Moving a Hen and Chick plant (Sempervivum) can refer to transplanting an established mother plant (the "hen") or propagating its smaller offsets (the "chicks"). Both methods are straightforward and allow you to expand your succulent collection or relocate plants effectively.
Moving an Established Hen Plant from the Ground
When you need to transplant a mature Hen and Chick plant from one location in the ground to another, careful handling is crucial to ensure its successful relocation.
Here are the steps to move an established hen plant:
- Prepare the Soil: Begin by moistening the soil around the Hen and Chick plant. This makes the digging process significantly easier and helps to reduce stress on the plant during transplantation.
- Cautious Digging: Using a spade or small garden trowel, cautiously dig around the plant. It is essential to maintain sufficient distance from the plant to avoid cutting into its root ball. The goal is to keep the entire root system as intact as possible.
- Gentle Lift: Once you feel the plant is loose within the soil, lift it carefully from the ground, ensuring you support the root ball to prevent damage.
- Replanting: Prepare a new hole that is adequately wide and deep to accommodate the plant's root ball without bending or compressing the roots. Place the plant in the hole at the same depth it was previously growing. Backfill with soil, gently firming it around the base of the plant. Water lightly immediately after replanting.
Moving and Propagating "Chicks" (Offsets)
The "chicks" are miniature replicas of the mother plant that emerge on short stolons (runners) around the base of the "hen." Moving these chicks is the most common and easiest way to propagate and spread your Hen and Chick plants.
Here’s how to move the chicks:
- Identify Mature Chicks: Look for chicks that are at least an inch or two in diameter and have started to develop their own small root systems, or at least have a well-formed rosette shape.
- Detach from Mother Plant:
- By Hand: Gently twist or pull the chick away from the stolon connecting it to the mother plant.
- Using Tools: For a cleaner separation, use a sharp, sterile knife or a clean pair of pruning shears to cut the stolon close to the chick.
- Allow to Callus (Recommended): After detaching, it's beneficial to place the chicks in a dry, shaded area for one to two days. This allows the cut end to form a protective callus, which significantly reduces the risk of rot once planted.
- Planting the Chicks:
- In Soil: Once the cut end has callused, plant the chick directly into well-draining succulent soil. Create a small indentation and simply place the chick on top, gently pressing it into the soil. Roots will readily develop from the base.
- In Pots: If transplanting to containers, ensure the pots have drainage holes and are filled with a gritty cactus or succulent potting mix.
- Initial Watering: After planting the chicks, wait a few days before giving them their first light watering. This allows time for any minor wounds to heal and for new roots to begin forming, reducing the chance of rot.
General Tips for Successful Movement & Care
- Best Time to Move: The ideal time to move or transplant Hen and Chick plants is during spring or early summer. This period allows the plant to establish itself in its new location before the stress of extreme heat or cold.
- Sunlight Requirements: Hen and Chicks thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain their vibrant colors and compact form.
- Soil Drainage: Always ensure the planting site or container has excellent drainage. Use a well-draining soil mix, such as a gritty cactus or succulent blend. Poor drainage is the leading cause of root rot in these plants.
- Watering Post-Transplant: After moving, water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially for newly planted offsets that are still establishing their root systems. Overwatering is detrimental to these drought-tolerant succulents.
