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Indoor plant care

Houseleek

Sempervivum tectorum

• LightHouseleek needs bright, indirect light in the range of 150…
• WaterLet Houseleek soil dry completely before watering. Test…
• ToxicityNot ASPCA-listed
• Mature sizeRosettes stand 4 to 6 in / 10 to 15 cm…

Houseleek is a low, mat-forming succulent made of tight rosettes. Each rosette contains fleshy, pointed leaves and produces offsets around its base. In summer, mature growth may send up a stalk bearing star-shaped pink or red flowers. The plant stays short and suits a sunny indoor collection, especially where fast drainage and long dry intervals can be provided.

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Care data checked 25 September 2026 · Dany · A-Z Plants

Light requirements

Houseleek needs bright, indirect light in the range of 150 to 250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹.

• Place it approximately 5 ft / 1.5m from a south, west or east-facing window.
• Avoid a site with a direct view of the sky. Filter sunlight through a sheer curtain if it reaches the leaves.
• Excess direct light can scorch the rosette. Too little light causes stretched, loose growth and weaker color.
• Measure photosynthetically active radiation with a PAR meter or PAR meter app, reading PPFD in μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹.

Watering

Let Houseleek soil dry completely before watering. Test moisture below the surface with a knitting needle or chopstick. If damp soil clings to the tool, wait longer before adding water.

• Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water or reverse osmosis water.
• Water deeply until it runs from the drainage holes. Let the pot empty fully before placing it on a saucer or inside a decorative planter.
• Drainage holes are essential. Moisture held around the rosettes can cause root or crown rot.
• Water considerably less during winter, when active growth slows. Severe drought during growth may leave lower leaves wrinkled, brown or crisp.

Soil

Houseleek requires a coarse organic succulent mix that sheds extra water quickly. Dense or compact soil holds too much moisture around its shallow roots.

• DIY mix: combine 2 parts coir, 2 parts coarse sand and 1 part pumice.
• Use a shallow container only if it includes open drainage holes.

Feeding

Feed Houseleek with an organic succulent fertiliser every 2 to 4 weeks from March to October. Apply only the label strength to damp soil. Avoid overfeeding, which can create weak growth, and stop the routine during winter.

Temperature & humidity

Houseleek prefers temperatures of 60 to 75°F / 15 to 24°C. Ideal humidity is about 40%. Keep the rosettes away from cold indoor drafts and stagnant damp air. Ordinary household humidity is usually adequate when drainage is fast.

What to expect

Houseleek reaches maturity in about 2 to 3 years and spreads at a moderate rate through offsets. Rosettes stand 4 to 6 in / 10 to 15 cm tall. A mature cluster can spread 12 to 18 in / 30 to 45 cm.

Varieties & cultivars

• S. tectorum ‘Atroviolaceum’: Dark purple leaves have green tips, and the flowers are pink. Rosettes reach up to 6 in / 15 cm across.
• S. tectorum ‘Metallicum Giganteum’: Silvery-green leaves have red edges, while the flowers are yellow. Its very large rosettes reach up to 10 in / 25 cm across.
• S. tectorum ‘Othello’: Red leaves have green bases and accompany pink flowers. Medium rosettes grow up to 4 in / 10 cm across.
• S. tectorum ‘Noir’: Green leaves end in dark red tips and pair with yellow flowers. Small rosettes reach up to 2 in / 5 cm across.
• S. tectorum var. arvernense and S. tectorum var. tectorum: S. tectorum var. arvernense has velvety green leaves, pink flowers and rosettes up to 2 in / 5 cm across. S. tectorum var. tectorum has smooth, hair-edged leaves, purple flowers and rosettes up to 4 in / 10 cm across.