Troubleshooting Rotting Hens and Chicks Indoors

Hens and chicks (Sempervivum) rotting in a 4" pot under a 40W lamp in Maine indicates classic overwatering/insufficient light for these cold-hardy, sun-loving succulents.

Immediate Fixes

• Light: 40W bulb is grossly insufficient. Need 6+ hours direct sun or strong grow light (LED, 30W+)
• Water: Only when soil bone dry (2-3 weeks winter)
• Pot: Terra cotta with drainage hole; gritty mix (50% pumice)
• Airflow: Fan on low prevents fungal issues

Sempervivum Specifics

• Outdoor plants (Zone 3-8)—need winter cold
• Indoor culture = etiolation, rot, death
• Summer: Full sun outdoors
• Winter: Cold frame/unheated garage (dormancy)

Saving Current Plants

1. Remove all mushy/rotten rosettes
2. Keep only firm, colorful ones
3. Repot in dry gritty mix
4. Place in brightest window (south)
5. No water 2 weeks; then monthly

Better Indoor Alternatives

If you lack outdoor space, choose tropical succulents:

• Echeveria (need strong light)
• Haworthia (tolerate lower light)
• Gasteria (shade tolerant)
• Sedum morganianum (burro's tail)

Sempervivum are fundamentally outdoor plants. Their decline indoors is predictable, not a care failure.