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Sempervivum 'Sopa' is a rare cold hardy succulent from the houseleek family, native to the mountainous regions of Europe where it grows naturally in rocky alpine conditions. This drought tolerant rosette succulent has adapted to harsh mountain climates and suits collectors seeking hardy outdoor plants.
Sopa forms tight, symmetrical rosettes with thick, fleshy leaves that shift color through the seasons. The rosettes cluster together in a classic hens and chicks pattern, creating dense mats of growth. Each rosette features pointed leaf tips and smooth, waxy surfaces that help it retain moisture in challenging conditions.
It produces tall flower spikes with star-shaped blooms during summer months, typically in pink or white. After flowering, the main rosette completes its lifecycle while numerous offsets continue the colony. Sopa tolerates dry heated air indoors and handles balcony wind and rain well when grown outdoors.
This cold hardy plant excels in rock gardens, containers, and alpine collections. You can leave it up to ten days without water. It can move outside for summer and stay outdoors through autumn and winter in USDA zones 3-9. Sopa is pet friendly, safe for both cats and dogs.
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Sempervivum 'Sopa' grows well in partial sun to full sun but scorches in direct south-facing windows indoors.
Water it every 7-10 days during the growing season, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings.
Sopa does best in well-draining soil with added perlite, sand, or pumice for optimal drainage.
It prefers temperatures from 20-85°F and survives frost down to 10°F.
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Sopa grows slowly and rarely needs fertilizer, producing offsets steadily throughout the growing season.
It is hardy in USDA zones 3-9 and tolerates frost temperatures down to 10°F. It grows outdoors year-round across Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. It also grows well in warmer zones through zone 9, including parts of California, Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
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Q: How often should I water Sempervivum 'Sopa'?
A: During the growing season, water every 7-10 days and allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering in winter months.
Q: Is it safe for pets?
A: Sempervivum 'Sopa' is non-toxic and completely safe for cats and dogs.
Q: What window placement works best for Sopa indoors?
A: East or west-facing windows provide bright light without scorching. Avoid direct south-facing windows where intense afternoon sun can burn the leaves.
Q: How cold hardy is it?
A: Sopa survives temperatures down to 10°F and stays outdoors year-round in USDA zones 3-9.
Q: How fast does Sopa spread?
A: It grows slowly but steadily produces offsets throughout the growing season, forming attractive clustering colonies over time.
Q: Can it survive being left alone for a week or two?
A: It can go up to ten days without water.
