Sempervivum tectorum L.
Common Houseleek
Sempervivum tectorum, known as 'common houseleek', 'hen and chicks', or 'roof houseleek', is a succulent in the family Crassulaceae described by Linnaeus in 1753. It is native to the mountains of central and southern Europe (Alps, Pyrenees, Apennines, Balkans) where it colonizes rock crevices, walls, and rooftops. Its green to reddish-purple rosettes 10–15 cm in diameter are very prolific offset producers, forming 'hen and chicks' colonies. It is fully hardy to the most intense frosts and one of the most widely cultivated succulents in the world.
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© Joanna Boisse
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Sempervivum |
| Growth Habit | Monocarpic rosette (dies after flowering) that produces abundant stoloniferous offsets. Forms dense colonies of multiple rosettes of different sizes. The mother rosette flowers and dies, replaced by offsets. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC). Abundant within its natural range and widely cultivated. Some isolated alpine populations may be locally affected by climate change. |
| pH Target | 5.5 – 7.5 |
| Type | Very poor, mineral, well-drained soil. Tolerates alkaline soils and pure sand. Thrives even in old mortar of walls and rooftops. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Oblanceolate to spatulate leaves, 3–8 cm long, in a flat to semi-globose rosette. Medium to dark green with tips and sometimes margins tinted red to violet, especially in winter and spring or under light stress. Margins have short stiff cilia.
ecoInflorescence a scorpioid cyme on a robust stalk 20–40 cm tall. Star-shaped flowers with 12–16 petals, pink to pink-lilac, appearing in summer. The rosette blooms only once in its life (monocarpy) and dies after fruiting.
ecoRobust, erect floral stalk, densely covered in reduced leaves. The vegetative rosette is practically stemless. Stolons linking mother to offsets are short and robust.
ecoFibrous and shallow but tenacious root system, capable of anchoring in minimal rock crevices or in the mortar of walls and rooftops. Very efficient at capturing rainwater and fog.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Very poor, mineral, well-drained soil. Tolerates alkaline soils and pure sand. Thrives even in old mortar of walls and rooftops.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Separate offsets from the mother rosette by cutting the stolon with scissors.
- 2 Plant directly in poor mineral substrate with the neck at soil level.
- 3 Water lightly the first week; they need virtually no further care.
Remove mother rosettes that have flowered to give space to the offsets.
Planting in fertile or peat-based substrate that produces soft, disease-prone rosettes.
Every 3 years or when the clump completely fills the pot; separate offsets and replant.
No fertilization or a minimal application of very dilute mineral fertilizer in spring; excess nutrients are detrimental to this species.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets. Leaves are slightly astringent but safe. Classified as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
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Plant Health
Sempervivum mite (Brevipalpus sp.): distortion and discoloration of central leaves; treat with a specific acaricide or neem oil.
Rosette rot from excess winter moisture combined with above-freezing temperatures; ensure drainage and avoid waterlogging.
Root mealybug (Rhizoecus spp.): hidden infestation in the substrate; replant with new substrate and treat roots with systemic insecticide.
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"Sempervivum tectorum has one of the longest cultural histories of any ornamental plant: described by Linnaeus in 1753, but its cultivation on European rooftops as a protective plant against lightning and fire (according to Carolingian superstition) dates to the 9th century. The name 'semper vivum' (always alive in Latin) refers to its extraordinary ability to survive extreme conditions including –35 °C frosts, prolonged droughts, and virtually absent soils. Its cold tolerance mechanism includes the accumulation of cryoprotectants (sucrose, trehalose) in cells that prevent intracellular ice formation."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.