Omari Gates
Succulents are a great way to add some greenery to your space, and Australia's climate is perfect for many types of these plants to thrive. While leaf cuttings are the fastest way to propagate succulents, growing them from seeds is an exciting and rewarding experience. It is a time-consuming process with a lower success rate than propagation, but it is a cheap way to add a lot of beautiful new plants to your collection. Before you begin, it is important to buy seeds from a reliable seller to guarantee quality and ensure you get the exact succulent you want. Once you have your seeds, you will need a container, a growing medium such as coarse sand or well-draining soil, and planting tools. The best temperature for succulents seeds to grow is between 15°C and 25°C, and they should be placed somewhere bright with no direct sunlight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate suitability | Check if the seed thrives in your local weather conditions. Some seeds do better in dry climates, while others prefer more humidity. |
| Seed freshness | Fresh seeds have higher germination rates. |
| Germination time | Germination will usually occur in a few days to weeks, while stragglers may take months. |
| Plant size and growth habits | Consider how big the plant will get and how fast it grows. |
| Container | You'll need a container to grow your seeds. |
| Soil | Use a soil that will work for your succulents even when they are fully grown. |
| Fertiliser | A twelve-month slow-release all-purpose fertiliser may be mixed into the soil before sowing the seeds. |
| Temperature | The best temperature for succulent seeds to grow is between 15°C and 25°C. |
| Light | Succulent seeds need light to germinate. Do not put them under direct sunlight. |
| Watering | Succulent seeds need regular watering to germinate. Use a spray bottle or water from below. |
| Airflow | Once sprouts appear, ensure your seeds have plenty of airflow. |
| Storage | Seeds need to be stored in a completely dry environment. |
| Seed distribution | To ensure an even seed distribution, mix the dry seeds with fine dry river sand and then sprinkle this mixture evenly. |
| Seed handling | Succulent seeds are extremely tiny, so be careful when handling them. Collect them with clean, sterilised fingers, or use a toothpick. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a seed variety
Climate Suitability
Check if the seed variety you choose thrives in your local weather conditions. Some succulent seeds prefer dry climates, while others do better in more humid environments. Australia's climate offers a perfect environment for many types of succulents to thrive, but it's important to select the right seeds for your specific region.
Seed Freshness
Fresh seeds generally have higher germination rates. Look for sellers that provide information on when the seeds were harvested. The germination rate is important to consider as it affects how likely the seeds are to sprout and grow into healthy plants.
Germination Time
Understand how long it typically takes for the seeds to sprout. Some varieties take longer than others, so patience is key. Succulent seeds can take anywhere from a few days to weeks or even months to germinate, so be sure to choose a variety that aligns with your expectations and gardening goals.
Plant Size and Growth Habits
Consider the eventual size of the succulent plant and how quickly it grows. Some succulents remain small and compact, while others can grow quite large. Choose a variety that fits the space you have available and aligns with your desired growth rate.
Soil and Water Requirements
Different succulent seed varieties have specific soil and water requirements. Some prefer well-drained and porous soil, while others may do well in a soilless medium like coconut coir. Additionally, some succulents require more frequent watering than others, so be sure to choose a variety that aligns with your ability to provide the necessary care.
Light Conditions
Succulent seeds need light to germinate, but direct sunlight can be harmful. Choose a seed variety that specifies the amount of light it requires and whether it prefers sunny spots or shade. This will help you provide the optimal light conditions for your seedlings.
By considering these factors when choosing a seed variety, you can set your garden up for success and create an environment that is conducive to the healthy growth of your succulents.
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Preparing the growing environment
Choose a Suitable Location
Select a bright and well-lit area for your succulent seeds, but avoid direct sunlight. While succulents require ample light, direct sun exposure can be detrimental to the germination process. A windowsill or greenhouse environment can provide the necessary light while offering protection from the sun's direct rays.
Select the Right Container and Growing Medium
You will need a shallow tray with drainage holes. Plastic trays are commonly used, and you can find seed starter trays with humidity-vented domes in most gardening stores. These trays are designed to optimise airflow and drainage, which are crucial for successful germination. If you're using a tray, consider placing it on a larger tray with water, allowing the soil to pull up moisture from below. Additionally, choose a suitable growing medium such as coarse sand, well-draining and porous soil specifically designed for succulents, or a soilless medium like coconut coir. Ensure that your chosen medium has excellent drainage and airflow to support the healthy growth of your succulent seeds.
Prepare the Soil
Before filling your tray or container with soil, gently flatten or pat down the potting mix to create an even surface. If using a fertiliser, mix it into the soil before sowing the seeds. Be mindful that some modern potting mixes already contain fertiliser, so adjust the amount accordingly. Always use clean tools and ensure your hands are clean and sterilised to avoid any contamination.
Seed Distribution
Given the tiny size of succulent seeds, it's essential to be cautious during seed distribution. Avoid windy conditions, as even a slight breeze or a sneeze can blow the seeds away. Consider mixing the dry seeds with fine dry river sand and then sprinkling the mixture evenly over the soil surface. This technique will help you achieve a more uniform distribution.
