Welcome to ATP and the semp forum StaticAsh!
I'm so happy we've been able to help your semp addiction grow even though we didn't know you yet!
I'll give you a few answers, but I'm sure lots of people will be by to offer advice and suggestions.
1. Large Semps - There is a specific thread dedicated to that topic here:
The thread "Semps Geeks...Need Advise on Large Semps" in
Sempervivum forum Size is determined by a lot of different factors that affect growing conditions. What might grow 6 inches for me could grow 10 inches for someone else. The better you can match their ideal growing requirements, the better chance you'll have of reaching their maximum potential. (This is pretty much includes the answer for your questions #2 also.)
3. Removing chicks from the hen will give her more room to grow without crowding, which could limit the size if the clump was too large. It will not affect the life cycle or bloom time. If the removed chicks are mature enough to survive on their own, they will reproduce just fine. If they're removed too young they may not develop roots on their own.
4. Here is a list we've complied of good on-line semp nurseries:
The thread "Succulent Nurseries" in
Sempervivum forum The inventory for many of these nurseries will continue to change as plants become available.
5. On the right hand size of each page on ATP is a list of some site features. Click on "ideas", then in the search box type in "sempervivum". That will bring up a bunch of ideas and articles with some good information on these wonderful plants.
Again, great to have you here!!
