Easy to Grow. Hard not to Love
If you are looking for a plant that is both low-maintenance AND charming, then let me introduce you to the WONDERful world of hens and chicks succulents! These hardy little beauties are perfect for beginners, plant lovers, and anyone who wants to add a touch of green; without doing a lot of work.
🪴 What Are Hens and Chicks?
Hens and chicks are a type of succulent in the Sempervivum or Echeveria family, that are known for their rosette shape and the way they grow in clusters. The “hen” is the main plant, and the “chicks” are the little offsets that grow around the mama hen. Eventually, they will form a whole mini garden of their own!
After about 7-10 years, they become a “rooster”. This is where the middle of the “hen” grows toward the sky about 6 inches tall. The “rooster” blooms with tiny little flowers and then passes away; creating a full circle of life.
Hens and chicks have a very special place in my heart because my loving grandpa gave me a pot of them when I was a teenager.
Grandpa grew hens and chicks in pots for YEARS and he actually got his original group of hens and chicks from his sisters, Iva; and later some more from his sister Irene. These lovely ladies passed away from cancer years ago, so it was a special memory for Grandpa to be growing them still.
The hens and chicks that I have on my property have been in my family for about 50 years. For the past couple of decades I have been keeping them going and sharing them with the world. I currently have about one THOUSAND hens and chicks, in a variety of sizes. That also includes a few roosters too! See below on the right side how the middle is clumped together and starting to grow upward?! It’s beginning to Rooster!
Hens and chicks are also cold hardy and drought tolerant. They are perfect for containers, rock gardens, or even tucked in between stepping stones! You can truly plant them both indoors and outdoors in pots AND in the ground!
Hens and chicks come in soft greens, dusty blues, blush tones, and even purples. Some varieties change color with the seasons!
🌞 How to Care for Hens and Chicks
These plants are truly set-it-and-forget-it:
✅ Light:
They love bright sunlight! If you plant them outside, give them 4–6 hours of direct sun. When planted inside, a sunny windowsill works best. You can also add grow lights indoors during the winter, if you feel they need more sunshine. For more information on how to use grow lights, check out my post below.
✅ Water:
Less is more, truly…. Water the plants deeply, but only when the soil is fully dry – typically every 3-4 weeks indoors. In winter time, reduce watering to every 5-6 weeks. If you have them planted outside, leave them alone all winter and then separate them in June and let the rain take care of them.
✅ Soil:
Use well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Good drainage is key! You can use regular garden soil, if you make sure that they have enough good, quality drainage. For more tips on proper soil and good drainage techniques, check out my post on “How to Transplant Succulents“.
✅ Pots:
Terracotta or clay pots are ideal because they help to wick away the extra moisture. Hens and chicks also like terrariums with proper drainage.
💚 Why People Love Them
Hens and chicks multiply multiply on their own! If you want to save money and get FREE baby plants, then this is the PERFECT plant for you! In addition to this, they are super resilient and make a perfect plant for those who are “forgetful waterers” or “plant newbies”.
Of course, you cannot forget that hens and chicks are absolutely ADORABLE! They are like tiny rosettes of nature’s art. I love to wander my property, taking pictures of all of my plants, just literally watching them grow!
Another reason why people love hens and chicks is because they are versatile. You can truly plant them indoors, outdoors, in containers, or directly into the garden and they will GROW!
Last but not at all least, they make great gifts or favors for weddings, house-warming parties, or garden parties!
🌱 Ready to Add Some Hens and Chicks to Your Home?
Whether you are looking to start your succulent journey or expand your collection, hens and chicks are the perfect pick! They are easy to grow, gorgeous to look at, and oh-so-satisfying to care for.
📩 Message me to see what’s available or ask about custom potted options and gift sets!
Let’s get your garden – or your windowsill – growing!
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Do you have some hens and chicks? What is YOUR absolute favorite plant? I would love to hear your comments below.