How to Grow Succulents from Seeds: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Succulents are popular plants that have thick, fleshy leaves or stems that store water. They come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, and they can add beauty and charm to any indoor or outdoor space. But did you know that you can grow your own succulents from seeds? Yes, you read that right. You can start your own succulent collection from scratch by sowing seeds in soil and watching them grow into beautiful plants.

In this article, we will show you how to grow succulents from seeds step by step, from choosing the right seeds and soil to watering and transplanting your seedlings. We will also share some tips and tricks to help you succeed in growing succulents from seeds. Whether you are a beginner or an expert gardener, you will find this guide useful and informative.

So, let’s get started!

How to Choose Succulent Seeds

The first step to growing succulents from seeds is to choose the right seeds. Not all succulent seeds are created equal. Some are true succulent seeds, while others are fake or hybrid seeds.

True succulent seeds are the ones that come from natural pollination of succulent plants. They are genetically diverse and can produce unique and varied offspring. They are also more likely to germinate and grow successfully.

Fake or hybrid succulent seeds are the ones that come from artificial manipulation of succulent plants. They are genetically modified and can produce uniform and unnatural offspring. They are also less likely to germinate and grow successfully.

You can tell the difference between true and fake or hybrid succulent seeds by looking at their appearance, packaging, and price.

• Appearance: True succulent seeds are usually small, black, brown, or gray in color. They have different shapes and sizes depending on the species or genus of the succulent plant. Fake or hybrid succulent seeds are usually large, colorful, or shiny in appearance. They have similar shapes and sizes regardless of the species or genus of the succulent plant.
• Packaging: True succulent seeds are usually sold in clear plastic bags or envelopes with labels that indicate the name, origin, and quantity of the seeds. Fake or hybrid succulent seeds are usually sold in colorful paper bags or envelopes with pictures that show unrealistic or exaggerated images of the plants that they claim to produce.
• Price: True succulent seeds are usually more expensive than fake or hybrid succulent seeds. This is because true succulent seeds are rare and hard to obtain, while fake or hybrid succulent seeds are mass-produced and easy to obtain.

To avoid buying fake or hybrid succulent seeds, you need to buy them from reliable sources. Some of the reliable sources to buy succulent seeds online or offline are:

• Online: You can buy true succulent seeds from reputable online sellers or websites that specialize in selling succulent seeds or plants. Some examples are Rare Plant, SuccSeed, CactusPlaza, World of Succulents, etc.
• Offline: You can buy true succulent seeds from local nurseries or garden centers that sell succulent plants or seeds. You can also buy them from fellow succulent enthusiasts or collectors who have grown their own succulents from seeds.

Once you have bought your true succulent seeds, you need to choose which varieties of succulent seeds you want to grow. There are thousands of varieties of succulents in the world, but some are easier to grow from seeds than others.

Some of the varieties of succulent seeds that are easy to grow for beginners are:

• Cacti: Cacti are a type of succulent plant that have spines or thorns. They are easy to grow from seeds because they have high germination rates and fast growth rates. Some examples of cacti that you can grow from seeds are Echinocactus, Mammillaria, Rebutia, etc.
• Echeveria: Echeveria are a genus of succulent plants that have rosette-shaped leaves and colorful flowers. They are easy to grow from seeds because they have moderate germination rates and moderate growth rates. Some examples of echeveria that you can grow from seeds are Echeveria elegans, Echeveria agavoides, Echeveria pulvinata, etc.
• Sedum: Sedum are a genus of succulent plants that have fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers. They are easy to grow from seeds because they have high germination rates and fast growth rates. Some examples of sedum that you can grow from seeds are Sedum rubrotinctum, Sedum spurium, Sedum album, etc.
• Aloe: Aloe are a genus of succulent plants that have long, pointed leaves and medicinal properties. They are easy to grow from seeds because they have moderate germination rates and moderate growth rates. Some examples of aloe that you can grow from seeds are Aloe vera, Aloe aristata, Aloe brevifolia, etc.
• Jade: Jade is a common name for Crassula ovata, a succulent plant that has thick, oval-shaped leaves and pink or white flowers. It is easy to grow from seeds because it has high germination rates and fast growth rates.

How to Prepare Succulent Soil

The second step to growing succulents from seeds is to prepare the right soil. Succulent soil is different from regular soil because it has different characteristics and requirements.

