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Description
Sempervivum Black is a succulent plant that is native to Europe. It is also known as the Black Hens and Chicks or Black Houseleek. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family, which includes other succulent plants such as jade plant and echeveria. Sempervivum Black is a perennial plant that grows in clumps with rosette-shaped leaves that are dark green to black in color. The leaves are fleshy and pointed, with small hairs on the edges. The plant produces small star-shaped flowers in summer, which are pink to red in color. Sempervivum Black is a popular plant for rock gardens and container gardens because of its interesting appearance.
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Sempervivum |
Appearance
Sempervivum Black has a unique appearance that makes it stand out among other succulent plants. The leaves are dark green to black in color and are fleshy and pointed. The edges of the leaves have small hairs that give the plant a fuzzy texture. The plant grows in clumps, with each rosette reaching up to 4 inches in diameter. The plant produces small star-shaped flowers in summer, which are pink to red in color. The flowers are held above the leaves on tall stalks that can reach up to 12 inches in height. Sempervivum Black is a great plant for adding texture and interest to rock gardens and container gardens.
Care Guide
Sempervivum Black is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Sempervivum Black is drought-tolerant and does not need to be watered frequently. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter months.- Fertilization: Sempervivum Black does not need to be fertilized often. You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Sempervivum Black prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can mix sand or perlite into the soil to improve drainage.- Sunlight: Sempervivum Black prefers full sun to partial shade. The plant can tolerate some shade, but it may become leggy if it doesn’t receive enough light.- Hardiness Zones: Sempervivum Black is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sempervivum Black is a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, here are some pests and diseases that can affect this plant:- Mealybugs: These small white insects can infest the plant and suck the sap from the leaves. You can remove mealybugs by wiping the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.- Root rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot in Sempervivum Black. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and allow it to dry out between waterings.
Habitat
Sempervivum Black is native to Europe and can be found growing in rocky areas and on cliffs. The plant is well-suited for rock gardens and container gardens because of its ability to thrive in well-draining soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Does Sempervivum Black need to be repotted often?A: Sempervivum Black does not need to be repotted often. You can repot the plant every 2-3 years if it outgrows its container.Q: Can Sempervivum Black be grown indoors?A: Sempervivum Black can be grown indoors, but it needs plenty of sunlight to thrive. Place the plant near a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light.Q: How often should I water Sempervivum Black?A: Sempervivum Black is drought-tolerant and does not need to be watered frequently. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter months.Q: Can Sempervivum Black tolerate freezing temperatures?A: Sempervivum Black is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and can tolerate freezing temperatures.
Related Plants
– Sempervivum tectorum- Sempervivum arachnoideum- Sempervivum calcareum- Sempervivum ciliosum- Sempervivum montanum
References
– “Sempervivum Black.” Mountain Crest Gardens, https://mountaincrestgardens.com/sempervivum-black/. Accessed 10 May 2021.- “Sempervivum Black.” World of Succulents, https://worldofsucculents.com/sempervivum-black-black-hens-chicks/. Accessed 10 May 2021.- “Sempervivum Black.” Gardenia, https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/sempervivum-black. Accessed 10 May 2021.
