Hens and chicks

Observed: Dry throughout. Rosettes firm, except some outer leaves.

Done: Bottom watered.

Observed: the two rosettes that were closed and rootless are now opening. A fresh root was seen emerging from the soil surface and was gently guided back down into the substrate.

Bone dry throughout. Watered 2 days ahead of the 18 day interval (last watered July 29) because of a weekend absence. Full soak, drained fully.

Tug test: slight tug on the chicks – the two that had no roots now give resistance, so they are starting to anchor. Still checking by resistance only, not lifting.

Still recovering from the dry-out, the move, and the repot. Care stage stays recovering.

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.