Sempervivum bloom?

12 years ago

Over the summer I bought a sempervivum plant from an outdoor gardening place which was a BIG mistake. I kept it outside in my backyard for awhile but it gets super cold in the winter so I tried seeing what would happen if I took it in. It was used to getting tons of sun so the first time I took it in the leaves flipped backward within a week. I took it back out but it must have gotten used to indoor lighting because now it sunburned. Back in it went. I have a couple of the chicks separated from the mother plant and the weirdest thing is happening. The plants are sprouting really healthy looking new thin light green leaves at the top and they look like completely different plants. I looked over at one of them & now it looks like it's budding even though winter is approaching. It's so weird. Any explanations? Is it just hardy plants adapting? (I know the plant is still not getting enough sunlight but there's nothing I can do its already in a South facing window)

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Comments (7)

cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
12 years ago
That does look like a bloom but I wonder if it will ever mature, given the lack of light. FYI, most Semps are hardy to Zone 3.
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
12 years ago
Pls. put that poor semp outside. It could be in the pot (well draining potting mix, sun) or ground, but inside it's tortured...what zone are you in?
It will be happier and have babies and bloom too.
In the photo below they are outside, all year round (z 5), in the pot. You can see one on top left is blooming (sorry for the cut-off top).The blooming stalk should be 'thick', it will grow much taller than plant. Btw, after blooming the rosette will die (unless you cut off the blooming stalk as soon as you see it). But because they have so many chicks, you'll have replacement.

This post was edited by rina_ on Tue, Oct 21, 14 at 9:07
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rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
12 years ago
Outside, in ground.
Well draining soil & sun. They will grow over the rocks, with very little soil.
Rina
_sbgibbons_
12 years ago
Sooo beautiful Rina! Wow!
norma_crasulady2002
12 years ago
Yes then they die with a lot of offsets that you take off and start. They need shade in the hot months, is if you need to blanket them with black paper. They must be kept out of the sun. Maintaining them is labor intense + If you have shade they will love it. They are forest plants in Europe and often found growing on roofs of homes, it protects homes one species is used in skin to cure burns. I forgot a great deal rearding this species, Grows in the northern states. See if you can find a specialggst , get tips from Rina she is definitely qualified. Norma
hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
12 years ago
Norma! Nice to see you posting!
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
12 years ago
Norma

I don't think I am that qualified :-), I learned the hard way... Big Thank you for the vote of confidence.
In my zone 5a, they are growing very well in full sun. In hot areas some shade is better, and they need to be in well draining soil where it rains a lot.

Sbgibbons

Thank you, they are doing very well next to-around-in between-and over the rocks. As I mentioned above, full sun in my area (that is sun from about 10:30am 'till sundown (in summer).

Rina