Sempervivum Succulents: How to Grow Sempervivum

*Sempervivum tectorum* plants are evergreen succulent plants that grow swirls of bright green, red-rimmed, spiky leaves in a rosette formation. *Sempervivum*, also known as hens-and-chicks plants, produce baby plants off of the mother host called offsets that can be used to propagate new plants. These low-maintenance, drought-tolerant garden plants grow well in rocky and dry areas where other cacti thrive, making them an excellent choice as ground cover for rock gardens and [xeriscaping](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/xeriscaping-tips). *Sempervivum* is a drought-resistant, cold-hardy plant that thrives in a number of conditions. Varieties of this plant grow well in [USDA hardiness zones](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-planting-zones) three to eight, and they prefer cool to moderate climates. Here are some of the most popular varieties and cultivars of *sempervivum* plants. 1. __*Sempervivum* Engle’s__: *Sempervivum* Engle’s grows teardrop-shaped succulent leaves with a downy texture and faint green color that fades into a dark mauve color at their tips. 2. __*Sempervivum* pippin__: This variety grows in a rosette shape with tightly clustered, mossy green leaves with pointed, dark purple tips. 3. __*Sempervivum* purple dazzler__: Purple dazzler has long leaves that are deep purple towards the center of the rosette and fade to light green at the leaves’ long tips. 4. __*Sempervivum arachnoideum* (cobweb houseleek)__: This variety has leaves that grow with fine white threads on top. 5. __*Sempervivum* oddity__: The leaves of this variety grow in a tubular shape in a deep green color with dark purple tips. Oddity plants are also sometimes known as “trumpeter” plants due to their shape. If you already have a *sempervivum* plant, you can propagate new specimens from the offsets or “chicks” of a mother plant. You can also buy sempervivum seeds from your local garden center and germinate them in a container and replant in your garden. Follow these simple steps for growing *sempervivum* from seed. 1. __Prepare your soil__. Fill a seedling container with a well-draining, neutral potting mix. Sandy soil is ideal for *sempervivum*. Moisten the soil right before you plant your seeds. 2. __Germinate your seeds__. Plant your *sempervivum* seeds in your prepared seedling container. Push the seeds just below the surface of the moist potting mix and leave in a place that gets full sun. 3. __Transfer your plant__. After four or five weeks, small rosettes should form where you have planted your seeds. You can now transfer your *sempervivum* plant into your garden. *Sempervivum* plants are very low-maintenance, but here are some tips you can follow to make sure your *sempervivum* is thriving. 1. __Use well-draining soil__. *Sempervivum* doesn’t need regular waterings, even during the germination process. However, you want to make sure that you’re using well-draining soil to avoid root rot. 2. __Place them in full sun__. This plant prefers full sun but can also survive in partial shade, as long as you give it access to light for a part of the day. 3. __Prune the offsets if necessary__. If your plant grows too many offsets, they may crowd your parent plant and cause them to grow more vertically. Separate the individual rosettes and propagate the offsets into their own plants to give your plants space to grow. Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/) and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community - and the world - a better place. *Sempervivum* plants, also known as “common houseleeks” or “hens-and-chicks,” are cold hardy succulents that have multicolored, fleshy leaves. Whether you want to grow this attractive specimen as a house plant or in your garden, you can learn how to propagate these attractive rosette-shaped succulents.