If you’re looking for a plant that’s practically bulletproof, look no further than the Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum). These little succulents are incredibly low-maintenance—they don’t need fancy fertilizers or constant watering. In fact, Hens and Chicks actually thrive in the kind of tough spots where most other plants would give up the ghost.
Keep it Dry
When it comes to watering, these plants are total pros at handling dry spells. On the flip side, they absolutely hate having “wet feet.” No matter which spot in your garden you choose, the most important thing is ensuring the water can drain away quickly. Standing water is the one thing that will really do them in.
The Sunnier, the Better
You’ll want to plant your Hens and Chicks where they can soak up as much sunlight as possible during the summer. Don’t worry about finding a sheltered spot, either; these tough cookies don’t mind the wind or the weather, provided they aren’t sitting in a puddle. They’re also incredibly cold-hardy, so they’ll breeze through a freezing winter without any trouble.
Choosing the Right Container
Unless your garden soil is naturally sandy and nutrient-poor, you’ll probably want to grow your Hens and Chicks in a container. This is where you can get really creative! Since they have very shallow root systems, you can plant them in almost anything—even old roof tiles. You can even plant them directly on a rock if it’s large enough to hold a little bit of soil.
The Perfect Soil Mix
The “dirt” you use is key, and it boils down to two things: it needs to be nutrient-poor and very well-draining. A specialized succulent or cactus mix is your best bet. If you don’t have any on hand, don’t sweat it—you can make your own by mixing two parts regular potting soil with one part coarse sand.
When you’re ready to start planting, just keep these three things in mind:
- Pick a sunny location.
- Find a fun, shallow container.
- Use gritty, well-draining soil.
