HOUSELEEKS

Sat Jul 01, 2006 8:57 pm

Hi all, new member hjere!
I have some Houseleek plants & want to establish a couple on my concrete tiled roof, & have no clue how to go about it...have you any ideas please?

Sat Jul 01, 2006 9:25 pm

Hi Bill Murray (not THE Bill Murray I presume!)

You'll need to find a way to keep a little gritty compost on the roof to start them off. Once they're established, they'll make their own compost by natural de-composition (is that the right word?).

The following link might help...
http://www.succulent-plant.com/sempervivum.html

Delia

Sat Jul 01, 2006 10:06 pm

I've never heard of houseleeks... but I do know those plants!

I've seen those plants labeled as "hens and chicks" here locally, and I think they are all related to Sedum? I think sedum is close to the sempervivium family- they do well in rocky areas, like tucked into the side of a mountain rock wall with just a little dirt put in.

So you grow these on your house???

Sat Jul 01, 2006 10:21 pm

Of course I'm THE Bill Murray, just not that actor feller....Sedum is the right plant, known as houseleeks I understand, for the tradition of growing on the tiles of a roof over a doorway for good luck or to ward off evil spirits etc!

Sun Jul 02, 2006 12:19 pm

hi again!
Sedum is commonly known as stonecrop, and Sempervivum is houseleek. They both belong to the genus Crassulaceae, and can both be found growing on roofs.

Delia

Sun Jul 02, 2006 2:35 pm

Delia, thanks so much for all the info...also the website which was very helpful....
Cheers
BillBill

Tue Jul 04, 2006 3:36 am

Interesting stuff.
Most I ever do with sedum is crack a dumb joke - usually when somebody new learns about sedum from me. The good part is... they usually don't forget the name after that.

Sedum? Yes I see dem, der over der!

Mon Jul 24, 2006 1:18 pm

Hi Renee
Thanks for you reply...I'm not sure I need any more, but would be interested to have a look at whats available please.
Cheers
Bill

Mon Jul 24, 2006 6:04 pm

Bill,I had never heard that adage before, I will have to plant some on my roof! I have them growing everywhere else, why not there! Sounds cool.

I love plant lore! :wink:

Val