Q: I’ve talked with several gardeners and none have seen a Hens & Chicks bloom. This plant is over 10 years old.

A: Hubba-hubba! You’ve done very well!

Most succulents, particularly those kept as houseplants, bloom reluctantly. I think the explanation is that most are tropical in origin and they don’t get enough light indoors. Another related explanation is that the amount of light they get at certain times of the years can also affect flowering.

If you keep a succulent outdoors in summer but bring it into lower light in winter, when it normally wants to flower, the whole process is short-circuited.