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Sempervivum calcareum [ sem - per - VEE - vum , kal - KAR - ee - um ] is a succulent perennial native to the southern Alps in New Zealand and belongs to theSempervivum plantgenus and Crassulaceae ( stonecrop ) folk .
It forms a magnanimous rosette of thick green leaves with reddish - purplish peak .
unwashed names let in :
It ’s also known as a biddy - and - chicks industrial plant , as it multiplies via offsets formed around the mother plant .
This is a audacious species , easy to naturalize and propagate , but specific care tips will help it thrive .
Sempervivum Calcareum Succulent Care
Size and Growth
The perennial houseleek grows a serial of symmetric thickly carry rosettes with a dome - shaped appearance .
The thick succulent leaves are often blue - green or light green with reddish - purple point at the pointed closing .
The plant life starts with a single rosette , but short - stalk offsets eventually take form a dense lusterlessness around the base plant .
Flowering and Fragrance
Sempervivum calcareum rarely flowers . It ’s more common with onetime , mature plants after several class of growth .
If the industrial plant bloom , the flowers typically appear in late summertime .
The plant bring out a clump of yellow - eyed wan pink blossom on thick stalks with scale - similar leave-taking . After the rosette flowers , it withers and dies .
Light and Temperature
Calcareum is frost kind and suited for out-of-door increment in USDA hardiness zone 5a to 8b .
It can survive temperatures as low as -20 ° degrees Fahrenheit ( -29 ° C ) .
Plant the houseleek under the fond sunshine to full sun . Place indoor plants near a window with at least eight hour of solid sunlight throughout the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. .
Most of the growth occurs in the springtime and summertime .
During these season , the plant postulate more shade from the afternoon Lord’s Day .
If temperature regularly pass 80 ° degrees Fahrenheit ( 26 ° speed of light ) , plant life under fond shade instead of full Sunday .
To protect outside plant life from freezing temperatures during the wintertime , insulate the works with a blanket of jam-packed Charles Percy Snow or a loose pile of leaves .
Watering and Feeding
As a succulent , the houseleek is drouth kind and does not call for frequent tearing . Overwatering increase the risk of fungal growth and root rot .
look until the top of the soil completely dries before watering the works again .
When watering , avert pouring water directly over the rosettes . Water the grease and the works will send nutrients up through the beginning system of rules to the leaves .
Soil and Transplanting
Use standard cactus or succulent potting premix .
To make cactus grime , aggregate one - part coir with two parts pumice stone and five parts veritable potting soil .
This should tender even drain .
When transplanting Sempervivum calcareum , it serve to permit the plant dry overnight before replant .
If potential , allow the soil in the current container to dry out altogether . This make it easier to withdraw the plant without damage the theme .
Carefully strike hard away as much soil as potential and then place it in a novel container using a cactus mix .
Grooming
No grooming needed , except for the removal of dead stem canker after bloom .
More Sempervivums :
How to Propagate Houseleek Plant
spread the houseleek using cuttings or offset .
Propagating with cuttings take longer and does n’t always produce satisfactory outcome .
To apply cuttings :
To propagate using offset printing :
Houseleek Plant Pest or Disease Problems
The houseleek is virtually disease - free and plague - innocent , but may at times suffer from rot due tooverwateringor moisture conditions .
While the plant is incredibly winter hardy , in some region , it may have too much moisture from rain .
Adding more sand and pebbles to the territory aid improve drain , reducing the risk of rot .
If the works receive too much body of water and fungal increase appears , cut away the fungus and treat it with a fungicide .
transplantation may also serve .
When transplanting , replace the soil with something offering good drainage .
For dangerous fungal growth , the best selection is often to cast out the affected plant life and pull through sizeable offsets .
Another likely offspring is scorching .
If the plant pick up too much sunlight , the sharpness of the leaf may evolve dingy maculation .
Move the industrial plant to a shadier spot and allow it to bring around or throw away it and propagate the bird .
Suggested Sempervivum Calcareum Uses
Due to its small size , the houseleek is best suited as an addition to rock garden , cacti garden , succulent garden or a land cover where it can bring more color to the video display .
It ’s also great as a stand - alone plant on a shelf or windowsill with hatful of filtered sunlight .
