Hello,
I was trying to search for examples of sempervivum about to send up a flower stalk and I didn't see many. I read in a couple places that one could try saving a semp from blooming by cutting off the bloom stalk as soon as it shows signs of producing a bloom stalk. However, being newer to semp gardening, I'm not positive about a semp beginning to send up a stalk. I did happen to see a couple stalks for the first time this summer (which I was unaware occured until researching), but they were obvious by the time I seen them. I had purchased the semps below in late July this year, 2 of each; Black Lotus and Pink Lotus. I planted them in a hanging basket to help ensure their survival (yes, that is chicken wire under them because of the squirrels). There's drainage holes. The bottom has styrofoam pieces and the potting mix is Miracle-Gro cactus soil mix with perlite and crushed egg shells to help with drainage and keeping it lighter. They were a little tall upon delivery (the initial planting picture is also attached), but one specifically looks taller now and has the tight leaves inside. Does this mean it's going to produce a flower stalk? Or is it just simply growing tall? If it's growing a flower stalk, then I should try to cut it down correct?
Also, could others please attached pictures of the beginning of a flower stalk for future referencing. Thanks!

Sempervivums spend their first 2 years growing dozens of offsets off the sides - they will come up under the rosetter from the main stem. In the 3rd yea in mid-summer, the center of the rosette will elongate and bloom. Cutting the flower stalk off won't prolong the plant's life but, in 2 years, you should have all sorts of offspring.

None of these look as though they will bloom right now. They may be getting less light than they would like as the colors are a little off and one seems to have stretched a bit. Generally you see incipient blooms in early summer.

Kevin

Thanks. I hope they don't bloom and grow to produce offsets. The first picture was them initially in late July. The last picture was as of yesterday, with the taller one at the bottom having the picture of it's height with my finger for scale. They get at least half a day's sun but I can try giving them more sun.

I would put some chick grit #2 or aquarium gravel around them. You will get less splash back from moisture and it will gives the roots a cooler run.

Otherwise they look healthy. When they gain in height they are generally wanting more light. It's a mild version of etiolation.

Kevin

Glad to hear you don't have semps that are bolting. I found two photos of semps a little pass the hint of flower stalk beginning to show or push up. In other words, you can see the obvious;





Suffice to say that different semps can have different looks when they begin to push out the flower stalk