Chook Me!

Can I keep Hens and Chicks (the plant) in the house for the winter?

I bought a hens and chicks plant over the summer and don't know what to do with them over the winter. Should I cut the plant down to the root over the winter or can it safely be brought indoors. I looked through quite a few of my mothers gardening books and found nothing, please help. I love the plant and really don't want to accidently kill it. Thanks.

Public Comments

1. my grandmother either leaves them outside and covers them with a big clear plastic bag; or puts them inside the porch- depending on the size of the plant...
2. I once had this plant, and it would survive outside in the harsh North Dakota winters. It was in the ground though, I think you would have to mulch it with a big pile of straw all around the pot to protect it from freezing. Good luck.
3. We never brought them indoors. They just stayed out in the cold (northern Minnesota) without a blanket. I think--it's been a long time, since I lived there.
4. I have a few different varieties that lived through last year's winter. They are planted in a raised planter and the only mulch they got was the snow-cover. Southern Ontario.
5. Hen and Chicks are tough little dudes. They'll over-winter in almost any temperate climate with no help. I've wintered them outdoors in pots and in the ground in Zone 5B. If you want to bring them in to keep as houseplants, they'll go for that, too. Keep them dry, like you would a cactus, and give them a sunny place to spend the cold months.
6. I have several and live in North Texas. No way would I leave a succulent out all winter. I would pot it up and leave outside as much as possible, and bring inside when a freeze is expected. I have lost more than a couple of cacti and learned when they freeze, they turn to mush. If you want to look it up the name is Echiveria Some people here call it Desert Rose, I like that name better than hens and chicks.
7. mine have stayed out all winter for years and next spring there they are again! they are like "no maintenence" plants!
8. I've had some in boots and kept them outside for years and it snows here.