How to Grow Hens and Chicks Succulents
INTRODUCTION
Also called Sempervivumtectorum, the Hens and chicks succulents are a kind of fleshy plants that lie low and are evergreen year-round. They resemble the rubbery roses and are mainly hailed as alpine or rocky garden plants owing mainly to their hardiness and the excellent resistance to the matters of drought.
Here comes the million-dollar question: just how ought the hens and chicks succulents to be grown? We have carried intensive research in this field. In our proceeding conversations, we shall lay bare the steps and procedures to follow to propagate and care for them.
HOW TO GROW HENS AND CHICKS SUCCULENTS
There are several things you have to get right to be able to grow your hens and chick succulents well. We endeavor to explain here below for you to consider the same:
For one, these plants are native to cold mountainous regions of Europe. They are hence for a large part considered winter vegetables. Generally, they are tough and capable of withstanding those conditions that are below ideal. Nonetheless, they too need to be taken great care of.
a.) Soil Type and Quality
By far, the best soil for these plants is that which drains properly and does not clog. The reason behind this is the fact that the plants are naturally averse to waterlogging and hardly survive any of those perils that may be leveled against them.
Additionally, the soil has to bear a balanced pH, be devoid of any harmful pathogens, and be completely aerated to diffuse the possibilities of the roots to rot or other parts of the plant are compromised. Of necessity, the soil has to comprise the pumice and the perlite substances as they are porous and facilitate drainage.
b.) Watering Needs
As with any other plant, these succulents also have to be well watered to maintain them in the best shapes and forms. You have to do so every fortnight while at the same time seeing to it that you do not get to either extreme.
To water the plants, you have to fill a watering fan and then douse the soil until such a time that the water runs out of the drainage hole of the can altogether.
This approach encourages the plants to develop some healthy root systems as the roots penetrate deeper into the soil as they seek more water. On the same note, it also negates the need for the roots to rot.
c.) Light Requirements
All plants require some light to thrive well. These hens and chicks are by no means an exception. Luckily, they can handle and endure partial to the full sun. However, their fleshy leaves are somewhat delicate and can burn in the hottest months of the year.
You are hence advised to keep them indoors at such times while at the same time seeking signs like the crispy, faded, and brown leaves. Additionally, consider investing in a shade cloth whose role is to maintain the succulents cooler on the hot days. Needless to say, you should also water the plants more often to keep the temperatures cooler.
d.) Temperature and Climate
As mentioned and explained above, these plants love cold and hardy areas as they can manage the below-freezing temperatures with absolute ease. They are especially great in the harsh winter months where the temperatures may at times dip to -40°C.
Even though this plant can handle such adverse weather elements, it does well within the temperature ranges of about 65°C-75°C. For this reason, it does so well in indoor settings and environments provided there is sufficient light. To enable the best outcomes, keep them near the bright windows.
e.) Fertilization and Manuring
You will no doubt have to provide fertilizer to aid the plants to mature faster and grow healthily. By far the best fertilizer is the low-balanced and water-soluble fertilizer variety. This should be provided once a month or once every two months.
This should happen preferably in the summer and the spring. The end result of this arrangement is a more vibrant stature coupled with faster growths. Generally, the low-balanced fertilizer is milder and stands a limited chance of burning the leaves of your plants.
Be advised to dilute this plant to half its strength right before application. That is because this species does not really require too much of the nutrients as other plants do.
f.) Growth and Propagation
No doubt, you will have to propagate and plant the succulents in the course of handling the same. This plant differs from its peers in the sense that it does not grow and propagate on its own. Instead, it gives you a variety of avenues via which you may propagate it:
Seeds
It produces seeds that you may use to plant and propagate the plant at a faraway place or location. You have to wait for the seeds to mature and dry prior to using the same to plant and propagate the plant.
Mother Plants
The mother plants may also serve to propagate the plants. It generally produces a host of offsets that may be used to propagate the plant at a distance or alternative place. These offsets also divide to enable the same to grow unhindered and independently of your own direct input.
g.) How to grow and propagate the plants
How you shall grow or propagate the plants shall depend mainly on the mode you prefer or choose to pursue. These are:
Seeds
Follow these steps to propagate the plant from the seeds:
• Grab the pot or the planting tray and fill it up with the cactus or succulent soils
• Take the seeds and place the same atop the soil
• Mist the seeds using some water over a few weeks till they sprout
• Provide plenty of sunshine to the seeds
• Supply sufficient warmth of about 70-75°C
Dividing Offsets
If you opt for the dividing offsets, you have to follow the steps below to actualize this end:
• Pick and narrow to the offset of choice
• Leave the stolon to wither before considering a replant
• Loosen the soil around and about the chicks
• Leave the arrangement intact for quite some time
• It shall sprout and germinate after staying anchored in the soil for some time
CONCLUSION
With the kind of deep insight we have generously furnished, we are now pretty confident that you have the head start you need to do a thorough job. How about you proceeding now to implement the deep insights you have gained? We are always happy to note the progress of the readers of our posts. Share your experience with us!
