Spider Web Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum arachnoideum) are captivating succulents cherished for their distinctive appearance. This charming plant features a dense network of fine, silvery threads that stretch between its leaves, giving it the appearance of a miniature spider web. Its unique aesthetic, combined with its hardiness, makes it a popular, low-maintenance choice for gardeners, appealing to both novice and experienced enthusiasts.
Unique Characteristics
The most striking feature of Sempervivum arachnoideum is the delicate, cobweb-like fuzz that covers its rosettes. These fine, silvery threads are not merely decorative; they serve a practical purpose, helping to protect the plant from intense sun exposure and aiding in moisture retention by reducing water loss from the leaf surfaces. Each plant forms a compact, symmetrical rosette, which can vary in color from vibrant greens to rich reds and purples, often intensifying with sun exposure and cooler temperatures. These “hen” plants produce numerous small offsets, or “chicks,” around their base, which are miniature replicas of the parent rosette.
Essential Care Guide
Light and Water
Providing adequate light is fundamental for Spider Web Hens and Chicks to display their best colors and maintain their compact form. They generally prefer full sun exposure, which encourages the development of their characteristic webbing and enhances their vibrant hues. In regions with extremely hot summer afternoons, a location offering partial shade can prevent scorching of the foliage. These succulents are highly drought-tolerant, requiring infrequent watering once established. It is important to allow the soil to dry completely between waterings, as consistently wet conditions can lead to root rot.
Soil and Hardiness
Proper soil composition is paramount for the health of these plants, as they demand excellent drainage. A specialized succulent or cactus mix is ideal, or you can amend regular potting soil with materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to improve aeration and drainage. These resilient plants exhibit remarkable cold hardiness, typically thriving in USDA Zones 3 through 8, and can withstand freezing temperatures and even snow cover. They are equally tolerant of warmer climates, making them versatile additions to many garden environments.
Planting and Growing
Spider Web Hens and Chicks are highly adaptable and can be planted in various outdoor settings that offer sufficient sunlight and good drainage. They excel in rock gardens, where their rosettes can nestle naturally among stones, or in containers, which allows for greater control over soil conditions and placement. They also perform well when planted between pavers or in green roof installations, forming attractive, low-growing ground cover. When planting new rosettes, ensure the crown of the plant is at soil level, with its roots gently spread out below. Allow adequate spacing between plants to accommodate their eventual growth and the production of offsets, typically around 4 to 6 inches apart for ground cover. Growing them in containers offers the flexibility to move them to optimal light conditions throughout the year and can be particularly beneficial in areas with heavy, poorly draining native soil.
Propagation and Common Problems
Propagation
Spider Web Hens and Chicks naturally propagate by producing numerous offsets, or “chicks,” around the base of the mature “hen” plant. These small rosettes can be gently separated from the parent plant once they reach a size of about one inch in diameter and have developed their own root system. Simply snip the stolon connecting them to the mother plant and replant them directly into well-draining soil. While propagation from seed is possible, using offsets is a much simpler and faster method for increasing your collection.
Common Problems
The most frequent issue encountered with these succulents is overwatering, which can quickly lead to root rot and the plant’s demise. Ensuring the soil drains rapidly and allowing it to dry out between waterings is the best preventative measure. Though generally pest-resistant, Sempervivum arachnoideum may occasionally attract aphids or mealybugs; these can often be dislodged with a strong spray of water or treated with insecticidal soap. If the plant’s characteristic “webbing” appears sparse or its colors are dull, it often indicates insufficient light exposure. Leggy growth, where the rosettes stretch upwards and lose their compact form, is also a sign of inadequate sunlight, and moving the plant to a brighter location will help restore its natural shape.