What is the use of sempervivum tectorum?

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Sempervivum tectorum L. (Crassulaceae), known as houseleek, is used in traditional medicine in the treatment of ear inflammation. It can be spread as a pack on wounds, sores, burns, and abscesses and also on painful areas attacked by gout as a refrigerant and astringent.

How do you take care of a sempervivum tectorum?

Sempervivum tectorum needs full sun exposure; they resist frost and intense heat well. They grow in any type of soil but prefer well-drained limestone soils. In case of transplantation, it is better to do it in spring or autumn. Water moderately waiting for the soil to be completely dry.

How do you take care of houseleek?

Do not plant roof too deeply in the soil and always spread the roots while replanting. Cover the plant up to the crown and compress the soil gently to ensure it is firmly set in the pot or ground. Water lightly and let the roots of new plants dry out completely between waterings.

Where is sempervivum tectorum native to?

southern Europe
Sempervivum tectorum, the common houseleek, is a species of flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae, native to the mountains of southern Europe, cultivated in the whole of Europe for its appearance and a Roman tradition claiming that it protects buildings against lightning strikes.

Can you eat houseleek?

The young shoots and chubby leaves of this succulent are edible raw. They are crunchy and similar to cucumbers in taste and texture. The leaves can also be juiced to make a drink. Other species are not necessarily edible.

Can I grow Sempervivum indoors?

Hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum or S. arachnoideum) can grow outdoors or indoors. In fact, they are great container plants.

Do Houseleeks spread?

The plants will establish and as they form offsets they will spread over the surface of your bricks. You can position them around the garden, anywhere where you can appreciate them as they grow. Sempervivums grow almost anywhere as long as there is some soil.

How often do you water a houseleek?

Water very occasionally, when the soil is dry. Again, as with most succulents, one generous watering once in a while is better than lots of light waterings. Upon watering you potted houseleeks, completely soak the soil until it runs out the holes in the base.

Where should I plant leeks in my house?

They perform best in a sunny, outdoor position, in a well-drained compost with sharp horticultural grit added for drainage. A layer of grit added to the surface of the compost will stop the leaves from becoming wet from mud, preventing rotting.

Is Sempervivum tectorum a succulent?

Hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) are low-growing evergreen succulent plants that look a little like rubbery roses with thick, fleshy pads arranged in rosettes. The leaves are usually pointed and some have purple tips or they may grow in shades of red.

Why is my Sempervivum growing tall?

Sempervivums stretch when not enough sunlight reaches them and it is ironic that this makes the plant grow faster. The first thing you notice is that the succulent begins to bend towards the light source. Then it will continue to grow by stretching, as it gets taller and with more space between the leaves.