Sempervivum

Sempervivum tectorum

House-Leek

A hardy alpine succulent from the mountains of southern and central Europe, where it grows in thin, gritty soil on rocky slopes and old roofs. It stores water in its rosette and rots easily if kept wet, so plant it in fast-draining mineral mix and water deeply only when the soil has dried out completely. Give it the brightest light you can, including direct sun, and keep humidity low with good airflow.

Sempervivum arachnoideum

Cobweb House-leek

Sempervivum arachnoideum is an alpine succulent from the rocky slopes of central and southern Europe, forming tight cobwebbed rosettes that store water in their leaves. It wants gritty, fast-draining mix, strong direct light, and cool airflow, and rots quickly if left damp. Water deeply only once the soil has dried completely through the pot, then let it dry again.

Sempervivum calcareum

Limestone Houseleek

A hardy alpine succulent from the rocky slopes of France and Italy, forming tight rosettes that store water in their fleshy leaves. It wants gritty, fast-draining mix, bright light with some direct sun, and infrequent deep watering — let the soil dry out completely, then water only when the mix is dry several inches down. It tolerates dry air and cool conditions, and rots quickly if kept wet.

Sempervivum globiferum

Hens-and-chickens House-leek

Sempervivum globiferum is a hardy alpine succulent from the mountains of Austria, Italy, and Switzerland, forming tight rosettes that store water in their fleshy leaves. Give it the brightest spot you have, ideally direct sun, and a gritty, fast-draining mix. Water deeply but infrequently, only once the soil has dried out completely; this plant tolerates drought far better than sitting wet.