Hen and chicks (also known as Hen-and-chickens) is a common name for a group of small succulents belonging to the flowering plant family Crassulaceae, native to Europe and northern Africa. They grow close to the ground with leaves formed around each other in a rosette, and propagating by offsets. The ‘hen’ is the main plant, and the ‘chicks’ are the offspring, which start as tiny buds on the main plant and soon sprout their own roots, taking up residence close to the mother plant.
The common characteristics of these plants which, despite being differing genuses, give them one common name are as such:
* These plants have a common shape — similar to an artichoke. They form striking rosettes of densly packed leaves, varying in size and colour by genus and species.
* They propagate themselves through offshoots, or “pups”. As the rosette grows, it puts out stems (called stolons) which, if they find soil, root and form clusters of new rosettes, making a dense mat. The original rosette is the “hen”, the offshoots are the “chicks”.
* They are succulent plants with high light requirements, low water requirements, and the ability to store water within their fleshy leaves, making them very hardy.
Almost all hens and chicks will eventually form a flower, however many of these plants are monocarpic and after flowering the plant will die. The length of time it takes for a rosette to fully mature varies from species to species, but is usually at least one growing year. The plant will cease producing pups and will form a spike from the center of the rosette. The flower, in relation to the size of the rosette, is usually surprisingly large. The rosette, after forming a flower, will die, but the pups will continue to live and reproduce.
These plants are vigorous and are excellent plants for a begining gardener. Like many succulents, they require strong light and only a little bit of water. Many species can withstand temperatures up to -5 fahrenheit, making them an excellent choice as an outdoor ground cover in many regions.
Grow hens and chicks plants in full sun to partial shade and in well-drained soil. In the South, hens and chicks can profit from partial shade; but the requirement for well-drained soil is a must in any zone!
The “hens” will die after flowering, but by that time they will have produced numerous “chicks” or “chickens” to take their place. To propagate, simply split off the chickens from the parent plant and transplant them. Providing contact with the soil should be sufficient for transplanting, since hens and chicks root readily.
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