Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:31 pm
Sempervivum rosularia platyphylla succulent, also known as hen and chicks or hens and chicks, is an evergreen succulent that has been popular with gardeners since the 1600s. These plants, which are native to the coastal regions of Northern Europe and the eastern United States, are often used in flowerbeds and rock gardens.
Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, so they require less water than other plants. Succulents also do not need much fertilizer, although they benefit from monthly feedings of fertilizer designed specifically for succulents.
Succulents can be great additions to any garden, especially if you want to add some colorful and interesting plants without taking up too much space. They’re typically easy to grow and pretty hearty; however, not all succulents are the same, so be sure to familiarize yourself with your plant before you take it home from the store or nursery.
With all the different varieties of succulents available, it can be hard to choose which ones are right for you! Luckily, Sempervivum rosularia platyphylla succulent is one that’s sure to impress.
This variety of succulents offers excellent texture and color contrast, making it great as a stand-alone plant or alongside other succulents in your collection. It also grows naturally in the wild, so it’s very easy to maintain!
Origin and distribution
Rosularia platyphylla plants are native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Their precise origin is unknown, although they were probably first collected in Greece or Turkey, where they grow wild to this day. These succulents also occur wild in parts of Russia and in many other parts of Asia.
According to some authorities, Sempervivums were distributed throughout Europe during ancient times by humans; others think that our civilization was only responsible for spreading these plants as far west as Spain and Italy.
It’s possible that both theories are correct, perhaps Sempervivum traveled eastward with nomadic peoples, but didn’t spread much farther west until Europeans began to colonize Asia Minor.
In any case, it’s clear that these succulents have been cultivated since at least Roman times (which ended around 400 AD). The Romans grew them in rockeries called speos—these terraced gardens were used primarily for growing flowers and herbs.
Rosularia platyphylla propagation
Sempervivum rosularia platyphylla can propagate by seed or cutting. Take 4-6 sections of stems and remove leaves. Place in a ziplock bag with moist potting soil, seal and place in indirect sunlight for two weeks to allow new roots to form.
Once root growth is visible transplant into individual pots with more potting soil. The cutting can be left outside as soon as the danger of frost has passed; it will begin producing rosettes immediately if direct sunlight is available. If placed indoors it may take up to 6 months before any growth occurs.
When grown from cuttings, sempervivum rosularia platyphylla will not bloom until next year’s blooming season at which point you should have enough plants to fill your desired space. A good time to plant them outdoors is during late spring when temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).
Plant them so that their crowns are just below ground level and water well until they become established. You should wait to fertilize these succulents until after flowering has occurred. They do best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Temperatures between 40–70 degrees Fahrenheit (4–21 degrees Celsius) are ideal for optimal growth and flowering. Too much heat will cause leaf scorch and too little light will cause poor flower production.
Plants should be kept evenly moist throughout summer dormancy but only watered sparingly during winter dormancy, only watering enough to keep the plant from shriveling completely.
Rosularia platyphylla care information
Taking care of succulents isn’t rocket science. However, they do have specific needs that must be met in order to ensure that they grow properly and remain healthy. When learning how to take care of succulents, it is crucial to first understand their unique needs.
Light requirement
The Sempervivum rosularia platyphylla succulent is accustomed to bright light but doesn’t do well in direct sunlight. They prefer a sun-drenched windowsill, which allows plenty of sunlight to filter through into your home.
If you live in a particularly sunny climate, however, you may need to place them under a shaded area or move them out during midday when the sun is most intense.
These plants can also be placed outside for summertime enjoyment. During the winter months, it is best to bring them inside and keep them near a window that receives lots of natural light.
Soil/potting mix
The soil should be a mixture of peat moss, pumice, and perlite. The best mix consists of two parts peat moss, one part pumice, and one part perlite. Don’t use commercial potting soils or topsoil. They are too heavy for succulents and will compact over time.
Use a small container that has drainage holes in it to plant your sempervivum rosularia platyphylla succulent in. Fill it with your soil/potting mix until it is about an inch from full. Place your sempervivum rosularia platyphylla succulent in your container so that it sits at least 1-2 inches below the rim of your pot.
It’s important not to bury them too deep because they need air circulation around their roots. Add more soil if necessary so that it is level with where you placed your plant.
Watering
Succulents need minimal watering, but if they are to grow in full sun or in extremely arid conditions, they will require more frequent watering. In most cases, succulents can go months without needing to be watered. Before planting any succulents in your garden beds, you should find out how much rainfall your region receives during an average year.
Once you know how much water is available to feed your garden, you’ll be able to better understand when and how often to water your plants. You might even consider installing a rain gauge so that you can accurately measure how much rainwater has fallen throughout each season.
