Cobweb houseleek

Cobweb houseleek key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial; each rosette dies after flowering and is replaced by offsets

Size

Rosettes from about 1-2 cm; clumps form mats 30 cm or more across

Watering

A little slow-release or liquid fertiliser in spring and autumn

Light & Placement

Grow it outdoors in full sun except in midsummer. It is not heat-tolerant, so from the rainy season through summer keep it in airy partial shade out of the rain. Leaves colour from late autumn.

Watering

It is a spring-autumn grower (March-June and September-November). Water thoroughly when the surface dries in these periods and hold back from the end of the rainy season through summer. It rots if watered too often.

Temperature & Overwintering

It is very cold-hardy, reportedly to at least -12°C. However, the cobweb hairs trap rain and invite rot, so keep it out of prolonged winter wet.

Soil & Repotting

Use a gritty, free-draining mix; it dislikes rich soil. Repot every 2-3 years just before or early in a growing season.

Propagation

It is easily increased by division or by rooting the offsets on the ends of runners, in March-May or September-October.

Pests & Cautions

A rosette that flowers dies, so remove flower stems early to help the offsets grow. Scale insects and aphids may attack stems and leaves, and root mealybugs the roots.

About Cobweb houseleek

Cobweb houseleek (Makiginu) is a beginner-friendly Sempervivum whose small rosettes are joined by web-like white threads. Cold-hardy and native to European mountains, it grows from rosettes of 1 to 2 cm into mats over 30 cm wide. Learn the care basics and how to choose a plant.

7 things to know before growing Cobweb houseleek

1. 1Light and airflow

   Choose a bright, well-ventilated spot outdoors. With too little light the rosettes stretch out and lose their tight shape. A place sheltered from driving rain, such as under the eaves, makes care easier.

2. 2Water on the dry side

   Water thoroughly only after the soil has dried out completely, until it runs from the drainage hole. Water pooling between the leaves can cause damage, so pour at the base instead of over the top. Erring on the dry side is safer than overwatering.

3. 3Free-draining soil

   Use a fast-draining mix. Commercial succulent and cactus soil blended with pumice or sand keeps water from lingering around the roots. Because the roots are shallow, a shallow pot works well.

4. 4Watch for summer humidity

   Since it grows wild in high mountains, it is not at its best in the hot, muggy weather of the rainy season and summer. Move it to a bright, airy place out of the rain and water sparingly. Removing outer leaves that have been damaged by stuffy conditions helps keep the rest of the plant healthy.

5. 5Wintering outdoors

   It is very cold-hardy and can spend the winter outdoors. Growth slows in winter, so cut watering back even further. Keeping the pot under the eaves prevents the soil from staying soaked by rain or melting snow.

6. 6Repotting and dividing

   When offsets crowd the pot, it is time to repot or divide. Spring or autumn, when the weather is mild, is the best time; simply detach an offset from its parent and plant it to make a new one. A rosette that flowers dies after setting seed, so let the offsets carry the clump on.

7. 7Choosing a plant

   Look for tight rosettes with healthy leaf color and no melting or blackened outer leaves. The amount of white webbing varies with conditions and season, so do not judge a plant by webbing alone. A plant that already has offsets is also easier to keep renewing.

Frequently asked questions about Cobweb houseleek

Q.Can a beginner grow cobweb houseleek?

A.Yes, it is considered beginner-friendly. Give it a bright, airy spot, a free-draining soil, and water on the dry side, and it is easy to keep. Just watch out for stuffy, humid weather in summer.

Q.Do I need to bring it indoors for winter?

A.It is very cold-hardy and can stay outdoors through winter. However, soil that stays wet from rain or melting snow can cause damage, so a spot sheltered from rain, such as under the eaves, is a safer choice.

Q.Is it my fault if a rosette dies after flowering?

A.No, this is normal. A cobweb houseleek rosette that flowers will die after setting seed. If offsets are growing beside it, they take over and keep the clump going.

Q.Why has the white webbing become sparse?

A.The amount of webbing changes with conditions, the plant's health, and the season. A weak plant from too little light or stuffy air may show less of it, so it is worth reviewing its position and ventilation.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.A single rosette starts at about 1 to 2 cm across. As offsets multiply, the clump can spread into a mat of 30 cm or more. A shallow, wide pot suits it well if you want to enjoy that spreading habit.

Handy Growing Tools for Cobweb houseleek

Learn more about Cobweb houseleek in the encyclopedia

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