Can you grow succulents from a seed?
Succulents are commonly propagated from cuttings, offsets, leaves, and division. Growing succulents from seed is an educational and fun way to obtain plants in larger numbers. Some succulents, such as Dudleya, Lithops, Echeveria and Cacti, are only grown from seed because it is the most practical way to propagate them. Most popular succulents propagate well from individual leaves or stem pieces. Leaf propagation works best for succulents with fleshy leaves, such as jade plants or echeveria and sempervivum rosettes.Fortunately, these adorable plants are super easy to propagate from cuttings! Succulent cuttings are often used in temporary arrangements, but they can also re-grow into rooted, long-lasting plants.Stem cuttings: Stem cuttings are the most popular method for propagating plants from cuttings. To take a stem cutting, choose a healthy stem from the parent plant and cut it just below a node. The node is where the leaves attach to the stem, and it’s where new roots will form.
How quickly do succulents grow from seed?
Slow Process Even after the seeds are collected and sown, they can take anywhere from three weeks to a year to germinate, let alone grow into full-sized succulents. Indoor succulents often thrive in bright, indirect light. For many households, this means placing the plants near a window with filtered sunlight or a sheer curtain that softens the direct rays. Jade Plants and String of Pearls are examples of succulents that do well in bright, indirect light conditions.Succulents can typically survive several weeks to months without water, depending on the type and environment. In cooler conditions, some can go up to 3 months, but in hot weather, they may need water every 1-2 weeks. Succulents like Aloe can survive longer without water than those like Haworthia.Succulents always need some sort of potting medium to protect their roots from damage. However, they can survive up to about two weeks in the open air as long as they’re given proper care and attention.Succulents require bright, direct light for colorful, healthy growth. Ideal placement includes south-facing window sills where they receive at least 4-6 hours of light per day.Temperature and water can affect color, but one of the most influential factors is the amount of sunlight the succulent receives. Moderate light stress can bring out beautiful shades, but a succulent well outside of its preferred light conditions for a long period of time can look sickly and eventually die.
How often should I water succulent seeds?
Watering about once a week in summer and once a month in winter should do it. Water thoroughly to soak the roots and flush salts. Let soil go nearly (not completely) dry between waterings. An accidental overwatering during warm, dry weather won’t harm most succulents providing the soil is fast-draining. One of the most common issues when growing succulents is overwatering. Plants that are growing in wet conditions will have yellowing leaves as well as soft and mushy leaves and stems. Over time, leaves will drop off. The soil surface will be wet or damp to the touch and when severe you will see mold or fungus gnats.With proper care, succulents can thrive hydroponically for months or even years. However, growth may be slower than in soil, and the plant’s health will depend on consistent water changes, light exposure, and nutrient supplementation.Propagating succulents in water is possible, but it goes against the growing conditions these plants naturally prefer. For best results, start your leaves and cuttings in shallow planting trays or small containers filled with potting mix.Root Rot Root rot is a product of overwatering but can also be caused by pests or poor drainage in your pot. Succulents struggling with root rot will have roots that appear either dark brown or black, and this discoloration will eventually spread to the rest of the plant if left untreated.
Do I need to soak succulent seeds before planting?
Soaking is not a must, but we recommend that you soak your succulent seeds in warm water of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-24 hours before planting. Most seeds germinate better and faster when they are submerged in water, as water will penetrate the seed coat, making the embryos inside plump up. Challenging to Grow Succulents are known for being resilient, easy growers. Succulent seeds, however, are finicky and sensitive to small fluctuations in environmental conditions. They can be tiny and dust-like, requiring very diligent care.You don’t want those tiny seeds to blow away. The reason you wet the soil before sowing succulent seeds is so that the seeds stay in place once they reach the wet soil. Scatter the succulent seeds over the soil. Most will be so tiny, you cannot see them or feel them.Succulents have a few minor reactions to their crowded environments, most of which you won’t notice unless you planted one succulent in pot and a ton of succulents in a container next to it. It also really depends on seasons, as we’ll explain now.
What to do with succulent seed pods?
After you have your seeds harvested, you can choose to store them or plant them. If you store them, dry them off on a paper towel and place them in a dry bag in a dry place. The lack of moisture, as you probably guessed, is vital to keeping the seeds in a dormant state. Seeds can be stored in sealed containers, plastic bags, and wax or paper envelopes. When seeds are stored in sealed containers, ensure that moisture is not trapped within the container; if you see condensation forming inside the jar or container, you may have issues.Ziplock bags, freezer bags and other plastic containers are also great options. If you are planning on keeping your seeds in their paper envelopes for organization, it is especially important to keep them dry as the paper of the envelope can absorb water and impart that to the seeds.Container – large enough to hold all the seeds you found, plus any you know you’ll order/collect this season. Plastic, metal, or tempered glass work well. Envelopes or paper bags for individual seeds – avoid plastic as it could trap moisture.
Do you water succulents from the top or bottom?
Although other watering methods are easier, bottom watering your succulents at least once a month has a lot of advantages. Plus, it is an excellent way to prevent common problems to occur, especially to plants that are not often transplanted. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch, usually every 7-10 days in spring and summer, and reduce to every 4-6 weeks in fall and winter. Remember to water at the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves to prevent rot, and adjust this guideline based on your environment and the specific needs of your succulent.Monitor the soil moisture to ensure it dries between waterings. Outdoor Succulents: In warm, dry climates, water every 5 to 7 days. In cooler or more humid conditions, water every 2 to 3 weeks.Succulents always need some sort of potting medium to protect their roots from damage. However, they can survive up to about two weeks in the open air as long as they’re given proper care and attention.PRO TIP: DO NOT water your succulents immediately after repotting! Give them at least 5 to 7 days to acclimate to the new growing conditions and to prevent root rot. Water them thoroughly after a week and do not water again until the soil is 80- 90% dry.
What does an overwatered succulent look like?
The first sign of overwatering that you should watch out for is discoloration and change in the leaves form. You’ll see that the leaves will start to become yellow or pale (starting from the bottom), soft, and squishy. If you know that your succulent is well watered but the leaves are turning yellow, feel mushy and swollen, then most likely you have overwatered it. But if you know that you haven’t watered your plant for a while, but the leaves are turning yellow and at the same time shriveling and wilting, then they are underwatered.