Sempervivum ‘Tip Top’, commonly known as Hens and Chicks, is a popular succulent. This perennial plant is well-suited for various garden settings due to its hardiness and ease of care, making it a favored choice for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Unique Characteristics of Sempervivum ‘Tip Top’
Sempervivum ‘Tip Top’ forms a low clump of rosettes, displaying vibrant light green leaves with distinctive warm red to dark purple tips. Direct summer sun can intensify these colors, sometimes causing the rosette to turn a vibrant yellow. Each mature rosette, referred to as the “hen,” produces numerous small offsets, or “chicks,” on short stolons around its base. These chicks can form tidy clusters, creating a dense, mat-forming groundcover.
The rosettes typically reach 2 to 3 inches tall and 6 to 10 inches wide. In summer, mature rosettes may produce tall spikes of starry pink flowers.
Essential Care Guidelines
Light
Sempervivum ‘Tip Top’ needs ample sunlight. Full sun promotes best color development and a compact rosette form. While it can tolerate partial shade in very hot climates, consistent direct sun promotes vibrant coloration. Insufficient light can lead to stretching, causing the plant to appear leggy with more space between its leaves.
Soil
Well-draining soil is key for Sempervivum ‘Tip Top’. These succulents are adapted to dry conditions and store water in their leaves, making them prone to rot in waterlogged soil. A gritty mix, such as a succulent or cactus potting mix, is ideal. Adding perlite, coarse sand, or horticultural grit further improves drainage. When planting in containers, ensure they have drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
Watering
Sempervivum ‘Tip Top’ prefers infrequent, deep watering, particularly during its active growing season in spring and summer. Use the “soak and dry” method: water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. Overwatering is a common problem and can lead to root rot. If leaves appear shriveled or wrinkled, it often indicates underwatering.
Temperature and Hardiness
This succulent is cold-hardy. Sempervivum ‘Tip Top’ is hardy in USDA Zones 3-10, tolerating temperatures as low as -20°F. Protecting plants from excessive winter wet is important, especially in regions with heavy rainfall.
Fertilizing
Sempervivum ‘Tip Top’ requires little fertilization. They thrive without added nutrients, particularly in the ground. If desired, a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied once or twice a year during the growing season, typically in spring or early summer. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive, soft growth, which may make the plant more susceptible to problems.
Propagation
Sempervivum ‘Tip Top’ propagates easily through its offsets, or “chicks,” which are miniature rosettes that form around the parent plant. Propagate during the summer growing season when offsets are actively produced. To propagate, gently detach a chick from the mother plant, ideally selecting those that have already started to develop small roots.
After detaching, allow the offset to “callus” in a dry, airy spot for a day or two. This prevents rot. Once callused, plant the chick in well-draining soil, ensuring the base of the rosette is in contact with the soil. Roots typically form within a few weeks, and the new plant will begin to grow independently.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Overwatering commonly causes root rot in Sempervivum ‘Tip Top’. Leaves may turn mushy, brown, or translucent, indicating excessive moisture. If rot is suspected, remove affected parts and allow the plant to dry out completely before replanting in fresh, well-draining soil. Poor drainage contributes to this problem.
Mealybugs and aphids can occasionally affect Sempervivum, though they are relatively rare. Signs include sticky residue, blotchy discoloration, or visible insects. Treat affected areas with diluted isopropyl alcohol. Insufficient light causes stretching or “etiolation,” losing compact shape and vibrant color. Move to a brighter location to restore form and color.
Winter Care
Sempervivum ‘Tip Top’ enters dormancy during winter when temperatures consistently drop below 40°F. Growth slows significantly, requiring less water and sunlight. For outdoor plants, a layer of straw or other insulating material can provide additional protection, though they are frost-hardy.
Outdoor Sempervivum do not need supplementary watering during winter, relying on natural rainfall. Protecting them from excessive winter wet is more important than cold, as standing water causes rot. If grown in containers, ensure they are not sitting in water and consider moving them to a sheltered spot to prevent prolonged wetness.