How to Care for Hens and Chicks

Hens and chicks is a resilient succulent treasured for its striking rosette shape and ability to multiply with ease. The “hen” forms the main rosette, while smaller “chicks” sprout around its base, creating a natural cluster that slowly expands over time. This unique growth pattern not only makes the plant visually appealing but also allows it to fill its container with little effort. Native to rocky and mountainous regions, hens and chicks has long been admired for its ability to thrive in tough conditions while still offering sculptural beauty indoors.

With easyplant, your hens and chicks only needs to be watered once every 3 months. The self-watering reservoir delivers just the right amount of moisture directly to the roots, removing the guesswork and preventing the risk of overwatering, which is the most common cause of succulent decline.

Hens and chicks grows best in a space with bright direct light, where the sunlight streams inside directly, and can also adapt to spaces with bright indirect light, where the sun rays are diffused. Avoid placing it in spaces with low light or spaces without natural sunlight.

To keep hens and chicks looking its best, gently wipe the rosettes with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dust that may collect on the leaves. Rotate the pot every few weeks so that light reaches the plant evenly from all sides, helping the rosettes maintain their compact shape. As new chicks form around the main rosette, you can leave them in place for a fuller, clustered look, or separate and replant them to start new arrangements. Trim away any dry or shriveled leaves at the base to keep the plant tidy and healthy, and always handle the rosettes gently to avoid damage.

Indoors, hens and chicks typically grows up to 4–6 inches tall, with individual rosettes spreading about 6–12 inches wide. Over time, the main rosette produces offsets, or “chicks,” which gradually cluster around the base and expand the plant’s footprint. While the growth rate indoors is slow to moderate, a healthy hens and chicks will steadily multiply, eventually filling its container with a dense and sculptural display.

Hens and chicks thrives in typical household temperatures between 60–80°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler nights but should be protected from sudden drafts or exposure to heating and cooling vents, which can cause stress to the plant. This succulent is naturally adapted to dry conditions and prefers low humidity, making it perfectly suited for indoor environments without the need for additional moisture.

Hens and chicks is non-toxic to both pets and children, making it a safe addition to households with curious kids or furry companions. While it won’t cause poisoning if touched or ingested, it’s still best to discourage nibbling, as eating plant material of any kind may cause mild digestive upset.

If you notice the rosettes becoming soft or mushy, or leaves shriveling, these are usually signs of watering issues. With easyplant, as long as you refill only once every 3 months when the reservoir is empty, these problems are avoided. If your hens and chicks begins to stretch or lose its compact shape, it likely needs more light and should be placed closer to a bright window. Dry or withered leaves at the base are a normal part of growth and can simply be removed. On rare occasions, pests such as mealybugs may appear as small white spots in the rosettes. These can be gently wiped away with a soft cloth or cotton swab to keep the plant healthy.