, tiny, blue-green rosettes that form into a tight but symmetrical spiral. There are some variations of Azulita with leaves that vary in color from blue-green to gray to lavender. 

In the springtime, Echeveria Azulita produces flowers that vary in color from bright orange to pink. When the succulent blooms these lovely flowers, expect your garden to be visited regularly by hummingbirds and butterflies.

Azulita can reach a height of 5-inches (12.7cm) and a width of 6-inches (15cm). It is a hybrid of Echeveria minima that was created by Renee O’Connell and introduced by Altman Plants. Echeveria Azulita is native to Mexico and is a member of the Crassulaceae family.

General Information

Also known as: Azulita
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Mexico
Height: 5-inches (12.7cm)
Exposure: Partial to full sun for up to 5 hours per day.
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant; Azulita does better with fewer waterings. Follow the “Soak and Dry” method.
Soil Type: Well-draining succulent soil or a mixture of potting soil plus 50% gritty materials such as perlite, coarse sand, and pumice for improved drainage.
Soil pH: 5.6 to 7.8

How to Grow and Care for Echeveria “Azulita”

You’ll be excused for thinking that Echeveria Azulita must be hard to take care of given its striking beauty and allure. Don’t let Little Blue One’s looks fool you. Azulita might look high maintenance, but she’s not.

Echeveria Azulita can be grown outdoors in a rock garden or as an accent piece on your backyard patio. Azulita is also grown indoors because according to horticulturists the magnificent succulent has air purifying capabilities.

It would be best to grow Azulita in a movable container if the temperature in your region drops below 20° F (-6.7° C) because this type of succulent isn’t cold-hardy. Once the weather turns frosty, bring Azulita indoors right away.

Sunlight

As an addition to your outdoor succulent garden, plant Echeveria Axulita in an area that gets 6 hours of partial or full sun every day. The one thing to remember about giving your succulent sunlight is to avoid exposing it to the afternoon sun because the intense rays will burn Azulita’s much-desired leaves.

Lighting remains an important consideration when growing Azulita indoors. Position Azulita near a window that receives 4 to 6 hours of partial sunlight daily. If you’re not certain of the level of exposure, buy a Grow Light for Azulita. Place the succulent under the Grow Light for up to 6 hours per day.

If the succulent doesn’t get the required amount of sunlight, it will undergo a process called etiolation where the leaves stretch out as if they were searching for the sun. When the plant etiolates, the leaves wither and die.

Watering

Succulents are drought-tolerant because they have the ability to store water in their leaves and stems. Echeveria Azulita is able to survive the harsh conditions in Mexico because it can go long periods without water.

In fact, succulents prefer to have less water. If its soil is watered while there’s still moisture, it becomes a breeding ground for fungi and other types of bacteria. Likewise, the roots become susceptible to rotting.

If the roots rupture and rot, it gives the fungi access to your succulent. Once inside the plant, an infection can spread and Azulita can die.

For this reason, only water the soil when it’s 100% dry. Use the “Soak and Dry” method when watering Azulita.

Check the soil’s dryness by inserting a stick. If the stick feels dry after you pull it out, the soil is ready to receive water – lots of water. During the summertime, you might water Azulita every seven to 10 days. In the winter, the soil stays moist longer. You might only need to water the soil once a month.

Another important rule to follow is to water only the soil. Don’t water above or the plant directly.

Pot and Soil

Now that you know how important it is to dry out the soil, drainage should remain the top priority when choosing the ideal pot and soil type for Echeveria Azulita.

Most nurseries package succulents in plastic containers. Once you buy your succulent, replant it in a pot that’s made of terracotta or unglazed ceramic because these materials allow moisture to leave the soil right away.

The pot should be slightly bigger than the base of Azulita to support aeration and to keep the roots from getting entangled as the plant grows. Lastly, make sure the pot has a large enough drain hole at the bottom.

Succulent soil or potting soil with 50% added gritty materials like perlite, coarse sand, pumice, or lava rock are good choices for Azulita.

How to Propagate Echeveria “Azulita”

Thinking of what to give your family and friends for Christmas or on their birthdays? Avoid the shopping rush and just propagate more Azulitas in your own home.

There are 2 methods you can use to propagate Echeveria Azulita: Leaves and Offsets.

Leaves Method

Step 1: Perform a clean twist and pull on a healthy leaf. If a part of the leaf remains on the stem, repeat the process. You can’t have successful propagation if the leaf is removed incorrectly.

Step 2: Allow the leaves to develop calluses. You can do this by placing them in a dry area for up to 4 days.

Step 3: Place the callused leaves on top of well-draining soil. Make sure they are evenly spaced out.

Step 4: Water the soil lightly and place the pot near a window that gets 4 to 6 hours of partial sunlight every day.

Step 5: If the roots have formed, switch to the “Soak and Dry” method for watering succulent plants.

Offsets Method

Step 1: Free up the offsets by cutting away with a sharpened and sterilized knife or gardening shears.

Step 2: Gently uproot the offsets.

Step 3: Let the offsets callus over for 2 to 4 days.

Step 4: Plant the offsets in well-draining soil.

Step 5: Moisten the soil by spraying it with water. Move the pot near a window that assures the offsets 4 to 6 hours of daily sunlight.

Step 6: Once the roots have taken hold, only provide water when the soil has completely dried out.

Frequently Asked Questions

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