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:
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[@Bod406]

I know when it comes to sempervivums the cold hardiness of them is always brought up but I think enough isn’t spoken about how delicate they are to direct sunlight. I live in zone 7 and this summer the heat are my sempervivums up. I went on a few forums and many people struggled with keeping them alive over 90 degrees. I think there needs to be more emphasis on heat tolerance as much as cold hardiness IMO . But this was a really good video. My comment was just a side note

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You make a great point! They aren't very heat tolerant. I tried some in my garden in Arizona and they didn't survive very long into the summer. I put some in my parents garden in Utah. They've done really well in shadier areas. We had one area where they got full afternoon sun and did surprisingly well. For those, the soil had a lot of clay in it, so it stayed damp and cool most of the time. I was surprised they didn't rot, but I think the damp soil helped offset the extreme heat/sun.

[@erickaseidemann1134]

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

[@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.

[@mariagdaws6083]

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

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome!

[@333anash]

I never knew they were different! Much less how to tell the difference. Thanks!

[@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 🙂

[@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

[@daleandrews3552]

If I could double like this video I would. What a great comprehensive rundown of the differences of these 2 genera! Where I live, seems I've gotten the reputation of having a "green thumb", so I was entrusted with around $45.00 by a friend to buy her either one large hen and chicks plant, or 2 nice ones. She also wants a white one, so I'm thinking of the "ghost plant". Although that variety of succulent is a different genus, she wants white, and that variety came to mind. What do you think? 🪴🌵

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thank you! And that sounds like a tricky task. Are you able to show her some pictures and get her input? Echeveria tend to be a bit more picky than Sempervivums, but I also have not had a lot of luck growing Semps indoors. It might help to have her scroll through our types of succulents page, in those two categories or others that might be similar, and see what she likes best. succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-typesofsuccs

[@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 🙂

[@rebeccavarela6943]

I LOVE chicks and hens but did not know which was which! :) I LOVE this channel!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thank you! Glad it has been helpful for you

[@fraukeg.facchini2691]

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

[@anitamachlin9200]

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

[@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".

[@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.

[@lorit5074]

I have hens and chicks in my rock garden in Missouri. They did really well this year and look really healthy. I also have a small succulent garden that has a couple sempervivums. I have to take that pot inside. I never new those were also called hens and chicks. Thanks for the great informations!!! haha, I got the two backwards!!!!

[@InfiniteShadowZZz]

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

[@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.🇬🇧

[@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!

[@ckzamzow]

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

[@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

[@rogerboostrom3894]

This is easy to understand and extremely helpful. May be well known to others but great help to me.

[@soniacallahan3235]

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

[@yvonneuriarte2429]

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

[@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!

[@samanthaarchibald9160]

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

[@Paralysis_prime_paralysis]

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 🙂

[@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!

[@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🙂

[@ls6dolphin]

I love both. But watching sempervivium's grow amazes me. They get so big so fast during spring thru fall. Echeveria is much slower in growing indoors under lights but are also very pretty.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

The growth is definitely different inside and out. But it's fun to see them get bigger!

[@marilynnlawler2363]

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

[@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! 😊

[@diannehopkirk9423]

Learning so much I didn't know! Thanks for the easy-to-understand (and hopefully remember) explanations. Cheers from Australia.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome!

[@SunRae745]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 🥰

[@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

[@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.

[@professork451]

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

[@sandycarter1701]

Never could tell the difference. Thank you for explaining!

[@jennifercarr2558]

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

[@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 🙂

[@beverlyhardy4398]

This was very helpful because I didn’t know all the differences.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Glad it helped!

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@jgarcia6503]

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

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thank you! Glad the info has been helpful

[@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.

[@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

[@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 😁😁😁

[@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!

[@loismorgan7088]

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

[@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

[@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 🙂

[@RK-wc7pp]

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

[@missann0906]

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

[@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

[@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

[@louisedube636]

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

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Glad it helped!

[@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.

[@rebeccaknight6107]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@christyarmstrong8909]

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

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thefuturedictator]

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

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Very exciting!

[@laurenvaillant8810]

Fascinating! I learn something new with every video!

[@momwastestime]

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

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

So glad they have been helpful!

[@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!

[@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 🙂

[@imneverwrongsometimestruthlies]

Thank you for this knowledge...I'm a newbie to succulents 👍

[@lanimoore8181]

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

[@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 🙂

[@maryameyer6798]

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

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome!

[@patriciasircy4109]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I knew they were different. I understand so much better now.

[@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 :)

[@ritaberend5560]

Great information for Wisconsin

[@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🙂

[@koryl8477]

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

[@stephanietruex6617]

This was a great video! I have been confused by the difference for so long. This will really help me a lot.

[@jerrycrump7126]

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

[@stephanienelson6056]

Thank you for helping me figure out which are which!

[@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!!

[@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!

[@marietitus3007]

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

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thank you!

[@annbrough6129]

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

[@donaleenchaisson2822]

So much knowledge about so many plants! Easy to understand the difference now that I know what to look for!! Love these lessons!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Glad the lessons have been helpful!

[@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.

[@kathydugan2874]

Great Video Cassidy

[@gillyhickton4883]

So helpful, so clear. I've just started enjoying succulents and learning so much from Succulents and Sunshine. Thank you from New Zealand!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome! Glad the info was helpful and clear to understand 🙂

[@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!

[@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

[@jannajewett9672]

Newbie here...thanks for the great explanation on these beauties!

[@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!

[@margienagata46]

Thank you for describing the difference! I never knew!

[@debbiebethel4993]

Thanks for explaining,, their is a lot to learn so this is helpful,,💜

[@hugs2you]

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

[@shannonmcpike769]

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

[@flowerista67]

Echeveria!! Thank you for the very helpful video!!

[@mpgfoo]

Very well done video. Easy to follow. Thank you

[@bevann0312]

Very helpful!! Like them both equally.