Sempervivum montanum

El Sempervivum montanum It is a small succulent plant that grows well on stony ground, as you can see in the image. Its height is low, but it tends to produce numerous suckers, so the surface it occupies at the end is interesting.

Its growth rate is usually fast, so if you are going to grow it in pots, you will surely see that in a few months it will need another one if it has not yet reached its adult dimensions.

Origin and characteristics of Sempervivum montanum

El Sempervivum montanum It is a species of perennial herbaceous plant that forms rosettes of oval or elliptical leaves of dull green color, covered by very short villi. Said rosettes they measure between 2 and 4 centimeters in diameter, and from them several stolons arise thanks to which they end up forming groups of about 40 centimeters in diameter.

Its flowers sprout in summer from a terminal stem about 10 centimeters high, and are pink. After flowering that rosette dies, leaving the rest.

It is popularly known as immortelle, and it is found in the mountainous regions of the Pyrenees, Alps, Carpathians and Corsica, always in soils poor in lime. It can also be seen on roofs and walls.

What are their cares?

The immortelle is a very grateful plant, which grows without receiving much care. Irrigation, fertilization, etc., are tasks that, we are not going to deny you, have to be done regularly, but of all the crashes that there are, it could almost be said that those of the genus Sempervivum They are the most suitable for those people who do not want and / or cannot be too aware of the plants. But let's see in detail what exactly you need:

Location

This plant has to be put abroad. The ideal area will be the one in which the sun shines for at least 4 hours a day. Of course, being relatively small, it is highly recommended that you place it in a place where you can have it 'controlled'; that is, in a place where you know that you will be able to locate it quickly.

Earth

• Flower pot: the substrate to fill the pot must be light and have good drainage.
• Garden: As we have been commenting, it grows on stony soils, but do not worry because if yours is not like that, all you have to do is make a hole about 20 centimeters wide and high, and fill it with pumice, or if you do You prefer gravel (construction, of those whose grain is 2-4mm).

Irrigation

El Sempervivum montanum It is a crass plant that needs some other watering throughout the week, since it does not resist drought well, especially if it lasts several days and the temperatures remain above 30 degrees Celsius. But in addition to avoiding watering it more often than necessary, you also have to avoid doing just the opposite, that is, not watering.

It is best to let the soil or substrate dry completely before watering again.; so if in doubt you can dig a bit and see if it is still wet or not. If it is potted, you can weigh it just after watering, and after a few days.

It is important that if you have a plate under it, you remove the water that has settled after each watering, since this way its roots will not rot.

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In spring and summer it is interesting to pay it occasionally with an organic fertilizer in liquid form, such as guano. You can also use a liquid fertilizer for cacti and succulents. But in any case, you have to follow the indications, since failure to do so could make the mistake of adding more than necessary, something that would be fatal for the roots and of course also for the plant.

Multiplication

El Sempervivum montanum can be multiplied by seeds, although it is done more by stolons. The season runs from spring to summer.

Seeds

The seeds will be ready in summer, shortly after the plant has flowered. Once you see that the fruits seem dry, fill a wide and not very tall pot with, for example, vermiculite or coconut fiber, water well and then spread the seeds on the surface so that they are separated from each other. Then cover them with a little substrate.

Now what remains is to place the seedbed outside, and keep the substrate moist. The seedlings will sprout after 1 to 2 weeks.

Stolons

The stolons are the "suckers." When these reach a size of about 2-3 centimeters, they can be separated from the mother plant and planted in individual pots, or if you prefer in other areas of the garden.

Rusticity

It is one of the most rustic species of Sempervivum that exist, being able to resist up to -30ºC minimum, and 40ºC maximum.

What dou you think about him Sempervivum montanum?