Succulent soil is a type of soil that is well-draining, well-aerated, and slightly acidic. It allows excess water to flow out quickly and prevents root rot and fungal infections. It also provides enough air circulation and oxygen for the roots and prevents compaction and suffocation. It also maintains a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0, which is ideal for most succulents.

You can either make your own succulent soil mix or buy a ready-made one. Both options have their pros and cons.

• Making your own succulent soil mix: This option gives you more control over the ingredients and the proportions of your succulent soil mix. You can customize your succulent soil mix according to your preferences and needs. However, this option requires more time, effort, and resources. You need to buy or collect the ingredients separately and mix them together in the right ratios.
• Buying a ready-made succulent soil mix: This option saves you time, effort, and resources. You can buy a ready-made succulent soil mix from online or offline sources that sell succulent supplies. However, this option gives you less control over the ingredients and the proportions of your succulent soil mix. You need to trust the quality and the suitability of the ready-made succulent soil mix for your succulents.

Whether you make your own succulent soil mix or buy a ready-made one, you need to add some ingredients to your succulent soil mix to improve its drainage, aeration, and acidity. Some of the ingredients that you can add to your succulent soil mix are:

• Sand: Sand is a loose granular substance that is composed of rock or mineral particles. It improves the drainage and the aeration of your succulent soil mix by creating spaces between the soil particles. It also lowers the pH level of your succulent soil mix by making it more acidic.
• Pumice: Pumice is a light, porous volcanic rock that can be used as a soil amendment. It improves the drainage and the aeration of your succulent soil mix by absorbing water and releasing it slowly. It also lowers the pH level of your succulent soil mix by making it more acidic.
• Perlite: Perlite is a white, volcanic glass that can be used as a soil amendment. It improves the drainage and the aeration of your succulent soil mix by creating air pockets in the soil. It also lowers the pH level of your succulent soil mix by making it more acidic.

The table below shows some examples of how to make or choose your own succulent soil mix using different ingredients:

How to Sow Succulent Seeds

The third step to growing succulents from seeds is to sow the seeds in pots. You need to choose the right time, place, and method to sow your succulent seeds.

The best time to sow succulent seeds is in spring or summer, when the temperature and the light are optimal for germination and growth. However, you can also sow succulent seeds in other seasons, as long as you provide them with artificial heat and light sources.

The best place to sow succulent seeds is indoors, where you can control the temperature and the humidity more easily. However, you can also sow succulent seeds outdoors, as long as you protect them from extreme weather conditions, such as frost, rain, or wind.

The best method to sow succulent seeds is to follow these steps:

• Fill your pots with your succulent soil mix, leaving about an inch of space from the top.
• Sprinkle your succulent seeds evenly on top of the soil, without burying them too deep or too shallow.
• Cover your succulent seeds lightly with a thin layer of soil or sand, or leave them uncovered if they are very small or dark in color.
• Label and date your pots with the name and the origin of your succulent seeds, so you can keep track of them later.
• Water your pots gently with a spray bottle or a dropper, making sure the soil is moist but not soggy.

How to Germinate Succulent Seeds

The fourth step to growing succulents from seeds is to germinate the seeds in a mini greenhouse. You need to create the right conditions for germination, such as temperature, humidity, light, and water.

Germination is the process of seeds sprouting and developing into seedlings. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks or months, depending on the type and the quality of your succulent seeds.

The optimal conditions for germination are:

• Temperature: The ideal temperature range for germination is between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C). You can use a heating mat or a heat lamp to maintain this temperature range for your pots.
• Humidity: The ideal humidity level for germination is between 70% and 80%. You can use a plastic wrap or a glass jar to cover your pots and create a mini greenhouse effect that traps moisture and heat inside.
• Light: The ideal light intensity for germination is bright but indirect. You can use a grow light or a sunny window sill to provide this light intensity for your pots. However, avoid direct sunlight or artificial light that is too strong or too weak, as it can damage or inhibit your seeds.
• Water: The ideal water amount for germination is enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. You can use a spray bottle or a dropper to water your pots every few days or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.

How to Care for Succulent Seedlings

The fifth step to growing succulents from seeds is to care for the seedlings in their pots. You need to monitor their growth and development, and provide them with proper care, such as light, water, fertilizer, and pest control.

