Sempervivums, also known as houseleeks or hens and chicks, are incredibly easy to propagate. I have had great success with propagating them in my own garden, and I’m excited to share my knowledge with you.
To propagate sempervivums, you will need a healthy mother plant to start with. Look for a mature plant that has produced numerous offsets or “chicks” around its base. These offsets are essentially baby plants that can be separated and grown into new plants.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to propagate sempervivums:
1. Select a healthy mother plant: Choose a mature sempervivum with plenty of offsets. The mother plant should be in good health, with vibrant and compact rosettes.
2. Prepare the offsets: Gently separate the offsets from the mother plant. You can do this by carefully pulling them away from the main rosette or by using a clean, sharp knife to cut them off. Make sure each offset has some roots attached.
3. Allow the offsets to callus: Once separated, the offsets need to develop a callus before planting. This will help prevent rotting and promote healthy root development. Place the offsets in a dry, shaded spot for a few days to allow the cut ends to callus over.
4. Choose a well-drained soil mix: Sempervivums thrive in well-drained soil, so it’s important to use a suitable mix. You can create your own by combining equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand. This mixture provides excellent drainage and prevents the roots from sitting in water.
5. Plant the offsets: Once the callus has formed, plant the offsets in the prepared soil mix. Make sure to bury the roots and press the soil gently around the base of each rosette. Leave a small space between the offsets to allow for growth and airflow.
6. Provide the right conditions: Sempervivums prefer full sun, so choose a sunny location for your newly planted offsets. Ensure they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Water the newly planted offsets thoroughly, but be careful not to overwater. Sempervivums are drought-tolerant plants and can rot if they sit in soggy soil.
7. Monitor and care for the new plants: Keep an eye on the offsets as they establish themselves. Water them sparingly, only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid watering the rosettes directly to prevent rot. As the plants grow, they will produce more offsets, and the cycle of propagation can continue.
Propagation can also be done by leaf cuttings, although it may take longer for the new plants to establish. Simply remove a healthy leaf from the mother plant and allow it to callus over. Then, place the leaf on top of a well-drained soil mix and lightly press it down. Keep the soil slightly moist and wait for new rosettes to form at the base of the leaf.
Propagating sempervivums is an enjoyable and rewarding process. With a little patience and care, you can easily grow new plants from offsets or leaf cuttings. So, go ahead and give it a try – you’ll be amazed at how quickly your sempervivum collection can multiply!
