Houseleek care guide
Sempervivum tectorum
Quick answer
Water your houseleek when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 11 to 17 days.
- WateringEvery 11 to 17 days · summer
Every 22 to 34 days, sometimes less often · winter - LightBright / direct light
- Climate10–27 °C (50–81 °F)
- Pet safetyNot confirmed pet-safe
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
5 cm (2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 11 to 17 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 22 to 34 days, sometimes less often
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright / direct light
Houseleek needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your houseleek every 180 days while it’s actively growing. Use a cactus and succulent fertilizer, which is lower in nitrogen, at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate10–27 °C (50–81 °F)
Humidity30–50%
Houseleek is comfortable between 10 and 27 °C (50–81 °F). It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above -15 °C (5 °F).
It does best at 30–50% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Not confirmed pet-safe
Common questions
How often should I water a houseleek?
Water your houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum) when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 11 to 17 days. In winter, slow down to every 22 to 34 days, sometimes less often.
How much light does a houseleek need?
Houseleek needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Sources
- This guide follows established plant-care guidance and official ASPCA pet-safety references. How we verify our plant data →
- How we check our plant advice
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