Last Updated on July 30, 2022 by Guillermina
Find out how to start succulent seeds and expand your collection. With a little bit of time and effort, you can have the real heaven on earth that everyone dreams of.
They are beautiful, trendy, and diverse, and require very little of your attention and maintenance. Have you noticed that succulents have been experiencing their 5 minutes of fame lately? There is almost no person who does not own at least one of these beauties.
Is there any better way to spread the succulent love than to learn how to start succulent seeds? – Probably not. It’s a great way to save money, and it also gives you the opportunity to introduce some new, rare species that are hard to find as an adult, established plants.
Are you in the mood to learn new material? Great! Then, settle down comfortably and learn how to start succulent seeds.
How To Start Succulent Seeds
Did you know that growing cacti and succulents from seed is a very similar process? Two things are very important; to monitor carefully and research well at what time a particular variety germinates to make sure you aren’t removing them from the growing soil too early. Now let’s get to the point, let us explain to you how to start succulent seeds.
Material needed:
- Planting trays
- Sand, pumice, or perlite
- Potting soil
- Succulent or cactus seeds
- Toothpick
- Clear lid or plastic wrap
Seed Selection & Purchase
Truth be told, this step is the one you need to invest the most time and effort into. Why? Because only that guarantees that you will eventually get the succulent you want to have. Furthermore, consider germination time and climate to make sure you can provide your seeds with everything they need to germinate.
Lastly, be sure to get seeds from a reputable seed seller. You may not even be aware of it, but there are thousands of illegal suppliers around you.
Growing Medium
The market is flooded with various growing media and experts’ opinions on which one is ideal vary. Accordingly, some experts recommend using exclusively horticultural sand, while others, on the other hand, recommend using a mix of potting soil and sharp sand, pumice, or perlite. Furthermore, the amount and ratio depend on the size of the pot.
We will reveal a secret to you, taught by previous experience, we are convinced that a half-and-half mix of coarsely sifted potting soil and sand or perlite works well for most varieties of succulents. Give it a try and let us know your impressions.
Planting Process
We have now come to the main part of this article, that is, the concrete answer to the question “how to start succulent seeds”. Well, let’s go.
The first thing to keep in mind is that succulent seeds are extremely small, so you’ll want to take this step in a sheltered area to make sure the wind doesn’t blow them away. Moisten the soil surface and carefully spread the small seeds on the surface, but be careful to leave a little space between them. You can even use a toothpick to make the process easier. If you use a tray with cells, one to three seeds per cell should work well. The seeds don’t need to be covered with an additional layer of soil.
If you are thinking of planting more than one type of succulents at a time, it would be best to separate each type into separate trays. Not every seed will germinate at the same time (depending on the species) so by separating, you will actually make your job easier because you will be 100% sure that you provide your little seeds with an appropriate amount of sunlight and water depending on their growth stages.
Finally, when you are done, cover your tray (s) with a clear lid or plastic wrap and place it in a sunny location with the appropriate light level. As for some basic conditions that will suit most types of succulents, make sure the temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, water in moderation, and don’t forget to open the lid twice a day to keep the air moving. If you’re using a plastic wrap the best option is to poke a few ventilation holes.
Click here and learn more about the succulent planting process as well as basic care and maintenance tips.
To Wrap Things Up: How To Start Succulent Seeds
Truth be told, doing this task is very simple when you have an idea of what you are doing. The most important thing you need to do is to inquire well about what varieties you have to provide them with the best care.
Do you have any tips on how to start succulent seeds? Have you tried any special methods and what are your experiences? Let us know in the comment section below.
Related article: Are West-Facing Windows Good For Plants?
FAQ’s
Is It Hard To Plant Succulent Seeds?
Fear not, it is not at all difficult to plant succulent seeds, all you need are the right materials and a little bit of patience.
Can You Propagate Succulents?
Yes, you can propagate succulents. You can do it from leaves or cuttings.
How Do You Sprout Succulents?
Here are 4 basic steps to sprout succulents:
Step # 1: cut the heads
Step # 2: pluck the leaves
Step # 3: arrange and water
Step # 4: transfer the cuttings and leaves to the pots
How Do You Germinate Succulent Seeds In Water?
Interestingly, these plants can be killed by excessive watering, and yet they can be trained to grow in water. Experts generally recommend starting with offshoots rather than with seeds or cuttings. The most important thing you need to do is let the offshoot callus, and then leave it in an empty tray for the next few days.
The next step is to put the offshoot on the rim of a vessel of water in a well-sunlit place, however, make sure that the callused end must be just above the water, without any kind of touching. Expect the magic in a few days.
