Hen and Chicks (sometimes called Cat and Kittens, because folks just can’t resist making it cute) is the common name for Sempervivum, a hardy succulent that grows in tight rosettes. The big rosette is the “hen” (or “cat”), and the little ones that sprout around it are the “chicks” (or “kittens”).
The name Sempervivum means “always living” — which tells you everything you need to know. These little suckers survive where most plants give up. They’ll grow in rocky cracks, shallow pots, old strawberry jars, and even between bricks in the patio.
A Little History Lesson
Hen and Chicks have been around for centuries. They’re native to the mountains of southern Europe — the Alps, the Pyrenees, and all those places with cold winters and rocky soil. Old European folklore claimed planting them on the roof would protect your house from lightning strikes. Romans planted them on tiles and rooftops, calling them “houseleeks.” They’re still popular in rock gardens today, especially because they can handle both hot sun and cold winters without flinching.
Where They’ll Grow
- USDA Zones: 3–8 (they’ll laugh at snow and ice).
- Light: Full sun is best — the more sun, the more vibrant the colors.
- Soil: Poor, gritty, sandy soil. Rich, soggy dirt is the fast lane to root rot.
- Containers: Perfect in shallow pots, rock walls, strawberry jars, or even an old boot.
Seasonal Care
- Spring & Summer: Active growing season. Water when soil dries out, give full sun, and watch the chicks pop up.
- Fall: Leaves may tighten up, and colors deepen into reds or purples. Normal!
- Winter: They go semi-dormant, hunkering down into little buds. Leave them outside (they’re tougher than you think), but make sure the pot drains well so the roots don’t freeze in standing water.
Propagation
This plant practically does the work for you. But here’s how to speed it up:
Offsets (Chicks)
- Wait until spring or early summer.
- Gently tug a chick away from the hen (it usually already has baby roots).
- Plant it in well-draining soil — sandy cactus mix works great.
- Water lightly until established.
Encourage More Chicks
- Give them lots of sun (6+ hours if outdoors).
- Use sandy, well-draining soil — they don’t like rich, wet dirt.
- Avoid overwatering — let soil dry between waterings.
- A light feeding in spring can encourage more chicks.
Fun Facts & Folklore
- Sempervivum = “Always Living.”
- Each hen eventually blooms once (a tall, starry flower stalk), then dies — but not before leaving behind a whole brood of chicks.
- In old Europe, they were considered protective plants. Today, they’re just the succulent you can’t kill.
Tips From the Porch
- Got them in plain potting soil? Mix in some sand, grit, or perlite next time to keep them happier.
- Don’t baby them with fertilizer — they thrive on neglect.
- Use them as “filler” in pots with other succulents, or give them their own space to sprawl.
- Divide chicks every spring and pot them up. Pretty soon, you’ll have enough to share — or sell.
Bottom Line
Hen and Chicks are the homesteader’s dream plant: tough, self-propagating, decorative, and low-maintenance. Give them sun and decent drainage, and they’ll give you a whole army of little rosettes year after year.
They’re proof that sometimes the simplest things — like a stubborn succulent on the porch — can be the most rewarding.
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