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Botanical name: Sempervivum ‘Alpha’
This variety is very hardy and drought tolerant; a symmetrical round shape and foliage that emerges blue-green and matures to summer red; stunning pink star flowers in summer; ideal for indoor containers in bright areas.
Other names: House Leek
| Hardiness zone | 3a |
|---|---|
| Flower color | pink |
| Foliage type | deciduous * |
| Plant form | over mound |
| Mature height | 3 inches (12 inches with the flowers) |
| Spread | 12 inches |
| Light requirements | full sun |
| Moisture requirements | dry to average |
| Plant origin | hybrid |
* deciduous = loses leaves in winter
Alpha Hens And Chicks features unusual clusters of pink star-shaped flowers with burgundy bracts rising above the foliage in mid summer. Its attractive succulent pointy leaves emerge bluish-green, turning red in color with prominent burgundy tips throughout the year.
This is a dense herbaceous houseplant with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other indoor plants with less refined foliage. This plant should not require much pruning, except when necessary to keep it looking its best.
When grown indoors, Alpha Hens And Chicks can be expected to grow to be only 3 inches tall at maturity extending to 12 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years. This houseplant requires direct sun for optimal performance, and should therefore be situated in a room that gets bright sunlight for a good part of the day; it is not a good choice for rooms lit only by artificial light. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and may die if left in standing water for any length of time. This plant should be watered when the surface of the soil gets dry, and will need watering approximately once each week. Be aware that your particular watering schedule may vary depending on its location in the room, the pot size, plant size and other conditions; if in doubt, ask one of our experts in the store for advice. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soil. Contact the store for specific recommendations on pre-mixed potting soil for this plant.
There are many factors that will affect the ultimate height, spread and overall performance of a plant when grown indoors; among them, the size of the pot it's growing in, the amount of light it receives, watering frequency, the pruning regimen and repotting schedule. Use the information described here as a guideline only; individual performance can and will vary. Please contact the store to speak with one of our experts if you are interested in further details concerning recommendations on pot size, watering, pruning, repotting, etc.
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