Learn the differences between various "hens and chicks" and why they matter

The common name "Hens and Chicks" refers to two types of succulents that are verrrrrry different from each other. That's why using common names can often lead to trouble.
On the other hand, just knowing the genus of your succulent will help give you crucial insights as to how to care for it.
Learn more about individual succulents and their needs here:
www.succulents...
And if you'd like to shop for succulents, be sure to stop by Mountain Crest Gardens through our affiliate link:
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Thanks so much for watching this video!
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Wondering what my favorite products are, or looking for a product you saw in this video?
🌵 MY FAVORITE ONLINE SUCCULENT STORES:
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Leaf and Clay: www.leafandcla...?rfsn=376597.71f09&subid=youtube
The Succulent Source: thesucculentso...
Etsy: www.succulents...
Lula's Garden succulentsandsu...
🧡 MY FAVORITE SUCCULENT SOIL:
Bonsai Jack Succulent Mix: www.succulents...
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And if you'd like a more complete guide to growing succulents, with step-by-step instructions to get you started, you'll love our premium course, Successfully Growing Succulents.
No more searching endless blogs, books, and videos just to keep your succulents alive. This course will teach you everything you need to know to keep your succulents thriving, no matter where you live.
Learn more here:
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[@stacychowaniec4198]

I’ve had an outdoor planter of sempervivums for about 10 years now. I was gifted 3 plants which turned into a hundred, until deer ate most of them this past winter. I bought a new planter and recovered “the leftovers” from that meal. I just thought they were odd plants, one of a kind until I found you and your videos! I’m so happy I got hooked on succulents and your videos

[@DianeWaxler-hm4ss]

My mother in law passed in 1999. She had sempervivums. Still going strong. We live in PA. Thanks for helping us figure them out and the blooming part.

[@michellel2071]

Thank you for this information. My grandmother always had hens and chicks in her yard and I try to do the same. Now I know why some are beautiful but do not come back every year!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome!

[@allisonmcelwee7639]

I am always blown away by your ability to name the different succulent species! I love watching your videos and learning something new. I’m going to have to add some sempervivum to my gardens here in zone 5!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thank you!! Glad they are teaching you new things 🙂

[@glorimarayala9857]

Thank you for doing these videos. I considered myself one of those people who were able to kill a succulent but watching your videos has helped me keep and maintain the ones that I still have.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

That is awesome! Glad you have been able to keep them alive 🙂

[@debracarter8520]

This is so good to know. I had some beautiful succulents that were left by the previous owner of our house. I live in San Antonio, Texas and these succulents did very well for years. During our freeze in February I lost them all. Now I want to buy succulents that will survive a freeze if we have one again.

[@LilGagaChick]

That freeze killed everyone's babies outside. My condolences. Mine died too.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

So sorry to hear about losing succulents during the freeze

[@tracymarick3683]

I am so happy that you did this video. I live in Wisconsin and I knew there was hens and chicks that could be outside during our winters I just didn't know what kind they were. Now that I know I will know which ones I can leave outside. Thank you so much!!

[@maxinemann2490]

Before you leave your babies outside, please check your growing zone. Most of the sempervivums on Mountain Crest website are rated only down to zone 5. If you are colder than that, you should consider protecting them somehow from the bitter cold.

[@erickaseidemann1134]

Such a great video! I never could figure out the difference between sempervivums and echeverias - and now I know!

[@samanthaarchibald9160]

Mine are just coming back from our idaho winter and they're so pretty.

[@myrahuber260]

Thank you so much for this video! I love how you pointed out the specific details with the zoomed pix. Also, I appreciate how you do not rush through the explanations and go slowly so we as viewers have time to process and see what you are teaching us. 😀

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thank you for the helpful feedback! Glad to hear that everything was easy to follow and seeing the pictures up close was useful.

[@mariagdaws6083]

Thank you for your very clear explanation Cheers from Melbourne Australia 🦜🦘🦘🦘🦜

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome!

