Hens and Chicks (scientifically known as *Sempervivum*) are the ultimate “set it and forget it” plants. In fact, their Latin name literally translates to “always living,” which tells you everything you need to know about how tough these little succulents are. They aren’t picky about nutrients and definitely don’t need much water to thrive.
A Mountain Native
This low-maintenance attitude comes from their roots—literally! Hens and Chicks originally hail from high-altitude regions like the Alps and the Caucasus Mountains. Because they evolved in such harsh environments, they are incredibly cold-hardy and can handle a beating from the elements. You can plant them in the most exposed spots in your garden without worrying; they’ll shrug off wind and freezing temperatures like it’s nothing.
Lots of Sun, Very Little Food
Since they love an exposed spot, make sure you pick a location that gets plenty of sunshine. While they crave the sun, they’re definitely not hungry for fertilizer. These plants actually prefer nutrient-poor soil and can survive on the bare minimum. Because they have very shallow root systems, you can get really creative with where you put them. You can even plant them in a small crevice of a rock with just a tiny bit of soil! There are so many creative planting ideas you can try out with these versatile succulents.
Watch Out for Soggy Feet
Even though Hens and Chicks are tough enough to survive a blizzard, they do have one major weakness: “soggy feet.” They absolutely hate sitting in standing water. To keep them happy, you need to make sure their soil is extremely well-draining. It’s even better if you plant them at an angle or in a spot where excess water can run off immediately. This is why using old roof tiles as planters works so well—they look great and provide excellent drainage.
To sum it up, the perfect home for your Hens and Chicks should be:
- In a full-sun location
- In nutrient-poor soil
- In a spot with excellent drainage
