Sempervivum Calcareum

Description

Sempervivum Calcareum, also known as the limestone houseleek, is a succulent plant that is native to the mountains of southern Europe. This plant is a member of the Crassulaceae family and is known for its rosettes of fleshy leaves that grow in a spiral pattern. The leaves are typically green or grey-green and are covered in fine hairs. When it blooms, it produces small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, or white.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Sempervivum Calcareum is a small, low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of only 5-10cm. It forms rosettes of fleshy leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern, with each leaf overlapping the one before it. The leaves are typically green or grey-green and have pointed tips. They are covered in fine hairs, which give them a slightly fuzzy texture. When the plant blooms, it produces small, star-shaped flowers that are held on tall stalks above the foliage. The flowers are typically pink, red, or white and are very attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Care Guide

Sempervivum Calcareum is a very easy plant to care for and is well suited to growing in containers or in the ground. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:Water: Sempervivum Calcareum is a drought-tolerant plant and does not require frequent watering. Water it only when the soil is completely dry, and be sure to allow any excess water to drain away.Fertilization: This plant does not require regular fertilization. However, you can give it a boost by fertilizing it with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once or twice a year.Soil: Sempervivum Calcareum prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a cactus or succulent potting mix, or amend regular potting soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage.Sunlight: This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. Place it in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Sempervivum Calcareum is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Sempervivum Calcareum is generally pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. To prevent this, be sure to plant it in a well-draining soil mix and water it only when the soil is completely dry.

Habitat

Sempervivum Calcareum is native to the mountains of southern Europe, where it grows in rocky, limestone soils. It is well adapted to drought conditions and is able to survive in harsh environments.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Sempervivum Calcareum a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Sempervivum Calcareum is a very easy plant to care for and is well suited to beginners.Q: Can Sempervivum Calcareum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Sempervivum Calcareum can be grown indoors as long as it receives plenty of sunlight.Q: How often should I water Sempervivum Calcareum?
A: Water Sempervivum Calcareum only when the soil is completely dry, which may be as infrequently as once every two weeks.Q: How can I propagate Sempervivum Calcareum?
A: Sempervivum Calcareum can be propagated easily by separating the offsets that grow around the base of the plant and replanting them in a new pot or in the ground.

Related Plants

Other plants in the Sempervivum genus include:

• Sempervivum arachnoideum
• Sempervivum tectorum
• Sempervivum montanum
• Sempervivum marmoreum

References

• “Sempervivum Calcareum.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed March 1, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279504.
• “Sempervivum Calcareum.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed March 1, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/139180/Sempervivum-Calcareum/Details.
• “Sempervivum.” Wikipedia. Accessed March 1, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sempervivum.