Water
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the primary cause of rot. Reduce watering significantly in winter to prevent frost damage to roots.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Also known as Alpine House-Leek · Alpine Sempervivum · Mountain House-Leek
Mountain Houseleek (Sempervivum montanum) is a hardy succulent forming dense rosettes of pointed, green leaves, native to European mountains. Thrives in rock gardens.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Can tolerate some shade, but may reduce compact growth.
Allow soil to dry out between waterings
25% intensity
Infrequent but thorough watering during growing season. Minimal to no water in winter.
Well-draining
50% intensity
Moderate to cold tolerance
50% intensity
Thrives in moderate temperatures during the growing season and can withstand frost once established. Protect from extreme heat.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low nutrient requirement
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly only during the active growing season with a diluted, balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the primary cause of rot. Reduce watering significantly in winter to prevent frost damage to roots.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Pruning is generally not required for Sempervivum montanum. Remove any dead or withered leaves to maintain aesthetics and prevent potential disease.
If overcrowding occurs, offsets can be removed for propagation rather than pruning the parent plant.
Sempervivum montanum propagates easily from offsets (chicks) produced by the mother plant. Gently separate offsets with roots attached and plant them in well-draining soil.
They can also be propagated from leaves, though this is less reliable and takes longer.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the pot becomes crowded with offsets. Use a gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Choose a pot with drainage holes.
Repot in spring or early summer before the plant enters its peak growing phase.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Mountain Houseleek (Sempervivum montanum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Saxifragales |
| family | Crassulaceae |
| genus | Sempervivum |
| species | Sempervivum montanum |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data