Houseleeks, commonly known as “hen and chicks,” are a hardy succulent that thrives indoors in containers or outdoors in a sunny, well drained location. Derived from the Anglo-Saxon word for plant, leac, houseleeks are literally “houseplants” and earned their name from rooting on the roofs of houses.
“According to legend, houseleeks were a gift to humans from the god Jupiter for protections from lightning, thunder, fire, and witchcraft. The Romans planted courtyards with pots of houseleeks and Charlemagne ordered them planted on the roofs to protect imperial goods and estates. They were also planted to help hold roof slates in place. Houseleeks is also an ancient medicinal herb, with uses similar to aloe vera,” says Susan Betz in Herbal Houseplants. She suggests using a cactus potting mix for cultivation, providing direct sunlight if available, watering only as needed and never allowing the plant to sit in water.
Today, the houseleek is almost exclusively grown as a decorative plant indoors and out, not for any medicinal use or flavor.
