Hen and Chicks

I'd had Hen and Chicks for about eight months with acceptable but unremarkable results. Then I started really paying attention to avoiding water on the rosette centre to prevent rot and the difference over the next two months was dramatic. extremely low maintenance between waterings became much mor…

Hen and Chicks is a genuinely satisfying plant to grow, but I want to be upfront about one thing: etiolation from insufficient light. I've dealt with it twice now and it takes consistent attention to manage. Beyond that, wide range of colours from blue-grey to red makes it one of my favourites in t…

My first attempt at Hen and Chicks failed — mealybug infestations in leaf crevices got hold of it and I didn't know what I was looking at until it was too late. I left it alone for a year before trying again. The second attempt, with proper attention to watering only when the soil is completely dry…

After growing Hen and Chicks for over a year here is what I'd tell a beginner. First: avoiding water on the rosette centre to prevent rot is not optional — it's the foundation everything else depends on. Second: leaf drop in cold or draughty positions will happen and you should know how to handle i…

Hen and Chicks is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why. I underestimated the importance of avoiding water on the rosette centre to prevent rot in the early stages and paid for it. root rot from overwater…

I had a serious problem with root rot from overwatering and poor drainage on my Hen and Chicks earlier this year. Caught it late and had to work hard to bring the plant back. The experience was frustrating but educational. Now that it's healthy again I can fully appreciate extremely low maintenance…

I planted Hen and Chicks primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. easy propagation from leaf cuttings seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period. I grow it in a fairy garden or miniature landscape wh…

I want to be honest: I'm not getting great results with Hen and Chicks and I'm not entirely sure why. mealybug infestations in leaf crevices has been a recurring problem despite my attempts to address it. I've been focusing on avoiding water on the rosette centre to prevent rot based on everything I…

I've been growing Hen and Chicks for a full year now and want to capture what each season offered. surprising flower spikes in late spring was the clear high point — everything you're told about Hen and Chicks at that time of year is true. But the plant has something to offer in every season, which …

I planted Hen and Chicks without expecting much and it's become one of the most satisfying things in my garden. easy propagation from leaf cuttings is something I couldn't have predicted from looking at it in a nursery. You only understand it once the plant is established and performing. I keep it …