Are you growing them indoors? These are remarkably hardy little plants and will survive outside with ease in zone 7 - many species are fully hardy to zone 4. If the soil is freely draining, then it's pretty hard to overwater them - heaven know's they are subjected to some pretty damp conditions here in the PNW, specially during our wet winters, but don't mind it a bit as long as the soil drains well. And I grow mine in regular garden soil or in standard potting soil if in containers - no cactus mix. Lack of water with succulents often results in spongy looking, flacid foliage. I'd think that was more likely the problem.

If you don't grow them outside, I'd certainly recommend it. Conditions are more to their liking and they will receive better light. Only the very tender, semi-tropical forms of these are typically used as houseplants.

Oh drat, I'm sure the poor things have been dying for water then. I have had them indoors, although I recently moved the two bowls containing most of the struggling ones outside to see if that would help. But I was so paranoid of overwatering, I put them under the eaves when it rained. I was assuming the cacti & succulent mix would drain well, but maybe I'll change that too. At least they're in terracotta bowls w- drainage holes.

The ones that are still indoors are right next to large east-facing windows, which I open on all nice mornings. They all seem happy, probably will be even happier when I water a bit more frequently! We are planning to add a deck soon and then they will all go outside.
Thank you for your help!

Check out the 'tips' section on Squaw Mountain Gardens web site (link below). You many need a more free flowing soil as they suggest adding fine bark, peat moss, and pumice. I agree that they are much easier to grow outside and it is difficult to get the right conditions inside.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tips on Squaw Mountain Gardens

Many of the sempervivums that are hardy to your zone require a cold dormant period to maintain vitality. If your plant is of the hardy type, they appreciate the cold rest in winter. I try to keep mine out of the winter wind & just throw a shovel of snow on them occasionally, so they don't grow completely dry all winter. The hardy varieties are alpine plants that will thrive on neglect. I have many rocks in my garden that retain a little mulch or leaf duff. I simply put a plant or two on the leaf duff & forget about it. Occasionally, I'll splash a little water on them. I currently have several colonies growing on pure rock or pieces of wood. If you would like a picture, send an e-mail. Those plants that cling to life on rocks become extreme dwarfs, some actually smaller than peppercorns at maturity.

Al

Sedum37, Al, thank you for the tips. Squaw Mountain does have a very helpful website. I think the soil I've got them in is okay--it seems to drain very fast, probably partly due to the terracotta containers. Al, I will have to dig out my order sheet and look to see how hardy the varieties I have are. I have put one container outside in my garden now, and they are thriving. I haven't yet transplanted them to our clay soil, which they may not like so much even though I've amended it quite a bit. I'll email you for a pic of your's, I'm curious to see the little ones.

I believe my semps are recovering with more water. Here are some pics of them in their containers (taken on a cloudy day, so they don't do them total justice). The first pic is the ones that were particularly struggling. On the little hen in the upper left, you can see a few new chicks (i think) that are forming now on one of the roots.
Thanks again

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