Photo: Terragio67 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Hens and Chicks
Sempervivum tectorum
Hardy rosettes that pup freely into clusters. Loves it dry and bright — an easy open-terrarium succulent.
- Terrarium type
- Open
- Terrarium size
- Small
- Light
- Bright / some direct
- Care level
- Easy
- Growth habit
- Rosette
- Pet safety
- Non-toxic to pets
Growing Hens and Chicks in a terrarium
Where to place it
Hardy rosettes for a bright, open spot with some direct sun. Good light keeps the clusters tight and encourages plenty of offsets.
Watering & humidity
Water sparingly into free-draining substrate, letting it dry fully between drinks. It's built for dry, bright conditions and shrugs off drought.
Watch out for
It pups freely into clusters, so divide crowded offsets to keep it tidy. Sealed or wet conditions cause rot — keep it dry and open.
Reference: Sempervivum tectorum on Wikipedia.
Hens and Chicks FAQ
Can Hens and Chicks grow in a closed terrarium?+
No. Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) needs airflow and drier air between waterings, so a sealed, humid jar will cause it to rot. Grow it in an open terrarium instead.
Can Hens and Chicks grow in an open terrarium?+
Yes. Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) is well suited to an open, unsealed terrarium where air moves freely and excess moisture can escape — exactly the conditions it prefers.
What size terrarium does Hens and Chicks need?+
Hens and Chicks suits a small terrarium — jars & bottles. It has a rosette growth habit, so plan its position with that in mind and trim or divide it if it starts to outgrow the glass.
Is Hens and Chicks easy to care for?+
Hens and Chicks is rated easy to care for in a terrarium. Hardy rosettes that pup freely into clusters. Loves it dry and bright — an easy open-terrarium succulent. It pups freely into clusters, so divide crowded offsets to keep it tidy. Sealed or wet conditions cause rot — keep it dry and open.
How much light does Hens and Chicks need?+
Hens and Chicks does best in bright / some direct light. Keep it out of direct sun, which magnifies through glass and scorches leaves. Hardy rosettes for a bright, open spot with some direct sun. Good light keeps the clusters tight and encourages plenty of offsets.
Is Hens and Chicks safe for cats and dogs?+
Hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) is non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA.
