Extremely frugal, true "hunger artists" and happy in almost any location as long as it is dry and sunny there: houseleeks (Sempervivum), a very species-rich family from the succulent family, are perfect for interesting decorative ideas. The small succulents can be placed wonderfully in a wide variety of planters: whether in roof tiles, wicker baskets, large shells or boxes of all kinds, the plant, which has very shallow roots, thrives almost anywhere. In this article we would like to introduce you to old roof tiles as a plant base.
Houseleek on the roof is a special kind of decoration
prepare planting
Perhaps you are renovating yourself or know someone who is re-roofing: Old roof tiles are a wonderful opportunity for individual design ideas. You can use the bricks in stacks to border beds or as planters, for example for frugal houseleeks. The small succulents do not need too much space, and they are completely satisfied with very little soil. In addition to a suitable substrate, you can also have other decorative elements ready (e.g. stones, shells… there are no limits to your imagination!).
Important: Pay attention to good drainage
The roof tile does not have to be particularly large or deep, all that is important is good drainage. It is usually recommended to drill drainage holes in any planters for houseleeks if necessary, but this will be rather difficult to do with roof tiles - the material is likely to be simply too brittle in many cases. However, you can still ensure good drainage by using only a little soil and planting many large and small stones not only as a decorative element, but also for improved water drainage.
Plant houseleeks
Planting the houseleeks is very easy:
- A layer of expanded clay (19.73€) or pebbles can be filled under the soil for drainage.
- Then fill the soil (succulent soil or your own mixture) in the roof tile.
- Plant the rosettes in the ground.
- Leave some space between the individual rosettes,
- because these will form daughter rosettes and thus dense rosette cushions over time.
- If desired, add other decorative elements (stones, shells, etc.) to the houseleeks.
- Only lightly moisten the soil.
Water the roof tiles planted in this way about once a week during the growing season, but only a little. In spring, the succulents can be supplied with little fertilizer, otherwise the pot planted in this way will remain outside during the winter.
tips
In addition to roof tiles, stones are also very suitable for planting houseleeks.