[@allthemusiclive]

Interesting, thanks! Guess I should stop fondling my echeverias so their wax doesn't keep coming off 😅

[@marjxowisno]

Sometimes it’s hard not to especially when you are reporting lol

[@mrsbumfluff836]

Haha fondling your succulents

[@ravenvincent4803]

Thank you so much for this!!! I just purchased a beautiful hive of hens and chickens (sempervivums) and i was so clueless! This helped a ton, especially since theyve began popping off little babies. I can now confidently give them away as little gifts. Youre wonderful!! Keep up the great work

[@melissaaubrey7230]

I am a lot of sempervivums more so because they're so easy to care for. I know so little about them. I enjoyed the video it taught me some things about them

[@WolfieVlogsXD]

My husband and I just bought our first house, we live in Indiana and the back porch is surrounded by sempervivums! It is so pretty!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

That's so exciting!

[@la_roobie]

I like the sepervivums. I'm just getting into succulents and learning how to redo my garden so I can plant these beauties and have them thrive :)

[@judycrary3169]

I learned years ago that there were different types of HENS AND CHICKS by planting the wrong ones the first year. Now I know the real diffarenc. i am learning a lot from your emails. you are a good teacher, thanks

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Glad to hear the information has been helpful! Thank you that is very kind🙂

[@nanaSANDYx10]

Wow, thank you for the info. I actually am waiting for my first delivery from Mountain Crest today. I have hens and chicks also They are outside year round in my rocks no less.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Very exciting!

[@anitamachlin9200]

I love it when you clarify the crazy world of succulents!

[@kompactorGD]

I discovered cold hardy succulents from your blog... I live in Utah (zone 5) and didn’t know there were so many varieties that could survive a winter here! I’m now building a beautiful outdoor rock garden with lots of different varieties!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Very exciting! Best of luck with your garden 🙂

[@NationsoftheWorldPodcast]

Thank you for this awesome educational video on hens and chicks. I was doing the research for a cozy mystery I'm writing and you answered all my questions.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Oooh, I'm intrigued! How do succulents play into your story?

[@NationsoftheWorldPodcast]

@@Succulentsandsunshine Unfortunately not a terribly exciting way, but the female sleuth is working in her rock garden on hill and it's described with these plants. However, a mystery series involving plants sounds like an awesome idea!!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

That's fun! I agree a plant mystery would be interesting 🥰

[@marjxowisno]

Last year, when I just started collecting succulents my mother-in-law told me that echeverias are also hens and chicks. I was very confused when she said that. If I have to choose I will choose probably Sempervivum because I can neglect them outside and since I live in zone 6 the sempervivum will likely survive. I mean who doesn't like plants that are less maintenance right? I’ve learned so much from you and I can’t wait to grab a copy of your ebooks!

[@susanmahaffey2356]

Wow! I am so amazed. I still not sure I could tell when I buy succulents that aren’t labeled but at least I hopefully will be able to. Thank you!

[@rosemaryyoung9902]

I have learned the proper way to care for my small succulent collection by watching your videos. You taught me how to propagate successfully! I have learned to recognize many succulents after watching your videos. A friend received a flower arrangement with a beheaded Perle von Nurnberg attached to it. She was about to throw it away with the dead flowers. I "rescued" it & potted it with gritty mix from Bonsai Jack. I am happy to report it is thriving. I also identified a neighbors sedum "stonecrop" in her flower bed, as she had no idea what it was. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thank you so much for sharing this! It's great to hear that the videos have really helped you learn more and that your succulents are thriving!

[@marilynnlawler2363]

Excellent presentation and helpful because I just bought some hens and chicks at the grocery store. Thanks for your expertise!

[@jennifercarr2558]

Very informative! Now I know why some ot my hens and chicks make it through the winter and some don't! Thank you.

[@stevenseverance3692]

As a Collector of Succulents I'm very appreciative of this information so I choose correctly at the Garden Center. Sincerely Yours 🤠 Mr Severance, "The Cake 😋🍰🥫🎂🥳🎈🎉 Man", "World 🌎🌍 Cruiser"&"Succulent Collector".

