Royal Ruby Hen and Chicks Care Guide

Hen and Chicks (also known as Sempervivum) are resilient, hardy succulents that are well-loved for their ability to thrive in tough conditions. Among the many varieties of Hen and Chicks, Royal Ruby (Sempervivum ‘Royal Ruby’) is a particularly striking cultivar, known for its rich, dark red to purple rosettes. This succulent is perfect for gardeners looking for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants with an added splash of color.

Below is a detailed guide to help you care for and grow Royal Ruby Hen and Chicks successfully.

1. Understanding Royal Ruby Hen and Chicks

Sempervivum ‘Royal Ruby’ is a type of “Hen and Chicks,” a group of succulents that form a “hen” (the main rosette) surrounded by smaller “chicks” (offsets or baby plants). These plants are native to mountainous regions of Europe, particularly the Mediterranean, and are well-suited for dry, rocky conditions. The Royal Ruby variety, specifically, produces stunning deep red or purple rosettes with green accents in cooler weather, transitioning to more vibrant hues as the temperature drops.

Plant Type: Perennial succulent
Flower Color: The flowers are small, star-shaped, and typically pink, although they are not the main attraction of the plant.
Height: The main rosette (hen) grows to about 3-6 inches in diameter, while the offsets (chicks) remain smaller.
Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 4-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.

2. Choosing the Right Location

Hen and Chicks plants, including Royal Ruby, thrive in well-drained soil and full sunlight. Here’s what to consider when selecting the best spot for your plant:

Sunlight: Royal Ruby Hen and Chicks prefer full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The bright light will help the plant maintain its vibrant colors and compact rosettes. In shadier conditions, the plant may become leggy and less vibrant.
Soil: These plants are adapted to poor, well-draining soil. They don’t like standing water, so be sure to plant them in soil that drains quickly. If your soil is clay-heavy or retains moisture, amend it with sand or gravel to improve drainage. A cactus or succulent mix is an excellent option.
Spacing: Hen and Chicks will slowly spread over time. When planting, space the plants about 6-8 inches apart to allow them room to form a tight, dense mat. This also helps with air circulation and prevents the buildup of moisture around the plants.

3. Planting Royal Ruby Hen and Chicks

Planting is simple but needs attention to detail to ensure the success of your Royal Ruby succulent.

Best Time to Plant: The best time to plant Hen and Chicks is in spring or fall. These seasons provide moderate temperatures, helping the plant get established before the extremes of summer or winter.
Planting Hole: Dig a hole about the size of the root ball or slightly larger. Make sure the hole is deep enough that the rosette sits slightly above the soil line. This ensures good drainage and prevents the plant from sitting in water.
Planting Process: Place the plant in the hole and fill it with soil, firming gently around the base. Be sure not to bury the rosette itself, as this can cause it to rot. Water the plant lightly after planting, just enough to settle the soil.

4. Watering Royal Ruby Hen and Chicks

Watering is one of the most critical aspects of caring for Hen and Chicks, as they are highly susceptible to rot if overwatered.

Watering Frequency: Water your Royal Ruby sparingly. These plants are drought-tolerant and prefer to dry out completely between waterings. In the growing season (spring and summer), you can water once a week or when the soil is completely dry. In the dormant period (fall and winter), reduce watering to once every 2-3 weeks.
Watering Technique: When you do water, make sure to water deeply at the base of the plant rather than over the rosette to avoid getting water in the center of the plant, which can cause rot. Always let the soil dry out completely between waterings.

5. Fertilizing Royal Ruby Hen and Chicks

Hen and Chicks are not heavy feeders, but occasional fertilization can boost growth and overall health.

Fertilization Frequency: Fertilize once in early spring when the plant is coming out of dormancy. Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer (a 10-10-10 NPK mix). Do not fertilize during the winter, as the plant is dormant.
Organic Fertilizer: If you prefer organic methods, you can use compost tea or a slow-release, balanced organic fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

6. Pruning and Maintenance

One of the best things about Royal Ruby Hen and Chicks is how little maintenance they require. However, some minor care is still necessary to keep them healthy and tidy.

Deadheading: You can remove any spent flowers or dead leaves to keep the plant looking neat. These plants produce small flowers on tall stalks in late spring to early summer, but once they bloom, the flowers will eventually fade and die off.
Removing Offset Chicks: As the plant matures, the “chicks” (baby plants) will sprout around the base of the “hen” (main rosette). These offsets can be left to grow, or you can separate them if you want to propagate them into new plants. Simply pull the chick away from the main rosette gently and plant it in a separate pot or area.

7. Winter Care and Protection

Royal Ruby Hen and Chicks are hardy succulents, but they can still be vulnerable to extreme cold, especially in climates with freezing temperatures and snow. Here’s how to protect them:

Mulching: Apply a light layer of mulch (such as straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves) around the base of the plant before winter. This will help insulate the roots from freezing temperatures.
Snow Protection: If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, the snow can actually act as an insulator, protecting your plants from extreme cold. Just make sure the plants are not sitting in waterlogged conditions before winter sets in.
Containers: If you grow Royal Ruby in containers, consider bringing the pots indoors or placing them in a sheltered area (like a cold frame or garage) during the winter months. Alternatively, you can insulate the containers with burlap or foam to prevent the roots from freezing.

8. Common Pests and Diseases

Hen and Chicks are generally pest-free, but they can sometimes face a few common issues.

Aphids: These tiny insects can occasionally be found on succulents, particularly in the summer. If you notice aphids, wash the plant off with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap to eliminate them.
Mealybugs: These pests look like little cotton balls and may attack the plant, sucking sap. Again, insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control them.
Fungal Issues: Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. To avoid this, ensure that your plant is in well-draining soil and that you’re not watering too frequently.

9. Propagation of Royal Ruby Hen and Chicks

One of the joys of Hen and Chicks is how easily they can be propagated. The offsets or “chicks” can be separated from the main rosette and grown into new plants.

Separating Offsets: When the chicks form around the base of the main plant, you can gently pull them away once they are large enough to handle. Each chick will have its own roots, making it easy to plant and grow independently.
Planting New Offsets: Plant the separated chicks in well-draining soil, and water them lightly until they become established.

10. Conclusion

Royal Ruby Hen and Chicks are an excellent addition to any garden, especially for those looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant succulent with stunning color. By following the care tips outlined above, you can enjoy these hardy, beautiful plants for years to come. Their compact size, vibrant colors, and resilience make them ideal for containers, rock gardens, and garden borders. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, Royal Ruby will add a splash of color and texture to your garden.