{"product_id":"sempervivum-calcareum-3-pot","title":"Sempervivum calcareum - 3\" Pot","description":"\u003cp\u003eSempervivum calcareum, commonly called the houseleek or 'hens-and-chicks', is an evergreen alpine succulent that grows as a low, ground-hugging rosette of fleshy blue-green leaves, each leaf neatly tipped with a sharp reddish-brown to purple point. Native to the European Alps, it spreads by sending out short offsets ('chicks') around the parent rosette ('hen'), quickly forming dense mats.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is a monocarpic perennial: an individual rosette flowers once after a few years, sending up a tall stalk of star-shaped pinkish flowers, then dies — but the surrounding offsets carry the colony on. In India it is best suited to cool hill regions and to bright terraces and balconies in the plains during the milder months, where it thrives as an extremely drought-tolerant, low-maintenance succulent.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrized for its symmetry, colour contrast and toughness, it is a favourite for rock gardens, trough plantings, shallow dish gardens and green-roof style containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eFamily\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCrassulaceae\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eNative region\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEuropean Alps (introduced\/cultivated worldwide)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eMature height\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8-10 cm (rosette); flower stalk up to 25 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eMature spread\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndividual rosette 4-8 cm; colony spreads 15-30 cm via offsets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eGrowth rate\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSlow to moderate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eFoliage\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvergreen; fleshy blue-green leaves with reddish-purple pointed tips\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eFlower colour\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePale pink to dull rose\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eFlower season\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSummer (rosette flowers once, then dies)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eClimate zone\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperate\/alpine; tropical only with shade and excellent drainage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eSunlight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun to bright light; 4-6 hours of direct sun. In hot Indian plains give morning sun with afternoon shade to avoid scorch.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eWatering\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow. Water only when soil is fully dry (soak-and-dry). Reduce sharply in monsoon and winter. Overwatering causes rot.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eSoil \/ mix\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVery free-draining gritty mix; cactus\/succulent mix amended with coarse sand, perlite or pumice. Avoid heavy, water-retentive soil.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eTemperature\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThrives in 10-25 C; very cold-hardy. Struggles above 32-35 C; needs shade and airflow in Indian summer heat.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eHumidity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrefers low humidity and good air circulation; high humidity and stagnant air promote rot and fungal issues.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eFertilizer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimal. A dilute (quarter-strength) balanced or low-nitrogen succulent feed once in spring is plenty; over-feeding spoils form.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003ePruning\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRemove dead\/dried outer leaves and spent flower stalks. Lift and replant offsets to refresh crowded clumps.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eRepotting\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvery 2-3 years or when the pot fills with offsets; use a shallow wide pot with drainage holes. Best done in spring.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003ePropagation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVery easy from offsets ('chicks') — detach a rooted or unrooted offset and press into gritty mix; also by seed.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003ePests \u0026amp; problems\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGenerally trouble-free; watch for aphids on flower stalks, mealybugs, vine weevil and rot from overwatering or poor drainage.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eToxicity \/ safety\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNon-toxic to humans, cats and dogs; considered safe and pet-friendly.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEasy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eUses\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;p\u0026gt;A versatile ornamental succulent for low-water Indian gardens and homes:\u0026lt;\/p\u0026gt;\u0026lt;ul\u0026gt;\u0026lt;li\u0026gt;Rock gardens, gravel gardens and dry-stone walls in hill stations and cooler regions.\u0026lt;\/li\u0026gt;\u0026lt;li\u0026gt;Shallow dish gardens, troughs and succulent bowls for terraces, balconies and windowsills.\u0026lt;\/li\u0026gt;\u0026lt;li\u0026gt;Living-wall, green-roof and vertical planters where a tough, ground-hugging mat is wanted.\u0026lt;\/li\u0026gt;\u0026lt;li\u0026gt;Pet-safe, child-friendly indoor or patio decor near bright light.\u0026lt;\/li\u0026gt;\u0026lt;li\u0026gt;Easy gifting and propagation plant for beginners, thanks to its free offsets.\u0026lt;\/li\u0026gt;\u0026lt;\/ul\u0026gt;\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing tips\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;p\u0026gt;\u0026lt;strong\u0026gt;Summer (Mar-Jun):\u0026lt;\/strong\u0026gt; In the plains, shift pots to a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade; ensure airflow and let soil dry fully between waterings to prevent heat-and-water rot.\u0026lt;\/p\u0026gt;\u0026lt;p\u0026gt;\u0026lt;strong\u0026gt;Monsoon (Jul-Sep):\u0026lt;\/strong\u0026gt; The most dangerous season — move pots under cover, stop routine watering, and make sure drainage holes are clear so rosettes never sit in wet soil.\u0026lt;\/p\u0026gt;\u0026lt;p\u0026gt;\u0026lt;strong\u0026gt;Winter (Oct-Feb):\u0026lt;\/strong\u0026gt; The ideal growing window across most of India; give maximum bright light, water sparingly, and divide or replant offsets now. In hill stations it tolerates cold and light frost well.\u0026lt;\/p\u0026gt;\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy is my Sempervivum calcareum dying after it flowered?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is natural. Each rosette is monocarpic — it flowers only once and then dies. Simply remove the spent rosette; the surrounding offsets (\u0026amp;#039;chicks\u0026amp;#039;) will continue the colony.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow often should I water it in India?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eVery rarely. Use the soak-and-dry method: water deeply only when the soil is completely dry, and cut watering right down during the monsoon and winter. Overwatering and poor drainage are the main killers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow it indoors or in the hot plains?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, with care. Give it the brightest spot you have and excellent drainage. In hot plains protect it from harsh afternoon sun and heavy monsoon rain; it grows best in the cooler October-February months.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"vedicflora","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51049476030710,"sku":"PLT-SEMPERVIVUMC-P03-NA","price":140.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0805\/4980\/6326\/files\/nurserylive-sempervivum-calcareum-houseleek-lakshmi-kamal-succulent-plant_1.jpg?v=1782712140","url":"https:\/\/vedicflora.com\/products\/sempervivum-calcareum-3-pot","provider":"vedicflora","version":"1.0","type":"link"}