[@louisedube636]

Thank you for that information. I had no idea how to tell them apart.. . . . until now!!!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Glad it helped!

[@soniacallahan3235]

This video was very helpful . It will give me a better way to look at succulents before making a purchase

[@stetsonlily]

Cassidy is my Go-To educator AND I share her videos with my succulent friends. Thank you for a lesson well researched and presented. As a retired teacher, I can appreciate the preparation she has done, and the structure of her lessons, which makes it SO much more informative and accessible.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback! Glad the videos have been helpful for you 🙂

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You're a winner! Please email us at [e-mail] to claim your free 6-month subscription to the Succulent Tracker App! 😊

[@lynnburns7663]

Thank you SO VERY MUCH for your clear explanation of the difference between the two❤!! I have both types in my small rock garden. I live in North Carolina and surprisingly enough I guess we haven't had any winters cold enough to harm my Echeveria in the past few years. I am redoing my rock garden because it's overcrowded (which must be the reason they kept each other warm enough to survive). Sixty three yrs. young and still learning,lol.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You're very welcome! We're so glad you found it helpful!

[@skylor252]

This really helped. I have both plants and have been trying to figure out the different. Thank you.

[@nimha3757]

Great to know how to identify the differences. Sempervivums grow wild in Alaska.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

That is so fun! What a beautiful succulent to have around in the wild 🙂

[@thefuturedictator]

I'm in Boise, ID and I'm so going to plant sempervivums outside in my garden!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Very exciting!

[@artzyBLUEeyes]

I now have a new appreciation for sempervivum. I always thought that weren't that interesting but I might give them a closer look at my local nursary

[@rebeccaknight6107]

I have many sempervivums from MCG but didn't know about the difference in leaves. Great tip!!

[@maxinemann2490]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! My daughter and I are getting into succulent gardening. I have had hens & chicks outside (zone 5) for years. Now i have a whole collection of succulent arrangements inside. She received a 2" hen & chicks labeled pot and I couldn't tell her whether it needed to go out or stay in. NOW I can. I have ordered from Mt. Crest and they were well packed and healthy.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome! Glad its all been going well 🙂

[@xzxrro1383]

I just started with succulents I’m August - Cassidy has been my mentor & go to person since then.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Glad the videos have been helpful for you!

[@RK-wc7pp]

Was wondering how to tell the difference. Thanks for the info.

[@bobhopeful]

Thank you for this very descriptive video. I have thought about getting some of both, but now I know that the Echeveria is the type for me as I also reside in Phoenix.

[@JustJoshWazTaken]

I am a new succulent mom, maybe about 6 months, this is very helpful! I’m just in awe with the world of succulents!

[@yvonneuriarte2429]

I love Hens & Chicks, they are my favorite succulent. Thanks for all the information you give us newbies

[@loismorgan7088]

This is so helpful. What succulents can be grown outdoors in my zone (6b/7a) is something I am yet learning

[@jgarcia6503]

You are very sweet! Thanks so much for the info. Happy Earth Day!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thank you! Glad the info has been helpful

[@lanimoore8181]

Thanks for a clear explanation! In answer to you question about favorites: sempervivum for their outdoor durability in zone 8a.

[@kamreagan7416]

Thanks for such a thorough explanation that was also easy to understand. I will be checking all of my plants to know how to better take care of them.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome! Glad it was easy to follow

[@fraukeg.facchini2691]

You are a wonderful teacher, Cassidy, so concise and clear! Thank you!

[@stephanienelson6056]

Thank you for helping me figure out which are which!

[@ckzamzow]

Hen and chicks are one of my favorite succulents. Thanks for showing us the differences in them. Love your videos

[@Desiraeh1]

I'm a beginner at growing succulents. You are helping me identify the different succulents and how to grow them I appreciate these videos so much thank you

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome! Glad they have been helpful for you

[@fjanusz81]

This is such a great video, thank you. I have some of both of these kinds of succulents. I didn't realize the mother dies though, that's sad.

