My semp is stretching quite a bit... No matter what I try, she just stretches more and more! I think it's affecting her ability to have chicks, too, because she hasn't had one for a few years now.
Do you think I should try surgery? Any suggestions for what I should do? I do put her outside sometimes, and she lives in the brightest room, but she's still stretching.

Hello Nico! What are your temperatures outside during the Spring and Summer? If it is warm enough (I see you are in zone 3) you can leave your semp outside for those seasons and then put back indoors when it is really cold. Spending most of the time in the brightest room indoors may mean there's not enough light.
If you do decide to move outside, do it gradually over few weeks so that plant can acclimate to the change.
Maybe somebody else on the forum can advise on the possibility of your semp being able to survive outside all the time. I'm not sure what very low temps semps can be hardy to.

Bev,
It is currently 71°F and very humid, although it was just recently in the 80's and 90's. I am a bit worried about moving outside, because of the humidity and the nasty bugs that seem to move in with any plants I bring outdoors for more than a few days. I'm not sure what damage they do other than nibbling on the occasional leaf, but they're pretty gross, considering the high possibility of moving back indoors.

Hey Nico welcome to the semps forum! In my attempts at growing these indoors, even in brightest window it never worked, mine did what yours is doing. If keeping indoors you may try a fan or something to increase air flow. Do you have any space to try plants in ground out doors, just curious?

Greg- I believe I have a bit of space in front of the house, so I might have to try my hand at growing them outside!
I do currently keep my semp on the porch (windows all cracked open), so I believe the air flow is alright... although it's pretty humid and miserable in there, too.

I think humidity outdoors can be a problem if it is high enough and cause rot in the semps if one doesn't provide enough drainage in the soil and ventilation of fresh air. Bugs are an everyday problem for any kind of plant and so one must just be diligent about checking for them before bringing the plant indoors.

With your frequent moving the semp in and out because of these factors, would you consider another type of succulent that is also beautiful in their rosette shape and coloring? Echeverias can be kept indoors near sunny windows and don't necessarily need to be outdoors. They are tender succulents of different sizes and coloring that survive mostly within the 45 degree and above temps and can be placed outdoor in the semi shade in warmer temps but it would not be necessary. Semps don't do well indoors and you seem to have a couple of factors outdoors that may prevent your being happy with your semps outside.

Nico are you in Maine, or Quebec or somewhere? Your high humidity in summer but cold winter temps have me curious You do have a challenge with your weather
When does your winter begin?
Next spring I'd be willing to send you plants for postage to try outside
I would even attempt it now if you think they'd have time to establish.
The plants I'd send would be unlabeled (NO ID's) I'm curious to see how they would do there

Bev- I actually love echeverias! I haven't seen many in any local stores, though. I'm going to check the two nurseries nearby this weekend once they restock, and they may have some... Thank you so much for your help, though!
The family farm has quite a bit of empty space for gardening, and has a few semps that seem to be doing very well... I might have to try my luck there with this one if things don't work out.

Thanks, Greg! I actually live in Minnesota right now. Winter starts at different times- it usually snows in October but doesn't officially start until November.
Your offer sounds really interesting, actually. However, I'm not 100% sure I can trust someone I don't know very well! I'll keep that offer in mind, though, or maybe find some nearby? If that happens, I could try to keep you updated!
Do you have a website or anything so I could order them? I'm a bit afraid because I don't know you very well, but that would definitely help your case! Thank you so much for the offer, though!

Nico, you don't know me either, but I can vouch for Greg and there's a member that we know in Minnesota that may be able to help as I know she has semps too @4susiesjoy

If you find that you can't find echeveria, I can send you a few too. And Greg @gg5 could give you links to online semp vendors, right Greg?

Hmm, I'll have to check her as well. And I really wish I could take your offers, but I'm a bit worried just in case. It's always better to err on the side of caution, I guess

Yes, do be comfortable in your decision. Hopefully the member is MN can help.

Nico no worries at all, totally understand - when I first joined this group I was trying to figure out what people wanted since everyone was so nice It took me nearly a year to realize they are just 'plant' people who want to share their joy of these plants! One thing about these plants is that when happy and healthy they propagate and so there are always plenty to share, and then once you go over the top (like I've done) they are a crazy amount of plants that keep growing! I'm just beginning to sell online, through Facebook, or on here, so don't have any way to verify who I am - in MN you can find semps though I'm pretty sure!! There are a couple online semp nurseries that I've gotten plants from
SMG succulents (smgsucculents.com)
Mountain Crest Gardens (mountaincrestgardens.com)
Both of these sell cold hardy and tender plants and are healthy and lovely!
Enjoy!

Ha ha, yes! Even I, as a beginner, have quite a few cuttings already that I'll need to get rid of soon (I'm thinking... birthday presents?) I'll be sure to check those places out, and maybe keep you posted if you'd like...? Once again, I'm going to my local nurseries again this weekend once they've restocked, so I have to contain myself

http://cubits.org/TheSemperviv...
She is in Wisconsin

Yes please do keep posted on here - I do like to hear what people are doing! If you are on FB there is a group called Planet Sempervivum and there is someone on there from Alberta CA I think, and he was wondering what people do in winter in those lower zones. I personally think these plants would do fine, especially in rockery, where it is more likely that water will drain away quickly - during the melts and refreezing periods, where the plant would be saturated for a time - this is hard on semps.

Also Nico please join us on the chat forum The thread "Sempervivum and Jovibarba chat & photos 2016" in Sempervivum forum
This link may take you to the first page of the thread - jump ahead to the 125th page (wow are we chatty!) and say hello!
Cheers

Thank you! I would love to join, and I can't wait!!! Now you've gotten me all excited, and I might not make it the day and a half until I can visit the store... Whoops I'll stop by right now, I think!

Nico it is so dangerous being on here!!! There is no hope for anyone with interest in these guys!
You can make it until your nursery outing, I hope they have great plants!!

Greg That is so true! And even while they were out of stock, they had a pretty good selection... I got a little air plant (even though I wasn't going to get anything ) I'm a little worried, though, because the cactus I bought from them a while ago had scale Nothing that can't be cured with some scrubbing.

Pests are always a potential problem I sometimes get mealy bugs on my indoor only succulents (partly because I get lazy about spraying with my alcohol solution as soon as I see something)
But I don't let them get out of control, and the plants do fine!