Hens and chicks

All four chicks look firm and plump with tight rosettes. Leaf margins well ciliated, no stretching or pale new growth yet, so light is adequate for now.

Aware the species does better outdoors and growing it indoors anyway. Plan: add a grow light, and move to the outside windowsill for winter, when cold exposure suits it and indoor light is weakest.

First water since being potted dry on July 22. Full soak, drained fully. Seven days of dry contact with the mix beforehand to encourage the detached chicks to start rooting.

Still recovering from the move. No confirmed root anchorage yet – checking by gentle resistance rather than lifting, to avoid disturbing new roots.

All 4 chicks placed into dry gritty mix in a 6cm terracotta. No watering – letting them establish contact with the soil and begin rooting on their own. Put outside on the windowsill during the day for light.

Found 4 chicks displaced from soil after heavy rain at a cottage. Taken home. Left to dry out of soil for 4 days before potting – standard approach for detached offsets.