Seedlings are young plants that have emerged from seeds. They have different stages of growth and development, such as:

• Cotyledons: Cotyledons are the first leaves that appear on the seedlings. They are usually round, flat, or oval in shape. They are not true leaves, but they serve as food storage organs for the seedlings.
• True leaves: True leaves are the second set of leaves that appear on the seedlings. They are usually more similar to the adult leaves of the succulent plant. They are true leaves, but they are still immature and delicate.
• Rosettes: Rosettes are the clusters of leaves that form on some seedlings, especially echeveria. They are usually symmetrical and circular in shape. They are true leaves, but they are still young and tender.
• Flowers: Flowers are the reproductive organs that appear on some seedlings, especially cacti. They are usually colorful and attractive in appearance. They are not leaves, but they indicate that the seedlings are mature and ready to be transplanted.

Some of the tips to care for your seedlings are:

• Remove the cover from your pots when your seedlings sprout. This will allow more air circulation and prevent mold or fungus growth.
• Adjust the light and temperature gradually for your seedlings. This will help them acclimate to their new environment and prevent shock or stress.
• Fertilize your seedlings occasionally with a diluted liquid fertilizer. This will provide them with extra nutrients and boost their growth and health.
• Prune your seedlings carefully with a sharp and sterile tool. This will remove any dead, damaged, or diseased parts and improve their shape and appearance.
• Repot your seedlings gently with a soft and clean tool. This will loosen any compacted or root-bound soil and improve their drainage and aeration.

How to Transplant Succulent Seedlings

The sixth step to growing succulents from seeds is to transplant the seedlings into bigger pots or containers. You need to choose the right time, place, and method to transplant your seedlings.

The best time to transplant your seedlings is when they are mature enough to survive on their own. This can vary depending on the type and the size of your succulent plants, but a general rule of thumb is to transplant them when they have at least four sets of true leaves or when they are about an inch in diameter.

The best place to transplant your seedlings is where they can get enough light, water, and air. This can be indoors or outdoors, depending on the season and the climate. However, you need to protect them from extreme weather conditions, such as frost, rain, or wind.

The best method to transplant your seedlings is to follow these steps:

• Prepare your new pots or containers with your succulent soil mix, leaving about an inch of space from the top.
• Remove your seedlings gently from their original pots, using a soft and clean tool such as a spoon or a fork. Try not to damage or disturb their roots too much.
• Plant your seedlings in their new pots or containers, with enough space between them. Make sure their roots are covered with soil and their leaves are above the soil level.
• Water your transplanted seedlings thoroughly with a watering can or a hose. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy.

How to Enjoy Your Succulents

The final step to growing succulents from seeds is to enjoy your succulents and display them in creative ways. You have successfully grown your own succulents from seeds, and you deserve to be proud of yourself.

You can enjoy your succulents by:

• Admiring their beauty and diversity. You can marvel at their shapes, colors, and sizes, and appreciate their uniqueness and variety.
• Learning more about them. You can research their names, origins, and characteristics, and discover more facts and stories about them.
• Sharing them with others. You can give them as gifts, trade them with friends, or sell them online or offline. You can also join online or offline communities of succulent lovers and enthusiasts.

You can display your succulents in creative ways by:

• Arranging them in different pots or containers. You can use ceramic pots, glass jars, wooden boxes, metal cans, etc. You can also decorate your pots or containers with paint, stickers, ribbons, etc.
• Grouping them in different themes or styles. You can group them by color, shape, size, or type. You can also create different themes or styles for your succulents, such as desert, tropical, fairy tale, etc.
• Placing them in different locations or settings. You can place them on windowsills, shelves, tables, desks, etc. You can also create different settings for your succulents, such as terrariums, gardens, wreaths, etc.

Conclusion

Growing succulents from seeds is a fun, rewarding, and economical way to start your own succulent collection. You can grow your own succulents from seeds by following some simple steps and tips:

• Choose true succulent seeds from reliable sources
• Prepare succulent soil mix with sand, pumice, perlite, etc.
• Sow succulent seeds in pots with soil or sand
• Germinate succulent seeds in a mini greenhouse with heat and humidity
• Care for succulent seedlings with light, water, fertilizer, etc.
• Transplant succulent seedlings into bigger pots or containers
• Enjoy your succulents and display them in creative ways

We hope this article has helped you learn how to grow succulents from seeds. Thank you for reading and happy growing!

About The Author

Samantha

I’m Samantha, a plant enthusiast who has been growing plants for years. I believe that plants can make our lives better, both physically and mentally. I started growit.wiki to share my knowledge about how to grow plants. I want to help others enjoy the beauty and benefits of plants.

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