All You need to know about Sempervivum Arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’

Sempervivum Arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ is a cultivar of the Sempervivum Arachnoideum species, commonly known as the Cobweb Houseleek or Cobweb Hens and Chicks. It is a small, mat-forming succulent plant that is native to the mountainous regions of central and southern Europe.

The plant has rosettes of fleshy, pointed leaves that are covered in fine, silvery-white hairs that give it a cobweb-like appearance. The leaves are green or reddish-brown in color and form a tight, compact cluster. In the summer, the plant produces small, star-shaped pink or red flowers on a tall stem.

How to grow and take care of Sempervivum Arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’?

Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ is a unique and popular succulent plant known for its web-like threads that cover its rosettes. Here are some tips on how to grow and take care of Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’:

1. Soil: Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ prefers well-draining soil, so make sure to use a mix of sand, gravel, and soil with good drainage.
2. Light: These plants prefer full sun to partial shade. Ensure that they receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
3. Watering: Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ is drought-tolerant, so avoid overwatering. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In the summer, you can water once a week, and in the winter, once every two weeks.
4. Fertilizer: These plants do not require much fertilizer. You can feed them once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
5. Temperature and Humidity: Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from freezing to hot summers. However, avoid exposing them to temperatures above 90°F (32°C) for extended periods. They prefer low humidity levels.
6. Propagation: Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ can be propagated by offsets, which grow around the base of the plant. Gently remove these offsets and plant them in a well-draining soil mix.
7. Pests and Diseases: These plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, keep an eye out for mealybugs and spider mites. If you notice any pests, treat the plant with a pesticide or a solution of soap and water.

With proper care, Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ can thrive and produce beautiful rosettes covered in delicate threads.

What is its lifespan?

The lifespan of Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ can vary depending on the growing conditions and care it receives. However, these plants are known to be long-lived, with some specimens living up to 10 or even 20 years with proper care.

How to water it?

Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ is a drought-tolerant plant that can easily rot if overwatered. Here are some tips on how to water it properly:

1. Water deeply but infrequently: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ prefers to be watered deeply, so water until the soil is moist throughout, and water should come out of the drainage holes. However, do not let the plant sit in standing water.
2. Water less frequently during the winter: Reduce watering during the winter months as the plant goes dormant and requires less water.
3. Water in the morning: Watering in the morning allows the plant to dry off during the day, which helps prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria that thrive in moist conditions.
4. Use room temperature water: Avoid using cold water, which can shock the plant’s roots. Room temperature water is ideal.
5. Use well-draining soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that allows excess water to drain quickly. This helps prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged and reduces the risk of root rot.

Remember, overwatering is the most common cause of problems with Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’. Therefore, it is better to underwater than overwater, and always err on the side of caution when watering.

How to prune it?

Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ does not require regular pruning. However, you may need to remove dead or damaged leaves occasionally to maintain the plant’s health and appearance. Here are some tips on how to prune Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’:

1. Identify dead or damaged leaves: Look for any leaves that have turned brown or mushy, which are signs of damage or disease.
2. Remove the damaged leaves: Gently pull the damaged leaves away from the base of the plant. If the leaves are stubborn, you can use a clean and sharp pair of scissors to snip them away.
3. Leave healthy leaves intact: Do not remove healthy leaves, as they are essential for the plant’s survival and growth.
4. Clean your tools: After pruning, make sure to clean your tools with rubbing alcohol or a solution of bleach and water. This helps prevent the spread of disease between plants.

Pruning Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ is simple, and it helps keep the plant healthy and attractive. Remember to prune only as needed, and always use clean and sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant.

How big does Sempervivum arachnoideum grow?

Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ is a low-growing succulent that forms small, tight rosettes. The rosettes typically reach a diameter of about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) and grow close to the ground, with a height of about 1 inch (2.5 cm).

Over time, Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ can form clusters of rosettes that create a mat-like appearance. While this plant does not grow very tall, its unique appearance and low-growing habit make it an attractive addition to rock gardens, succulent arrangements, and container gardens.

Which soil is the best for growing it?

Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A soil mix that is specifically formulated for cacti and succulents is ideal as it provides excellent drainage and prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged, which can cause root rot. Here are some tips on choosing the best soil for Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’:

1. Use a well-draining soil mix: A well-draining soil mix is essential for preventing root rot. You can use a pre-made cactus or succulent soil mix or make your own by mixing equal parts of coarse sand, perlite, and potting soil.
2. Avoid heavy soils: Heavy soils such as clay can become compacted and retain too much moisture, which can suffocate the plant’s roots.
3. Consider adding organic matter: You can add some organic matter such as peat moss, coconut coir, or compost to improve soil texture and water-holding capacity.
4. Use a container with drainage holes: If you are planting Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ in a container, make sure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
5. Do not use garden soil: Garden soil is not recommended for growing Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ as it is heavy, contains weed seeds, and may contain harmful pathogens.

Remember to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings and avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.

Where can I buy it?

Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ is a popular succulent that is widely available for purchase. You can buy it at your local garden center, nursery, or home improvement store that has a plant section. You can also purchase it online from reputable succulent nurseries and sellers. Some popular online plant retailers that sell Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ include:

1. Etsy
2. Mountain Crest Gardens
3. Succulent Market
4. Leaf and Clay
5. The Succulent Source

When purchasing online, make sure to read reviews and check the seller’s ratings to ensure that you are buying from a reputable source. It is also a good idea to check the plant’s shipping policies, including the temperature requirements, and consider purchasing a heat pack if necessary to ensure that your plant arrives safely.

Summary

In this post, we discussed Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’, a small succulent that is easy to grow and care for. We covered topics such as its preferred growing conditions, including soil, water, and light requirements, as well as its pruning needs. We also discussed where to buy Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’, including local garden centers and online retailers. Overall, Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Cobweb’ is a beautiful and unique succulent that can be a great addition to any garden or succulent collection.

Have a nice day!