Scientific Name
Sempervivum cantabricum Praeger ex J.A.Huber
Synonym(s)
Sempervivum cantabricum subsp. cantabricum, Sempervivum vicentei subsp. cantabricum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Sempervivum
Origin
This species is native to north-western Spain.
Description
Sempervivum cantabricum, also known as Sempervivum vicentei subsp. cantabricum, is a small succulent that forms rosettes of dark green, densely hairy leaves with a red pointed tip. The rosettes grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter and produce offsets on stout, up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long stolons, forming dense mounds. Leaves are fleshy, oblong to obovate, up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long, and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide.
Mature rosettes send up erect, leafy, up to 6.4 inches (16 cm) tall stalks with a cluster of many red, pink, or white flowers. The 9- to 12-merous flowers are up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 4a to 9b: from −30 °F (−34.4 °C) to 25 °F (−3.9 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Sempervivums are not difficult to grow, provided they are not waterlogged and killed from excess watering. They can be easily grown outdoors and in containers, and they earned the name "Houseleeks" from their tendency to root on the roofs of houses. After the mother plant flowers, it will naturally die, but the plant has likely produced many offsets that will continue to grow by this time. These are excellent for cold windows. Sempervivum earned their popular name, "Hen and Chicks," from their growth habit. The mother plant, or hen, sends off numerous offsets clustered around her base like chicks. These offsets can be easily repotted, or the plants can be left to form a clumping mat.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a succulent, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill it with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Sempervivum.
Links
- Back to genus Sempervivum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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