Growing Succulents from Seeds: Easy Steps for Lush Plants

Succulents come in a wide variety of shapes and colors, catering to the diverse needs of gardeners. Most people usually buy young plants instead of starting from seeds. But is growing succulents from seeds really that difficult? Let’s explore the details with Green Sedum in the article below!

>>> Read more: Easy Steps on How to Propagate Succulents at Home 

1. Preparation Steps

1.1. Purchase Quality Seeds

To ensure your succulents from seeds grow well and are less prone to pests, it’s best to buy seeds from reputable nurseries. This reduces the amount of care needed. One trusted seed supplier is Studio Walawala on Etsy, offering a wide range of seeds, including rare species, with top-notch quality. Additionally, there are many other reliable sellers on Amazon and Etsy. Before sowing, it’s recommended to treat the seeds with warm water to enhance germination. The process is as follows:

• Mix soaking water at a ratio of 2 parts hot water to 3 parts cold water.
• Soak the seeds for about 10 to 15 hours. For very tiny seeds, you can sow them directly into the soil without soaking.

1.2. Planters

When selecting planters for sowing succulent seeds, the crucial factor isn’t the size of the pot, but rather the quantity of seeds you intend to sow and the space available for the planter. If sowing numerous seeds, opt for a wide planter to allow sufficient space for seed growth.

To ensure optimal growth of succulents, choose planters with drainage holes. This facilitates easy water drainage, preventing waterlogging that could damage the seeds.

Here are a few planter suggestions that I frequently use:

• Air-o Light (planter with integrated grow light)
• Seedling tray

1.3. Planting Medium

The planting medium is extremely vital when sowing succulent seeds. The soil should be nutrient-rich, well-draining, and conducive to healthy plant growth.

Below are two soil mixing formulas that I often utilize:

• Mix 1 part soil with sand, 1 part coconut coir, and 1 part sawdust.
• Combine 1 part sand, 1 part soil, 5 parts compost or peat moss, 1 part manure, 1 part recycled charcoal fines, and 1 part microbial inoculant.

Another option is Substratum Jack, a specialized soil mix designed for succulents. You can learn more about this soil type here.

2. Steps for Planting Succulents from Seeds

Today, I’ll walk you through the detailed and easy-to-understand process of planting succulents from seeds. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Planting Medium

First, fill the pot with the pre-mixed soil, ensuring that it fills about ¾ of the pot’s height.

Step 2: Sow the Seeds

Use tweezers to gently and carefully sow each succulent seed.

Sow the seeds evenly, maintaining adequate spacing between them to allow room for root development.

Step 3: Cover with Soil

After sowing the seeds, cover the surface with a thin layer of soil.

Step 4: Watering

Water sufficiently to provide moisture to the soil, aiding seed germination. Maintain moisture if the soil appears dry.

Note: Avoid overwatering to prevent dampness, waterlogging, and seed death.

Step 5: Placement of the Planter

Place the planter in an area with gentle sunlight, avoiding harsh sunlight or areas with no light. Also, avoid damp areas.

Step 6: Care and Plant Separation

After about 7 to 10 days, succulent seeds will begin to germinate.

When the seedlings reach a size of 2 to 3 cm, transplant them into separate small pots. Carefully transfer the seedlings to the new pots, fill soil around the roots, and lightly compact the soil to stabilize the plant.

When getting involved in purchasing numerous affordable succulents and being willing to wait for a period, succulent seeds are an excellent choice! However, they require careful care.

3. Caring for Succulents from Seeds

Light and Temperature

When succulents are newly sprouted, they are small and should be placed in a cool, lightly sunny spot.

As the succulents grow stronger, you can place them outdoors for 6 to 7 hours each day.

Watering

Succulents prefer dry conditions, so avoid overwatering.

Water twice a week during hot weather and only once a week during rainy days.

Always water at the base of the plant, avoiding watering the leaves to prevent water stagnation and leaf rot.

Nutrition

Succulents do not require much nutrition to grow and thrive.

For optimal growth, you can mix fertilizer into the soil, use soluble fertilizer in water, or apply foliar fertilizer monthly.

Replace the soil annually to replenish nutrients for the plant.

Repotting

When repotting succulent seedlings, there are several important steps to ensure the plants grow healthy.

Most succulent seedlings should be planted in pots for six months to a year before transferring to larger pots. Depending on the species, you can usually repot when the plant is about 5 cm tall with well-developed roots.

If using a covered planter, open the lid for a few days once a month during the first month to provide fresh air for the plants, but do not leave it open for too long. After the first month, permanently remove the lid to ensure the seedlings have enough air.

After repotting, gradually water the seedlings to help them adapt to the watering cycle and promote strong root development.

Fungus Treatment

If you notice mold beginning to grow on the moist soil when sowing seeds, improve air circulation immediately, as prolonged water stagnation creates conditions for mold growth. To treat mold, you can spray isopropyl alcohol on the soil surface. This will kill the mold without harming the succulent seedlings.

Properly caring for succulents will help them grow healthy and beautiful. I hope these guidelines will help you have flourishing succulent pots!

>>> Find out more:

• How to Safely Remove Succulent Pups: A Quick Guide
• 11 Succulents Easy to Propagate from Cuttings and Leaves