Hens And Chicks Plant Care In Winter – A Guide To Growing Hardy Chicken Plants

Wondering about The Hens and Chicks Plant Care in Winter? Well, we have the best information to help you grow healthy plants. Sempervivum, sometimes known as hens and chicks, is a succulent that is a member of the stonecrop family. These plants are grown by the majority of gardeners because they are resilient.

The hardy plants are excellent for any garden or landscape as they lend an aura of beauty to any setting. However, when it comes to harsh snowy winter, the outer leaves of the hens and chicks plant may wither and perish without the proper care.

However, don’t be alarmed as the plants act in this way in order to defend the inner region of the rosettes. Let’s have a look below to find out more about these magnificent plants. The tips in this article will keep you informed and sid you in ensuring a thriving garden.

Types Of Hens And Chicks Plants

There are various types of hens and chicks plants and planting them is quite simple. They are an easy succulent to grow and maintain, which is beneficial. However, it is important to ensure that they are growing in the best environment to meet their specific needs.

 Do hens and chicks come back every year?

Let’s Start by Discussing the Various Types of These Fantastic Plants:

1. The Sempervivum tectorum var. arvernense, which has leaves covered in velvet-like hairs.
2. The Sempervivum tectorum var. tectorum, which has smooth leaves bordered with hairs.
3. Large rosettes with vivid red leaves are present on the Claudia type.
4.. Commercially available cultivars of S. tectorum come in a variety of leaf shapes and colors. The most commonly known is the Bernstein which has copper and gold leaves.

5. A striking variation with bluish-green foliage is called Big Blue.
6. The striking variety called Black has green foliage with purple tips.
7. The variety Terracotta Baby has orange/red foliage.
8. The Herringer Rose type has crimson leaves with a brown tinge.
9. The leaves of the Launcelot variety are brownish-red.
10. The mutant cultivar Pelora has remarkable bullet-shaped, bright green leaves.

Hens And Chicks – Indoor Winter Planting

Protecting your plants from the elements is of vital importance if you want them to last long. During the winter, bringing your hens and chicks indoors is recommended as it will safeguard them. However, keep in mind that these plants normally hibernate during this time.

However, the plant won’t go dormant if you decide to bring it inside throughout the winter. Winter is also not the time to fertilize even when your plant is indoors because of the slow growth rate during the season. This plant will require up to six hours of sunlight each day when grown indoors. Keeping it at a south-facing window is advisable to ensure that its needs are met.

Depending on the region that you live in, you can also opt to place your plant beneath a grow light. Alternatively, you might bring the plant inside for a few weeks at a time before returning it to the outside. However, avoid doing this if the temperature on the inside and outside is significantly different. That could destroy the plant since it will be under too much stress. Click on the link for more information about these hardy plants. 

 Do hens and chicks need sun or shade?

Winter Hardy Zones for Hens and Chicks Plants

There are several winter hardy zones to grow your plants in the US. Even if you do find yourself in one of them, ensure that you don’t neglect your plant.

Zone 4b is great for hens and chicks that grow underground. The reason for this is that they are able to withstand the weather conditions in this region. On the other hand, container-grown perennials require extra attention to make it through the winter. Excessive chilly winter weather usually results in the roots dying if the plant is not properly maintained.

Burying regular plant pots in the ground is also great as it enhances insulation. Planters may be successfully stored for the winter in unheated indoor environments. It is sometimes challenging to safeguard the roots without burying the plants. It is vital to note when the soil dries out as it is an indication to water the area. You should also move your plants back outside after the frosty weather passes. Winter hardy zones 3 through 8 are ideal for these plants as they will have exposure to full sun during most of the cold winter months.

Hens and Chicks Plant Care in Winter

When raising hens and chicks, pots made of clay or terra cotta are frequently utilized. However, those planters are prone to breaking apart when they freeze and do not fare well in winter temperatures. 

Tips:

  • For growing regions where the winters are extremely cold, we advise utilizing resin plastic, cement, metal, or wooden planters.
  • During the winter, it is best to bring your plant indoors.
  • Ensure that your plants are close to a south-facing window in the winter and receive plenty of sunlight.
  • Avoid keeping the plants in a dark indoor space throughout the winter.
  • If your area does not get enough winter sun, a grow light can be used to supplement the sunlight.
  • USDA zones 3 to 8 are growth zones that are ideal for hens and chicks plants. The plant survives without any issues and care and maintenance are easy in these regions.
  • During the winter months, make sure that the soil is well-drained.
  • Hen plants grow a tall center flower stalk that blooms with proper care.
  • Because they generate so many chicks as they grow, you’ll never need to buy more hen plants.

 How cold can hen and chicks survive?
Conclusion

We hope that you take heed of the information provided in this article. Keep in mind that properly maintaining your indoor or outdoor plants are essential to having a thriving garden.

Hens and chicks scientific name, Sempervivum Tectorum, which means living forever, is appropriate as these plants are super hardy. But, using the best pots to grow them is an essential part of their care. Terra cotta pots are recommended because they accommodate these plants’ roots and don’t break easily.

Whether you plan to grow these plants in the ground or in pots on the patio, you can be sure that they will enhance the look of their surroundings. Click on the video for more information about growing these lush plants. 

FAQs

How cold can hen and chicks survive?

Hen and chicks plants are quite hardy and can usually survive freezing temperatures.

Do hens and chicks need sun or shade?

Hens and chicks need an ample amount of bright sun daily to grow their best.

Do hens and chicks come back every year?

Yes, if planted in the right environment, hens and chicks do come back every year.

What do you do with hens and chicks after they bloom?

You should pull your hens and chicks plant out of their stalk after they bloom as the rooted chicks will flourish into new plants.

Will hens and chicks survive winter in pots?

Yes, hens and chicks are resilient plants that will survive the winter in pots.