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Sempervivums protecting themselves from the heat?

madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
in Plants
I collect named Sempervivums (have around 50 different ones).
In this heat I have noticed that some have started curl their outer leaves over the centre and the outer leaves going crispy and dying.I am wondering if this could be to protect the inner growing centre leaves almost like an umbrella.I have never seen this before.Not all varieties seem to do it.I do water sparingly at the moment just to keep them going.
Also some rosettes have flowered without producing offsets and because they are monocarpic (rosette dies after flowering) I have now lost a few varieties completely.
Has anyone else noticed plants doing 'strange' things to protect themselves in this heat?

“Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings

Posts

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    It's not so hot up here but I'm still getting problems with some sempervivums, although some varieties seem to be loving it and I've had more flowering spikes this year than ever before. I thought they were maybe using up their own reserves to put out more roots but I think your theory makes more sense.

    Have you tried cooling the roots on any of them at all to see if that helps? I've seen recommendations to bury the pots in damp sand but I'm reluctant as it would be harder to keep the soil moisture regulated. This year's cutting are thriving in the greenhouse under the shading though.


    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
    I'm also thinking that they may put out flower spikes for seed rather than offsets as it will be a reserve for the species if the main plant dies off.The seeds will end up in cracks etc and wait for the good times to arrive!
    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    I've never tried growing them from seed. Might be fun to try. I had a look at all mine today after you posted this and it's a really mixed bunch, some look great, others look like your pics. Even 2 similar types next to each other look different so it's tricky to say what is causing it. The cuttings all look good though. I'm really pleased with how these have turned out as they all started from tiny offsets.


    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
    They look great!
    It is strange that some varieties don't seem to be affected at all.Most of mine are in full sun for the most part.
    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
  • Alan Clark2 in LiverpoolAlan Clark2 in Liverpool Posts: 2,190
    When Semps are hungry and thirsty they produce more flowers and then die, and this year they have been very thirsty. If you feed and water them they will produce fewer flowers but more new rosettes.
  • madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
    Have now had a couple of days of rain and much cooler weather and the Semps have started opening up again!The outer leaves grew longer than normal and then closed over the top protecting the rosette in the centre.It does seem to be a strategy to help them survive this extremely long and hot dry spell.
    Here are before and after pics:-




    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
  • Mary370Mary370 Posts: 2,003
    Isn't nature wonderful
  • IamweedyIamweedy Posts: 1,364
    Mary370  Those are my thoughts as well. These plants want to live even against some dreadful conditions.
     I was amazed all the spring bulbs survived the Beast from the East as they did. Really battered down but they popped back up.
    I have a neice who was convinced her C. Jackmanii had died in the heat. I suggested she cut it back hard and water it well. I hope it works . 



    'You must have some bread with it me duck!'

  • ladygardener2ladygardener2 Posts: 371
    How wonderful indeed. 
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