Houseleek (Sempervivum ermanicum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Houseleek on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 14 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Houseleek
Sempervivum ermanicum, also known as the Ermanian Houseleek, is a perennial succulent that forms compact rosettes of fleshy leaves, often tinged with red or purple at the edges. Its rosettes can reach up to 10 cm in diameter and it produces small, pale pink, star-shaped flowers on tall stalks. It is ideal for rock gardens, green roofs, or pots, adding a touch of color and resilience.
Native range
Caucasus
Care tips
It requires full sun to develop its most vibrant colors and extremely well-draining soil, preferably sandy or gravelly. Water sparingly, only when the substrate is completely dry, especially in winter. Avoid excess moisture around the rosettes, as this is the most common mistake leading to rot.
How to save a dying Houseleek
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled, or translucent leaves (overwatering); dry, crispy, or wilted leaves (underwatering/sun).
- First aid
- Check soil. If wet, stop watering, improve ventilation. If dry, water lightly, relocate.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its main killer, quickly rotting roots. Also, substrate that retains too much moisture.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! They are very hardy. Cut affected parts and re-pot if the base is rotten. Give light and little water.