Sempervivum Arachnoideum

1. Description

Sempervivum Arachnoideum, also known as Cobweb Hens and Chicks, is a succulent plant that is native to the mountains of central and southern Europe. It is a member of the Crassulaceae family and is a popular choice for rock gardens and container gardens.This plant has rosettes of fleshy, green leaves that are covered in fine white hairs, giving it a “cobweb” appearance. It produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, or white during the summer months.

2. Taxonomic Information

3. Appearance

Sempervivum Arachnoideum is a small, low-growing plant that typically reaches heights of 3-6 inches and widths of 6-8 inches. Its rosettes of leaves are tightly packed and grow in a circular pattern. The leaves are green and covered in fine white hairs, which give them a fuzzy appearance. The leaves also have pointed tips and are slightly curved.During the summer months, Sempervivum Arachnoideum produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. The flowers grow on a tall stalk that emerges from the center of the rosette and can be up to 6 inches in height.

4. Care Guide

Sempervivum Arachnoideum is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:- Water: Sempervivum Arachnoideum is drought-tolerant and prefers to be on the dry side. Water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can cause the plant to rot.- Fertilization: This plant does not require regular fertilization. However, you can give it a diluted dose of succulent fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) if you wish.- Soil: Sempervivum Arachnoideum prefers well-draining soil. You can use a cactus or succulent mix or mix regular potting soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the leaves to stretch and become weak.- Hardiness Zones: Sempervivum Arachnoideum is hardy to USDA zones 5-9. It can survive temperatures as low as -20°F.

5. Common Pests & Diseases

Sempervivum Arachnoideum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some issues to watch out for:- Mealybugs: These small, white insects can infest the leaves and cause damage. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Root rot: Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and the plant to die. Make sure the soil is well-draining and do not water too frequently.

6. Habitat

Sempervivum Arachnoideum is native to the mountains of central and southern Europe, where it grows in rocky, well-draining soil. It is commonly found in alpine regions and can tolerate cold temperatures and high elevations.

7. Question and Answer

Q: How often should I water my Sempervivum Arachnoideum?A: Water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry.Q: Can Sempervivum Arachnoideum tolerate shade?A: It prefers full sun to partial shade. Some shade is okay, but too much can cause the leaves to stretch and become weak.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Sempervivum Arachnoideum?A: It is hardy to USDA zones 5-9.Q: How do I prevent root rot in my Sempervivum Arachnoideum?A: Make sure the soil is well-draining and do not water too frequently.

8. Related Plants

– Sempervivum tectorum (Common Houseleek)- Sedum spurium (Two-row Stonecrop)- Sedum dasyphyllum (Corsican Stonecrop)- Sedum pachyclados (Jellybean Sedum)

9. References

– “Sempervivum arachnoideum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c179.- “Sempervivum arachnoideum.” Plant Care Today. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://plantcaretoday.com/sempervivum-arachnoideum.html.- “Sempervivum arachnoideum.” The Spruce. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/cobweb-hens-and-chicks-sempervivum-arachnoideum-5092297.