Sempervivum heuffelii
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Sempervivum heuffelii

Hen and chickens

Tier 2 Difficulty: hard Water: low Light: full_sun Toxicity: low
Water every
7 days
Temperature
5–35 °C
0
Hardiness
Zone 3–11
Click count
128
Observations
44

Description

Source: leafsnap

Sempervivum heuffelii, commonly known as Heuffel's houseleek, is a perennial succulent belonging to the Crassulaceae family. Native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia, it is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive rosette-shaped foliage. The leaves of Sempervivum heuffelii are fleshy, thick, and pointed, with a waxy coating that helps retain moisture. They are arranged in tight rosettes that can range in color from green to red or purple. The plant’s flowers are small and star-shaped, featuring pink or white petals. Sempervivum heuffelii prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure but can also tolerate partial shade. While it is drought-tolerant, occasional watering is needed during prolonged dry spells. This plant possesses several medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and analgesic effects, making it useful for treating various ailments like wounds and burns. Overall, Sempervivum heuffelii is an excellent addition to any garden due to its low maintenance requirements and attractive foliage, making it a popular choice among gardeners worldwide.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

Job's beard, native to rocky and arid regions, thrives with minimal watering. Thanks to its drought tolerance and water-storing leaves, it ideally requires watering only once a week. This outdoor plant is perfect for rock gardens and adapts well to varying moisture levels, benefiting from a strong, robust root system.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
☀️ Light Full sun

Native to dry areas, Job's beard does best in full sun; its native habitat has intense sunlight and very little shade. It will also tolerate partial sun, giving it some flexibility in how it grows.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C

Although Job's beard can tolerate some heat, it mainly does best and grows in the cooler months and becomes dormant in summer. In hot summer conditions, provide shade to avoid scorching from strong sunlight. Reduce or stop watering during the hottest part of the year to prevent root rot. Job's beard grows vigorously in winter and spring, and provided temperatures do not fall too low, it will continue to grow steadily.

Ideal temperature: 5–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 0-0
Soil pH: 0-0
🌱 Fertilizer

Job's beard needs only light applications of fertilizer once or twice a year during its growing season. Do not fertilize in winter or summer when it is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying any. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and promotes flowering.

🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years

Repot Job's Beard every 2 to 3 years during the spring to promote healthy rosette growth. Choose a shallow, wide container with excellent drainage. Once repotted, place the plant in bright, indirect light and return to a regular watering schedule after it has settled in. This will help support its recovery and overall health.

Suggested frequency: 2-3 years
✂️ Pruning

Job's beard has a rosette shape and vibrant colors. To maintain its appearance and encourage thicker growth, prune it from early to late spring. Focus on removing dead leaves, particularly around the outer areas. Make sure to use clean tools to prevent infection, which will improve both the plant's aesthetics and its health.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Sempervivum
Family
Crassulaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-9
Mature Height
20 cm
Mature Spread
20 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Pink, Yellow
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall
Native Area
Romania, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, Serbia

Tags (20)

Common Names (1)

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