Houseleek (Sempervivum wulfenii)
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 wulfenii, also known as Wulfens Hauswurz, is a perennial succulent that forms compact rosettes of fleshy leaves, often with reddish tips and a slightly hairy texture. Its inflorescences emerge on tall stalks with star-shaped yellow flowers. It is ideal for rockeries, green roofs, or containers, adding a rustic and resilient touch.
Native range
European Alps, from France to Austria and the Balkans
Care tips
It requires full sun to maintain its intense coloration and compact form. Watering should be sparse, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings, especially in winter. Use a very well-draining substrate, specific for cacti and succulents. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to rosette rot.
How to save a dying Houseleek
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled, or rotting leaves at base; rosette stretching and losing compactness.
- First aid
- Remove damaged leaves, check roots (rot), repot into dry, well-draining substrate if needed.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially in winter or low light, causes root and base rot.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! They are very resilient. Act quickly at first signs of rot or etiolation to recover it.