I have noticed that in most of the pictures of the chix n hens they are potted with little rocks all around them, is that better for their growth than just soil? i'm new to these types of plants but am in love with them and am trying to learn all i can about them and what helps them grow the most. i've learned how to prograte them, witch is not as easy as it shows i'm lucky if 3 out of 15 take unless i'm doing it wrong ofcourse. last summer 1 of my chix n hens grew up to a foot and a half tall i had NEVER seen one grow like that before it was pretty awsome but ofcourse it died. If anyone has suggestions or ideas i'd love to hear them. Thank you. brandi6262

Hi brani, so nice to meet you, and to NGA and the Sempervivum Forum.

There will be others chiming in to answer some of your questions.
On your question about the gravel/chicken grit, it is placed as a top dressing and under the leaves of the rosettes to keep the plant from coming in contact with the soil. In some cases the soil can cause the rosettes to rot. Remember these are alpine type plants and are used to growing in fast draining soils with lots of rocks and crushed rock content.

We would love to see photos of your semps.

Hi Brandi. Please check out our Sempervivum forum.
https://garden.org/forums/view...

Thank you for the link Karen. I neglected to do that.