ExplorePlants

Houseleek

Sempervivum tectorum

Houseleek is a fun and colorful plant that grows in many gardens. It has thick, juicy leaves that can store water, helping it survive in dry places.

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Houseleek is a succulent plant featuring thick, fleshy leaves arranged in a tight rosette. Its leaves are typically green, often tipped with reds or purples, and sometimes appear fuzzy. It visually differs with its distinct "hen and chicks" growth pattern, where smaller rosettes sprout around the main plant.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSaxifragalesFamilyCrassulaceaeGenusSempervivum
Houseleek
flowering trait badgeornamental trait badgeevergreen trait badgedrought_tolerant trait badge
Houseleek

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

After its main rosette flowers, it dies, but leaves behind many living 'chicks'!

Ancient Romans planted houseleek on roofs to protect houses from lightning strikes!

Each flowering houseleek stalk can have a whopping 16 petals on its star-shaped bloom!

The scientific name, Sempervivum, means 'always living' because it's so tough!

Special abilities

Ability

Water Hoarders

Houseleek has 'Water Hoarders' ability, storing water in its fleshy leaves to survive long dry spells where other plants wilt.

Ability

Frost Armor

With 'Frost Armor,' Houseleek can survive freezing temperatures, thanks to special compounds in its cells preventing ice damage.

Ability

Root Grips

Its 'Root Grips' allow Houseleek to anchor itself firmly in tiny rock crevices and shallow soils, thriving where few plants can.

Ability

Mini-Me Maker

The 'Mini-Me Maker' ability allows Houseleek to produce small daughter rosettes, ensuring new plants grow easily nearby.

Measurements & details

Height
5-15 cm
Spread
15-30 cm
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Attracts these bees with its nectar-rich flowers.

eaten by

Garden snail

Helix aspersa

Snails munch on its fleshy leaves, especially young ones.

parasitizes

Longtailed mealybug

Pseudococcus longispinus

These tiny bugs can sometimes feed on Houseleek sap.

Traits

Also known as

Hens and Chicks

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Houseleek is safe to touch, but don't eat it!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Houseleek?

5-15 cm

How wide does Houseleek spread?

15-30 cm

How big are the flowers on Houseleek?

1-2 cm

When does Houseleek bloom?

Summer

Is Houseleek edible?

No

Is Houseleek toxic?

None

What is Houseleek's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Houseleek pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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