[@sandycarter1701]

Never could tell the difference. Thank you for explaining!

[@timdixon5368]

Great video as usual, did not know there were different hens and chicks, will be checking mine tomorrow to see which one it is, thanks

[@janetneumann9835]

Thoroughly enjoyed the video. I have been trying to figure out the differences. So far, my favorite of these two options, is the echevaria

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

So glad it was helpful for you!

[@AvaeleDarkblade]

I love echeveria! My brother-in-law brought me a big giant echeveria that looks almost like a mini agave and I love it so much. My first succulent was an echeveria and I've got 3 babies from it growing now, and one on the way. My next succulent will probably be a fancy echeveria.

[@gwanma]

You are so pleasant to watch, even with all the info you give, your pace is very good. Thanks for the info!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thank you for the feedback, it is greatly appreciated! Glad the info has been helpful 🙂

[@lauraaustin1998]

Excellent video. I like that you were not just "going off the cuff" and repeating and rambling! Excellent information and visuals also.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thank you!

[@shannonmcpike769]

Thanks for the info! Just got some sempers and now am certain I can plant them outdoors. I like them both!

[@potsoflovebyrita2079]

This was my most helpful video. I had no idea there were two types!! Thank you for all of your very helpful information!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome! Glad the videos have been helpful

[@professork451]

This is a great video for this newbie succulent grower!!!

[@koryl8477]

Super helpful detailed information. I prefer sempervivums because these succulents are low maintenance outdoors.

[@sparkfishes]

I think I'm in love....73 years old so I reckon there's not much chance . The video did help me a lot thanks ..the zone thing is lost on me so thanks for giving the temperatures too.🇬🇧

[@timothycarritte3821]

Thank you for sharing. I was not aware of the difference, learning something new all the time.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You're very welcome! We're glad that you found the video helpful!

[@laurawoodrup4166]

This is a great video - all of your videos have been great over the last week. Your guidance over KZbin has been so important to me in my succulent-parenting journey! Thank you so much!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are so welcome! Glad the videos have been helpful

[@aliciabarbour6256]

Thankful for this! I jist was gifted some and never knew there was a difference!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

What a great gift to receive! Glad the info was helpful

[@momwastestime]

Your videos have really helped me learn the different succulent types. Thank you!!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

So glad they have been helpful!

[@maryameyer6798]

Knew they were different, but didn't know how. Thanks for the concise descriptions.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome!

[@kristyhettinga9326]

I have several echeveria's, but just recently purchased some sempervivums from MCG. I am so excited to see how these grow outside.

[@bevmallett484]

I love my outside Hens & Chicks, they have turned a bright beautiful red shade, which just happens to be my favorite color! Appreciate all your info! FYI, I live in Vancouver BC, where we get all types of winter conditions!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Oh awesome! Glad the info has helped, these types should be great for your cold hardy garden 🙂

[@diamondsintherough_92]

Thanks, this was exactly the video I needed to help me identify what I now know is a Sempervivum!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You're so welcome!!

[@marietitus3007]

Great video with detailing the difference between Echevaria and Sempervivum. Looking forward to the next videos.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thank you!

[@margaretraupp8225]

I have a lot of sempervivum in my zone 5 garden but I did not know about the "teeth" along the edges of the leaves. Thanks!

[@margoburnside3575]

You, my dear, are a ray of sunshine! I am fairly new to the succulent world and have not had any success with propagating. I now have the knowledge you shared to try again! Thank you so much for your videos. And, for sharing your wisdom! 🌵

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

That is very sweet of you! So glad the videos have been helpful 🙂

[@CW-rx2js]

Wow!! You are amazing and so clear in the way you explain!! Thank you, I am a novice who is looking for guidance

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

So glad it was helpful!

[@42curlyworms]

I just inherited some sempervivums and can’t wait to see how they grow in my new planter box. Thank you so much!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Very exciting! You are welcome🙂

[@jerrycrump7126]

Loved this video. I was wondering how to tell the difference. One greenhouse nursery nearby just call everything “succulent “.