Watering Techniques
When watering succulent seeds, use a soft, gentle spray to prevent splashing and dislodging the seeds or seedlings. Avoid excessive watering, as standing water can promote the growth of mould or fungus. Instead, maintain moisture by covering the tray with plastic wrap or a clear plastic lid with holes. Alternatively, you can create a mini-greenhouse effect by using a windowsill greenhouse kit.
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Planting the seeds
Before planting, it is important to buy seeds from a reliable seller to ensure that they are of good quality and that you receive the exact succulent you want. Authentic succulent seeds can be difficult to find, so make sure to purchase them from reputable sources with positive buyer reviews. Check the labels on the seeds to understand the plant's name and how to care for it. The labels will also indicate the conditions best for growing each plant.
Once you have your seeds, you will need a clean, shallow tray with drainage holes, a mister, and toothpicks to pick up the seeds. You can soak the seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours before planting, although this is not mandatory. Prepare your growing medium by filling your tray with coarse sand or a well-draining and porous soil made for succulents. Alternatively, you can use a soilless medium like coconut coir. Make sure your growing medium is damp so that the seeds will stick to it.
When you are ready to plant, use toothpicks to carefully place the seeds on top of the growing medium, ensuring they are spaced out enough to have room to grow. Do not cover them with soil, simply press them gently into the medium. Succulent seeds need light and regular watering to germinate, so keep the soil moist with a spray bottle or by watering from below. Covering your tray with plastic wrap or a lid with holes can help retain moisture and speed up germination.
After germination, your seedlings will need constant water until they have an established root system. Once their roots are well-established, you can slowly reduce the frequency of watering. Most succulent seedlings should be left in their original planter for six months to a year before being transplanted.
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Caring for seedlings
Succulent seedlings require careful care to ensure they grow into healthy plants. Here are some detailed tips to help you care for your succulent seedlings:
- Soil and Drainage: Succulents need well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot. Use a specific succulent or cactus soil mix, or create your own by combining potting soil with sand, pumice, or perlite. Terra-cotta pots are ideal for succulents as they are porous and improve drainage.
- Fertilizer: Succulents don't require much fertilizer, but you can provide light feedings during their growing season in spring and summer. Use a fertilizer with a relatively low nitrogen level and always follow the recommended amount on the package. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause your succulents to grow too quickly and become weak.
- Watering: When watering seedlings, use a soft, gentle spray to prevent splashing and dislodging the delicate seedlings. Avoid overwatering, as succulents prefer drier soil.
- Spacing: Large succulent seeds will produce large seedlings, so be sure to plant them with enough space to grow. If you're planting multiple seeds, you can select the healthiest seedling and remove the weaker ones around it.
- Light and Temperature: Succulents typically thrive in sunny spots, but some species prefer shade. Check the specific requirements for your succulent variety. Succulents generally prefer a warm, protected position and can tolerate full-strength sun.
- Seed Storage and Germination: Before planting, consider storing your seeds in a completely dry environment. Fresh seeds tend to have higher germination rates, so look for recently harvested seeds. Germination can take a few days to weeks, and some varieties may take longer, so be patient.
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Transplanting and repotting
There are several signs that indicate it is time to transplant or repot your succulent. If your succulent has outgrown its pot, it is time to upgrade to a larger one. If your succulent has begun to lean or topple over, it is not necessarily an indication that it needs a bigger pot, but rather a heavier one. If your succulent has grown offsets, or pups, it is a good time to repot and separate them from the mother plant.
To transplant or repot your succulent, first, prepare a new plastic or terracotta pot with well-draining soil or a succulent mix. Succulents are sensitive to moisture, so it is important to ensure the soil is not too compact and allows for adequate drainage. Before removing the succulent from its current pot, water it thoroughly a day or two in advance. To remove the succulent from its pot, turn the plant sideways and grab it at the base of the stem. Tap the bottom of the container and shake it a little. You can also use a stick or your hands to help loosen the soil before giving the stem a gentle pull. If the succulent is still stuck, you can use chopsticks to poke through the drainage holes and loosen the soil further. Alternatively, you can break the old pot by carefully hammering it.
Once the succulent has been removed from its old pot, gently place it into the new one, ensuring it is not seated too deep. After positioning the succulent, lightly mist the soil. Keeping the soil just damp, but not soaked, is crucial. Succulents thrive in bright, indirect light, so avoid placing them in direct sunlight, especially while they are rooting, as it may stress or burn them.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy seeds from online marketplaces such as Bindy.com.au, Amazon, and Etsy.
Before planting, gently flatten or pat down the potting mix to create a relatively even surface. Some sources recommend abrading the seed coat and then soaking the seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours.
Succulent seeds need light and regular watering to germinate. Use a spray bottle or water from below to keep the soil moist without disturbing the seeds. Place the seeds far enough apart to allow each seedling to grow.
The best temperature for succulents seeds to grow is between 15°C and 25°C.
Once the seeds have sprouted, ensure they receive constant water and adequate airflow. Succulent seedlings should be left in the original planter for six months to a year before being transplanted.
