Houseleek (Sempervivum pumilum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Houseleek on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 15 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Houseleek
Sempervivum pumilum, also known as dvärgtaklök or dwarf houseleek, is a small perennial succulent that forms compact rosettes. Its fleshy, pointed leaves are typically green, often developing reddish tints with sun exposure. It's ideal for rock gardens, green roofs, gravel gardens, or as a potted plant on patios and balconies, offering low maintenance and resilience.
Native range
Caucasus, Turkey, and northeastern Iran
Care tips
It requires full sun to maintain its compact form and intense coloration, although it tolerates some partial shade. Watering should be sparse, allowing the substrate to dry completely between waterings, especially in winter. It needs very well-drained, sandy soil or a specific cactus and succulent mix to prevent waterlogging. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Houseleek
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled, and flaccid leaves (underwatering); dark spots or rot at the base (overwatering).
- First aid
- Check soil: if dry, water moderately; if wet, stop watering and improve ventilation. Remove rotten leaves.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is the number one enemy. Also lack of light or non-draining soil.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. Sempervivum are tough, but rot spreads fast.