Sempervivum is a group of alpine plants. In Latin, the word 'Sempervivum' can divide into semper ("always") and vivus ("living"), which means live forever as they survive in very difficult environment. As they came from relatively cold climate, they are hardy in most of uk region especially when we avoid too much water in the winter time. They doesn't like humidity in summer either, which causes rotting especially for species with long hairs on surface.
'Terra-cotta baby' Hardy and strong specie with bright colour.
Where to place
They love direct sunlight which is essential for healthy growth especially spring and autumn. They don't like to be indoor as they need ventilation. Some delicate species may need half-shade in the mid summer to avoid rotting after watering. Winter time, it is essential to have well drained soils to avoid too much humidity. Cold green house is ideal place until spring.
Watering
Spring and autumn: Watering regularly.
Mid-Summer: Better to stop watering in Southern UK to avoid root rotting. Northern part, be cautious and water only in the evening.
Winter: avoid rain if possible and stay in cold green house with minimum watering once per a few weeks.
'Tickled Pink', medium size specie with charming pink broad leaves.
Fertilization and soils
Sempervivum doesn't need fertilizer basically. If the soil have really poor nutrient, give diluted liquid fertilizer once per month. They are rather healthy without extra helps.
Propagation
Spring or Autumn is the best timing for repotting or dividing plants. They don't need frequent transplantation, but maybe once per a few years to keep their propagation.
They can increase by seeds, but the child plants is not exactly same with their mother. Only wild species can be called same name after seeding. Most botanical species are cultivated only by division to keep their feature, and the seedling are grown for selection to make new species improving their beauty in general.
Pest
It is relatively rare to have pests but aphids and mealybugs sometimes damages plants. Well ventilation and regular watering will avoid these pest infections. On the edge of lawns, the pot may get infection of beetle worms in the soil. Please have a look into the soil if your sempervivum suddenly stoped growing in spring or autumn. The worm only eats roots, which makes it very difficult to realise from surface. Recommend to put tiles or boards under the pots for protection.
Flowering
Sempervivum's flower is very charming with unique style shoots. It can even last 2 month, and will die in the end after flowering. It is very difficult to control flowering, but they have tendency to make flower when they are in sever conditions (clouded, dried, etc.).
Sempervivms have so many varieties, and some saids there are over 3000-4000 species in the world! They don't need tropical climate and very ideal for people wants to collect these living jewels in the garden. It is also suits to the people want to have low maintenance rock garden as well.
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