Hens and Chicks (also known as Sempervivum) are absolute classics in the gardening world. They’ve been a staple in outdoor spaces since the Middle Ages! Back then, people actually grew them because they believed the plants had magical powers. These days, we mostly love them for their cool, geometric look, which is why so many gardeners are eager to learn how to propagate them.
The Life Cycle of the Plant
When you buy a single rosette and tuck it into the ground, it usually doesn’t take long before it starts producing “babies” (offsets). Over time, these little guys spread out to create a beautiful, dense carpet of succulents. While the plant spreads pretty quickly, it’s a bit of a slow burn when it comes to flowering—you’ll usually have to wait two or even three years to see your first bloom. Depending on the variety, the flower stalks will shoot up anywhere from an inch or two to over two feet tall! Once the rosette finishes blooming, its job is done and it will naturally die off. At that point, you can go ahead and snip it out, unless you’re planning on collecting seeds.
Using Offsets (The Easy Way)
To be honest, growing Hens and Chicks from seed is way more of a headache than it needs to be. The easiest way to get more plants is to use those “chicks” (the daughter rosettes). Here’s how you do it:
- Gently separate the offset you want from the main cluster.
- Just pull the plants apart carefully.
- Since these plants have very shallow root systems, the roots usually come right up with the offset without any fuss.
Getting Them in the Ground
Now it’s time to move your new plant to its new home. The most important thing to remember is that Hens and Chicks hate “wet feet.” You’ll want to use a gritty cactus mix and make sure the spot has excellent drainage. Once you’ve tucked it into the soil, give it just a tiny bit of water. You don’t need to baby them much after that—these plants are tough and will start establishing their new root systems before you know it!