Most succulents do best with infrequent deep soakings rather than shallow sprinklings throughout each week or month. The deeper soakings allow their roots to grow strong and healthy while keeping them from drying out between waterings.
Fertilizer
You will not have to fertilize most succulents or cacti. If you’re unsure, check with your local nursery or garden center. For example, some varieties of Sempervivum require fertilizer to encourage new growth and prevent plants from becoming leggy and stretching in search of sunlight.
If you notice any yellowing between leaf joints, apply a diluted fertilizer to aid in the revival. Water sparingly for three days after applying fertilizer and then resume regular watering as usual.
Humidity
One of your first concerns when caring for a sempervivum rosularia platyphylla succulent is humidity. You need to ensure that there’s enough water in its soil so that it doesn’t dry out, but you also want to make sure it isn’t too wet; they don’t like excess moisture and will rot if they get soggy.
Find a nice balance that allows your plant to absorb some water without letting it get completely soaked.
The ideal humidity range is 40 to 60 percent. If you don’t have a hygrometer, you can test it by sticking your finger into its soil. If it feels dry, give it some water; if it feels wet, wait a few days before watering again.
Pruning
Sempervivums will grow wild and out of control very quickly. If you leave them unattended, it’s not uncommon for their rosettes to get large enough that they can’t support themselves. This is where pruning comes in handy! Pruning doesn’t just allow for more sunlight to get through, it also encourages lateral growth. This is beneficial because it gives you more room to place new rosettes.
When pruning your semps, be sure to cut off at least 2/3 of each rosette. It’s best to wait until early spring or late fall when temperatures are cool.
You want to avoid cutting during the hot summer months as it can cause your plant stress which could lead to disease or death.
When to repot
Repot when you notice that your sempervivum rosularia platyphylla succulent has become pot-bound. When repotting, use a container with drainage holes to prevent root rot and keep it in a dry place for at least 24 hours after repotting. Water sparingly; water when its soil is completely dry.
If leaves begin to shrivel or curl up, don’t worry, this is normal for Sempervivum rosularia platyphylla succulents. It’s also normal if your plant looks like it’s dying off or if new growth appears on top of old-growth.
If new growth appears on top of old-growth, remove some of the older stems before they die off naturally. This will help promote healthy new growth.
Dormancy/Winter rest
If you live in a cold area or climates with cool seasons, your rosularia will go dormant during winter and may not produce blooms during that time. However, if you keep your plant warm enough, it may grow again in early spring. To induce dormancy (if you live in a warm climate) or to reactivate it (if you live in a cooler one), simply withhold water and fertilizer through winter.
In both cases, be sure to allow your soil to dry out between waterings. You can also try bringing your plant inside for winter, it’ll need bright light but no direct sun.
Be careful not to overwater indoor plants during winter rest; once every two weeks should suffice. Just make sure to bring them back outside when temperatures rise above 50 degrees F so they don’t get too used to being indoors!
Rosularia platyphylla flower & fragrance
Most people who keep houseplants in their homes or offices enjoy them for their flowers and scent. If you’re looking to grow an attractive flowering succulent, consider Sempervivum rosularia platyphylla.
It’s an easy-to-grow, unusual succulent that produces pink flowers and a pleasant smell when it blooms. These low-maintenance plants can add color and fragrance to any space, whether inside or out.
Growth rate
Sempervivum rosularia platyphylla is a fast-growing succulent, which means you’ll want to make sure you provide plenty of direct sunlight. If planted in an area that doesn’t receive at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily, these succulents may not grow as quickly.
Place them near a window with sunlight coming directly through it or place them outside in your garden during warm months.
Toxicity
Ingestion of too much sempervivum rosularia platyphylla succulent is toxic. If ingested, call a poison control center or doctor immediately. While most varieties of sempervivum are considered non-toxic, these types contain saponins, which can cause nausea and vomiting if ingested.
USDA hardiness zones
Rosularia platyphylla thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10. These cacti are very sensitive to cold, so you should avoid growing them in any other climate.
They can survive temperatures as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit, but they’ll be damaged if exposed to below-freezing weather for an extended period of time. If you live outside of these zones, your best bet is to grow your plant indoors or as a container plant on your patio or deck.
Pests, diseases, and problems
Because of its popularity as a houseplant, Rosularia platyphylla is susceptible to infestation by aphids and mealybugs. Additionally, overwatering can cause root rot and stem or leaf decay.
If your plant starts wilting for no apparent reason, there’s a good chance it’s been overwatered. It is vital that you become familiar with how much water your plant requires to thrive so that you don’t accidentally kill it!
Conclusion
Rosularia platyphylla is a species of flowering plant in Central America. It has recently been reported to have toxic constituents, however, ingestion of these has only been studied in rats and it is unknown if humans are affected similarly.
