Hens and Chicks succulents (Sempervivum) are perennial plants characterized by their rosette shape. These succulents are prolific reproducers; the larger mother plant, or “hen,” generates numerous small offsets, known as “chicks,” on short runners. Replanting becomes necessary when the mother plant becomes severely overcrowded. Separating these offsets allows the chicks to develop into independent, robust plants.
Understanding When to Replant
Sempervivum thrive when transplanted during mild weather, making early spring or early autumn the optimal periods. Replanting should be avoided during extreme heat or freezing conditions, as these environmental stressors inhibit root establishment.
Physical indicators signal that the offsets are ready for separation. A chick should be at least one-third the diameter of the mother hen to ensure it can survive independently. Overcrowding is evidenced by chicks completely surrounding the hen and inhibiting air circulation. Sempervivum is monocarpic, meaning the hen will die after it flowers. If a flower stalk emerges, postpone replanting until the flowering cycle is complete and the hen has senesced.
Tools and Soil Preparation
A sharp, sterilized cutting instrument, such as a knife or small snips, is required for a clean separation. Gloves can protect hands from coarse soil. The new planting medium is important, as Sempervivum are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions.
The soil must be fast-draining, achievable using a commercial succulent or cactus mix. Standard potting soil is too heavy and retains excessive moisture, so it must be amended. Incorporating inorganic materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse horticultural sand at a ratio of up to 50% improves aeration and drainage. New containers must have generous drainage holes, and the prepared medium should be pre-filled to receive the separated offsets immediately.
Separating the Offsets
The process of separating the chicks from the mother hen is the first physical step in propagation. Many chicks are connected to the hen by a thin, lateral stem known as a stolon. Using the sterilized tool, sever the stolon cleanly, cutting as close to the hen as feasible to maintain the maximum length of the runner on the chick. Offsets without a distinct stolon can be gently twisted or pulled away from the mother plant, often retaining existing root threads.
Once separated, the cut end of the offset must be allowed to dry and heal, a process called callousing. Place the chick in a dry, shaded area away from direct moisture for one to three days, though this timeframe can vary with humidity. Callousing forms a dry, protective layer of tissue over the wound, sealing it against fungal pathogens and rot once it is placed into the soil. A healthy callus appears dry and slightly firm at the point of the cut, indicating it is ready for the next step.
Planting and Settling the Chicks
Introduce the chick to the prepared soil medium. The offset should not be buried deeply; instead, set the base of the rosette lightly on the soil surface. Gently pressing the base into the medium ensures the callused end makes sufficient contact with the soil. This encourages new root development while keeping the rosette above the moisture line to prevent stem rot.
Following planting, it is best practice to withhold all water for a period of five to seven days. This period of dryness stimulates the chick to rapidly generate new roots as it searches for moisture. Initially, place the offsets in a location that receives bright, but indirect, light to minimize stress during establishment. Once the plant shows signs of new growth and appears firm, it can be gradually acclimated to full sun exposure, the preferred environment for mature Sempervivum.