Q.Hens and Chicks
Suddenly, a five- or six-inch growth has happened to my hens and chicks plant, which is growing up from the plant. Should I break this growth off or let it continue growing?

It sounds like it's getting ready to flower. The mother plant will die off after four to six years and should be removed. The plants produce a flower when mature, sending up a single stalk from 2 to 8 inches tall with a cluster of star-shaped flower buds. These should be pulled off the plant when they expire.