[@foreverartist5454]

I love these! Some of my neighbors and family have these just growing outside in their yards and they handle the cold like a champ! And they're just super cool!!

[@sabrinaclaes3487]

Thank you! Now I understand the difference and know why my beautiful Echeveria lipstick didn't survive the snow :-/

[@christyarmstrong8909]

That clarification was awesome! I finally get it now, thank you

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeankirchner7931]

I love both echeveria and sempervivum because I live in Florida in the winter and Michigan in the summer. My gardens and pots and house are full of succulents. This video was so valuable because I want to add to my succulent collection in Michigan and never am quite sure which ones tolerate our climate. This is the first video I have watched and I am so impressed. Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge..

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thank you! Glad the video was helpful 🙂

[@kJANEc]

I can’t seem to keep the sempervivum one alive so Echeveria! Lol

[@donnathurlow4776]

Had no idea there was a difference between various hens and chicks. Such valuable information. I've always wanted to put some succulents outside, now I know Sempervium will survive the snow.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful info

[@margaretchiodo-keller4495]

Very informative video, and I learned alot. Thanks for posting it. Now I know that I will have to drag indoors a very large pot with sempervivums planted in it.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Sempervivims can stay out in the winter (unless you're in a zone 4 or lower), but Echeveria need to be brought in.

[@sonjavdwalt]

Thank you for the clear I formation on the differences, it is fantastic and fascinating!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome!

[@kimmiev9110]

Thanks for making telling my 'what the heck is its' apart! Love your videos and emails Side bar: The color of the wall behind you is FABULOUS!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thank you! I'm a little biased 😉 but I love it too 😁😁😁

[@annbrough6129]

Thank you SO much!! Because I am new to succulents.

[@jackierose3302]

This was wonderful information! I have these both indoors and out in the Summer. Now I know which ones I can leave out. Thank you!

[@smasback]

Great video! I love my echeverias and now feel confident in my ability to tell them apart from other hens and chicks in the garden. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with a wonderful smile!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

So glad it was helpful for you!

[@janswenson4342]

I love your videos...so informative. I am in Scottsdale so we are kindred spirits with all of the succulents. Thanks!,

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

That's awesome! Have you found any succulents that work well for you outdoors? My side-yard is basically a brick oven in the summer... so it's been an adventure :)

[@sondrawilson6232]

This is all new to me and I have been amazed at what I have learned since purchasing the ID Card package! Thank you for the information on the "hens and chicks". I never knew that these were succulents.

[@lgbass57]

Thank you so much for teaching us all! You are not only a succulent expert, but a wonderful teacher as well.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome! That is very kind of you🙂

[@missann0906]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽I appreciate you Thanks for the information Just purchased a set of charm 🐣 chicks.

[@evianavelasquez9311]

Thank you so much for the very useful information. I learned so much for both types that it should help me take care of them better.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are most welcome!

[@danakrueger7833]

Love your videos. Always educational. So happy to hear we can have succulents outside all year in Michigan. Can’t wait to shop for some sempervivums!

[@nitalotz2809]

Thank you for always getting straight to the point , I love that I can watch your videos on a verity of different succulents and care for individuals. 👍😊 I have also purchased “ bonsai jack” thanks to you and I have been very pleased..

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome! Glad the videos have been helpful as well as the gritty mix soil

[@kathycolby3173]

Great job of explaining the difference between these two groups!

[@teresamaldonado5198]

I loved your video, very good information, for next winter I will make my garden with the sempervivum.

[@SportsBrainGlobal]

great info in such a short time - brilliant! thanks heaps - now I'm looking for both the sempervivum and the echeveria!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome!

[@hugs2you]

This is so informative!! Thank you!!! I like both but Echeveria's are my favorite.

[@tubesox526]

Oh my goodness. Thank you so much! I was afraid I'd have to research for hours to learn about my newer succulents but this video explains everything I needed to know about whether they are safe to leave out over the winter or not. Thank you so much and I think I will swing by that site to check out some more lovelies.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome, glad it was helpful for you 😊