The group of houseleeks (Sempervivum) comes from the family of thick-leaf plants (Crassulaceae) and occurs in a very wide variety of shapes, colors and varieties. The extremely undemanding plants originally come from mountains such as the Alps, the Caucasus and the Balkans. As mountain plants, outdoor succulents are more than happy with a little poor soil when it comes to the substrate.
Which soil is suitable for houseleeks?
Houseleeks need lean, permeable substrate such as a mixture of potting soil and sand or expanded clay to grow well. A commercially available cactus or succulent soil can also be used. Waterlogging and soil that is too nutrient-rich should be avoided.
Soil should be as lean as possible
Like so many mountain plants, houseleeks are quickly overwhelmed by nutrient-rich soil. The plants need soil that is as lean and very permeable as possible. If you want to cultivate semperviva in the rock garden or in various planters, you should either mix lean soil yourself or use commercially available cactus or succulent soil. To mix the substrate, take commercial pot plant soil and mix it with about a third of sand or expanded clay. Otherwise, almost all houseleeks thrive in both acidic and calcareous soils.
Tip
Water drainage is particularly important for houseleeks grown in pots - the plants need dryness and cannot tolerate moisture (especially waterlogging) at all. Good drainage is therefore essential.