The Nearly Impossible-To-Kill Succulent With Yellow Flowers You Can Grow In A Shoe

There are few things more fun than turning unwanted objects and household trash into unique planters for your quirky container garden. While there are plenty of thrift store finds that make great planters, one object you might not have considered using is an old shoe. Not every plant will grow well in something as small as footwear, but hens and chicks (Sempervivum spp.) are an especially good match. These nearly impossible-to-kill succulents can tolerate shallow soil, periods of dryness, and even cold weather, while some varieties reward you with delicate yellow flowers.

Hens and chicks are remarkably adorable and generally grow to less than 6 inches tall. They get their name from the cute way they spread, with many smaller offsets crowded around a larger "mother" plant. They're tough, and their shallow root systems make them well suited to unusual containers. They like drying out between waterings, so they're an excellent choice for shoes and other quirky planters that have drainage holes at the bottom. Just be sure to use a well-draining growing medium. In addition to being drought-tolerant, hens and chicks can handle the cold better than many succulents, making them a smart option for cooler climates. While they can boast a range of flower colors depending on the specific species, many have pink or yellow blooms.

Hardy in zones 4 through 8, hens and chicks are perfect garden additions as long as you provide them with the right growing media and plenty of sun. They're quite affordable to purchase as well, and you may even be able to get some for free as divisions from a friend's mature plant. When planting one in a shoe, choose a sneaker, boot, or other sturdy style with enough room for a few inches of soil. To keep these succulents happy, don't overhydrate them, but remember that container plants (including those grown in shoes) generally need watering more often than those grown in the ground. Still, let the potting mix dry out between watering sessions rather than keeping it constantly damp.

When cultivating plants like hens and chicks in small containers, remember that they aren't as hardy when not in the ground. The limited amount of soil around their roots can leave them more exposed to cold temperatures. So you may want to bring your succulents indoors for the winter if you're keeping them in a sneaker. Alternatively, you could just replant them in your garden at the end of the season. 

Additionally, don't be too disappointed if your hens and chicks don't flower. They often don't bloom until just before the older mother plant dies. Don't worry, though; some of the smaller offspring plants should continue to thrive. You can still enjoy the rosettes in your container even when they aren't flowering. The unusual shoe planter is part of the fun, after all.