Sempervivum arachnoideum (Hens and Chicks)

 Sempervivum arachnoideum (Hens & Chicks) is a mat-forming succulent perennial forming tight evergreen rosettes, 1 in wide (2.5 cm), of fleshy green leaves adorned with cobwebby white hairs at their tips. The mother rosette (Hen) spreads in all directions by horizontal stems to form offsets (chicks). Each offset will develop roots of its own and become independent of the parent plant as the connecting stolon withers. In summer, a thick flowering stalk arises from the center of the hen rosette and bears showy starry, rose-pink flowers. Sempervivums are monocarpic: they die after flowering. However, the offsets they produce usually make up for the losses and fill the gaps left by the dead rosettes. - Learn more at  How to Protect Sempervivum in Winter
  • Scientific Name: Sempervivum arachnoideum L.
  • Common Names: Spider Web Hens and Chicks, Cobweb Hen and Chick, Cobweb Houseleek, Cobweb Sedum 
  • Synonyms: Sempervivum heterotrichum, Sedum arachnoideum, Sempervivum doellianum
  • Family: Crassulaceae
  • Subfamily: Sedoideae
  • Tribe: Sedeae
  • Subtribe: Sedinae
  • Genus: Sempervivum
  • Species: S. arachnoideum


USDA Hardiness Zone:
Cobweb Hens and Chicks are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5a-8b.

 How to Grow and Care 

 Sempervivum can be propagated easily from offsets. Each “hen” (mother plant) will produce a large number of “chicks” (offsets), which can then be removed from the mother plant and potted or added to arrangements.

 Hens and Chicks also can be grown from seeds, seedlings or by dividing offsets. Don’t plant your Hens and Chicks too deeply. Dig a shallow hole and spread the roots. Cover to the crown of the plant and tamp the soil gently so that the plant is firm in the ground. Water lightly, but you don’t need to water newly planted Hens and Chicks every day, the way you would with non-succulents. Hens and Chicks need to let their roots dry out between waterings. 

 Hens and Chicks will spread by underground roots. During the growing season, expect each plant multiplies itself by at last 4, by producing little offset plantlets all around the perimeter of the ‘Hen.’ These are the ‘Chicks.’ The Chicks can be snapped off and replanted elsewhere at any time. ...- Learn more at  HOW TO GROW AND CARE Sempervivum

 Origin: Sempervivum arachnoideum native to Europe (Austria,France,Germany,Italy,Spain... 



Links: Back to genus  Sempervivum
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