How to Plant Hens and Chicks in Strawberry Pot

Hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) are a type of succulent with rosettes of fleshy leaves that come in a variety of colors. They are great plants for beginners since they are low maintenance and easy to propagate. One fun way to showcase these plants is by planting them in a strawberry pot, which has multiple openings for your hens and chicks to grow in. In this article, we will show you how to plant hens and chicks in a strawberry pot.

Choose the Right Strawberry Pot

The first step in planting hens and chicks in a strawberry pot is to choose the right pot. You want a pot that has several holes or pockets where you can plant your hens and chicks. It's also important to choose a pot that is deep enough to accommodate the roots but not too deep as to drown your plants. Hens and chicks prefer soil that is well-draining, so make sure your strawberry pot has drainage holes at the bottom.

Prepare the Soil

Next, you need to prepare the soil. Hens and chicks prefer well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. You can use a succulent or cactus mix or make your own by mixing potting soil with sand or perlite. Mix equal parts potting soil and sand or perlite in a large container before filling the pockets of your strawberry pot. Ensure that the soil is loose and airy to encourage healthy root growth.

Plant the Hens and Chicks

Now it’s time to plant the hens and chicks. Start with the bottom pocket of your strawberry pot and fill it with the prepared soil. Dig a small hole in the soil about the size of the hens and chicks’ roots. Carefully remove the hens and chicks from their original pot, trying not to damage the roots, and place them in the hole. Gently press down the soil around the plant to secure it. Repeat the process for each pocket of the strawberry pot.

Water the Plants

After planting the hens and chicks, water them well. Use a watering can with a small spout to avoid getting soil in between the leaves. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Since hens and chicks are drought-tolerant, be sure not to over-water them. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch.

Place the Strawberry Pot in a Suitable Location

Now that your strawberry pot is planted, choose the right location to display it. Hens and chicks prefer bright light and warm temperatures, but they can also tolerate some shade. Keep your strawberry pot in a sunny area, but make sure it is not in direct sunlight for extended periods, which can scorch the leaves.

Care for Your Hens and Chicks

Caring for hens and chicks in a strawberry pot is easy. You need to water them infrequently and avoid over-fertilizing them. A small amount of fertilizer can be added to the soil in the spring and summer to encourage growth, but avoid applying it during the dormant season. Hens and chicks are also easy to propagate. Simply remove the offsets or “chicks” that grow around the mother plant and plant them in another location or pot.

Conclusion

Planting hens and chicks in a strawberry pot is a fun and easy way to showcase these attractive succulents. Choose a suitable pot, prepare the right soil, plant the hens and chicks, water and place them in a bright location, and care for them properly. With these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of hens and chicks in your strawberry pot all year round.