Arrives healthy & gift-ready
Healthy plant or replaced free
Plant care guide included with every gift Plus live plant doctor access
Give a 3-month, 6-month, 12-month subscription
View SubscriptionSold Out
Sempervivum 'Crispyn', also called Houseleek, is a frost-tolerant succulent in the Crassulacaea family native to high-altitude regions of Europe. It forms dense rosettes of fleshy leaves and grows well in cool mountain environments where drainage is excellent and temperatures drop sharply at night. 'Crispyn' forms compact, tightly-packed rosettes that stay relatively small and develop a layered, sculptural appearance. Each rosette grows outward in a geometric spiral, creating a crisp form whether displayed as a mature specimen or a starter plant.
Small pink or red flowers emerge in summer from the center of mature rosettes, typically appearing after the plant has established for at least two to three years. Once blooming occurs, that rosette will fade, but surrounding offsets continue growing and flowering in subsequent seasons.
Move it outside for summer where it handles balcony wind and rain without damage, though it needs cover from prolonged wet weather. Can stay outdoors in autumn and tolerates dry heated air indoors during winter. You can leave it up to ten days without water. It wilts slightly when the soil is dry. Rotate 'Crispyn' regularly for even growth on all sides. 'Crispyn' grows equally well in small pots on a desk, grouped in shallow containers for a bohemian look, or nestled into rock gardens where it demonstrates excellent frost hardiness.
Sempervivum 'Crispyn' grows well in direct sun but also adapts to bright indirect light or even low-light corners.
Water it every 10-14 days during spring and summer, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. In fall and winter, water once monthly or less.
'Crispyn' does best in fast-draining cactus or succulent soil mix with added perlite to prevent rot.
It prefers temperatures between 50°F and 75°F and handles drafty spots without stress.
It is hardy in USDA zones 3-11, tolerating frost down to 20°F or lower and surviving extended freezes without protection. It grows outdoors year-round across most of the continental United States, including the Northeast, Midwest, Mountain West, and Pacific Northwest, as well as temperate areas of the South and California.
Perfect For Every Occasion: housewarming, rock garden display, wedding favor, corporate gift, plant collector gift, garden enthusiast gift
What This Plant Symbolizes: enduring life and immortality, protection and resilience, prosperity
A Thoughtful Gift For: the gardener seeking low-maintenance plants, plant lovers who appreciate hardy succulents, rock garden enthusiasts, someone starting their first plant collection
Q: How often should I water Sempervivum 'Crispyn'?
A: Stick your finger an inch into the soil; if it feels dry at that depth, water thoroughly. In spring and summer, this typically means watering every 10-14 days. Reduce to once monthly in fall and winter, or skip watering entirely if kept cold.
Q: What light does it need indoors?
A: A south or west-facing window with direct sun produces the most intense leaf color; Sempervivum 'Crispyn' also adapts to bright indirect light or low-light spots, though color may fade slightly.
Q: Can 'Crispyn' survive outdoors year-round?
A: Yes. It stays outdoors through autumn and winter in USDA zones 3 and colder, handling temperatures well below freezing without frost protection.
Q: How do I propagate it?
A: 'Crispyn' offsets form naturally around the base; detach them once they are at least half an inch across and plant in dry succulent soil to root in two to three weeks.
Q: Is Houseleek safe for cats and dogs?
A: Cats and dogs shouldn't be left to nibble or eat the plant, so keep it out of their reach.
Q: What causes yellow leaves on a Houseleek?
A: Overwatering causes the soil to remain too wet, leading to yellowing; Houseleek leaves also fade or yellow in insufficient light or when the plant is very old and approaching the end of a rosette's lifecycle.
We ship all year round, if your area is cold (under 40 degree), please consider purchasing a Heat Pack to add to your order.
