Origin and Natural Habitat
Horticultural cultivar created by Sandy McPherson that does not occur naturally.
Plant Characteristics
Sempervivum tectorum ‘Oddity’ has short, tubular shaped leaves with sharp tips. It produces offsets profusely.
Care Guide
Light
Sempervivum ‘Oddity’ should be protected from some of the sun’s harshness. They prefer morning and evening sun, but might be damaged by the heat during mid-day. In cultivation, they should therefore be kept under no more than 40% shade cloth. This encourages stronger colouration and a more compact growth form while preventing sun damage. If they are being kept outdoors, but not in a greenhouse, then full morning sun is suitable.
Soil
Sempervivum are not fussy plants when it comes to soil mixes. They will survive in pretty much any mix that drains well. To get them to thrive, plant your Sempervivum in a well-drained coco-peat based mixture. You can add some perlite to assist with drainage. These plants prefer organic mixes as their roots are quite fine, and do not fare well in overly gritty mixes.
Water
In cultivation, Sempervivum should only be watered in spring and summer. You can keep the soil somewhat moist, but not completely wet. Reduce watering in autumn and keep dry in winter.
Pot size
Sempervivum tectorum ‘Oddity’ will grow comfortably in a 10cm pot when it is small. Once it forms offsets, it can be moved to a 12-15cm pot.
Temperature
Sempervivum‘s ideal temperature ranges between 15 – 30*C. It can tolerate 5 – 35*C. Sempervivum do not tolerate frost well, as their leaves are quite thin. Make sure to cover your plants in frost netting or keep them indoors during the coldest parts of winter.
Humidity
Sempervivum thrive with lower levels of humidity. Do not grow them in more than 50% humidity.
Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during summer. Alternatively, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer will be sufficient.
Growing Season
Sempervivum are in active growth during spring and summer.
In South Africa, their peak growing season is from October until February.
Propagation
Sempervivum tectorum ‘Oddity’ are best propagated from offsets..
Stem propagation: Sempervivum is easy to propagate from cuttings. Only take cuttings in spring and summer. Cuttings will not root in winter. Simply use a sterilized sharp knife to remove an offshoot from the main stem. Make sure it is at least one third of the size of the main ‘head’ of the plant before removing it, otherwise it may struggle to survive. Let this cutting air dry for two weeks. It should begin to produce aerial roots on its own. Plant the cuttings in the same soil as the mother plant.
