I remember the first time I grew hens and chicks vividly because it was my first time caring for any succulent plant.
And the most confusing part about this plant was knowing when, how much, and how often to water it. So, I thought I’d briefly discuss how often to water hens and chicks to help my readers care for their succulents while being armed with the most vital information.
Read on to find out…
How Will I Know If My Hens And Chicks Need Water?
Hens and chicks plants, also known as Sempervivum, do not require a lot of water to survive. Their fleshy leaves have evolved to store water because of the natural environment they grow in. So, be mindful of the fact that daily watering of hens and chicks is not required.
In fact, too much water can rot and kill them because their base water requirement is very low. Yes, they can handle a flood or two if something of the sort should occur, but the constant presence of water is unfavorable. You will know that you are watering too much when the thick leaves become mushy and transparent.
On the other hand, the plant will look stiff, almost crispy, and bent when it needs water.
How Often To Water Hens And Chicks?
Soil type and other aspects like environment and sunlight can change the water needs. Yet, on the whole, it is safe to say that you should water hens and chicks once a week. If the ground has already received water from rains, there is no need to water it for a few days.
However, the water may evaporate quickly if you have the plants in pots, specifically terracotta pots. In this case, you may need to water more frequently.
What’s The Best Time To Water Hens And Chicks?
It is best to water succulents in the morning so that they can absorb the moisture before it evaporates by the heat of the sun. And you can continue at the same time come winter or summer. Of course, if it rains often, there is no need to water hens and chicks at all.
If your plants are potted indoors, you can water them at any time of the day as long as they are not exposed to too much heat all day long.
Final Words
Taking care of hens and chicks is a piece of cake because they are low-maintenance plants. All you need to do is avoid watering mistakes, and they should grow just fine. Just remember not to pour too much water every day, and you’ll be good to go.
Lastly, use a focused spout for watering them early in the morning. Hens and chicks can tolerate occasional droughts and some neglect when the roots are established.
Until then, maintain a weekly watering schedule and adjust the watering frequency based on environmental factors.