Plants are a way to bring life, light, and happiness into your home. We all love them, but sometimes, they are much harder to maintain than we are ready for. There are a lot of people who try to limit their plants to one or two at the most because they think that they are going to have a hard time keeping the plants alive and that they are going to take too much time to maintain. In reality, plants are extremely easy to keep, you just need to follow a schedule.
If you want to bring this type of life in your house but if you want to start small and with things that can survive even if you forget about them for weeks, then succulents are the right thing for you. Succulents are amazing because you can find and grow them in many different sizes, there are so many different types of them, and they are just adorable. If you are interested in keeping succulents, you should know that you are going to fall in love with them and want as many as possible. In this article, we are going to give you some advice on how to grow a succulent from seed, and how to make sure it survives.
First steps
The first thing you need if you want to grow succulents is seeds. But, you don’t need just any type of seeds. You need to make sure you are buying the good kind, and preferably, something that is easier and more likely to grow. If this is your first time growing something, then you need all the odds in your favor. You can find them in a lot of online and land-based stores and it is said that the easiest varieties to grow include Echeveria, Sedum, Aloe, and Jade. You can talk to the seller to give you some recommendations if you are looking for something different.
What you need
After you get the seeds, the next thing you need is soil. Experts suggest that there are several types of soil that are of high quality and that are going to make the whole process easier, including coconut coir, and Bonsai Jack succulent soil. You can use other types of soil as well, but make sure you purchase something that is going to make this process easier. You will also need a container, and possibly a planter that has a light built-in.
How to plant them?
The next part is easy, first, you need to put the soil in the container. Don’t press too hard, leave it airy, and at the same time, make sure there is enough soil in it. Wash your hands, and clean the excess soil from the sides of the container. You should do this before you handle the seeds. Then carefully take them out of the bag, and place them on top of the soil.
Remember that the seeds are small and that you should never overcrowd a container. If it is a small container, don’t put more than one kernel. In case it is a larger one, leave enough space between the two of them. According to SucculentMarket, the succulent plants can grow in different sizes, and even though you can replant them later, it is always good to leave them enough space so that the roots can grow freely. If you are looking for something specific in size, you can contact the online store you chose, and ask them to give you a recommendation depending on your needs.
Watering and care
These plants need a lot of water to grow, so it is said that the best thing you can do is just flood the bottom of the container so that they can have constant access to it. They also need a lot of light, that is why you should choose a planter that mimics natural light. If possible, choose a container with a lid on it, that way the lid will keep the moisture trapped, and the plants won’t get dry. Note that you may need to add water every day to keep the soil moist. The temperature should be kept between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, or between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius.
When are they going to start growing?
The germination time varies depending on the variety of plants and the conditions. It should not take more than a few weeks for you to see the sprouts, and if you don’t see them after a month, chances are, your seeds are never going to grow. Once you see the sprouts you should remove the lid from the container and give them a lot of air to continue growing.
How to make sure they survive?
Once you have the sprouts and you know that the first part of the growing is done, you should continue giving your plants enough water. Until they have a stable root system, they are going to need a lot of water.
When the root system is established, you will be able to reduce the quantity of water you put in them, and they will become more self-sufficient. Note that these plants are always going to need a lot of natural light, so never keep them in a dark corner of your home. Choose a place near the windows, and continue providing a consistent temperature.
How to replant them?
You can replant your succulents after they have their root system, and you need to be extremely careful not to damage them. If possible, take the plant out along with the soil. You don’t need to remove or clean the soil when transferring them to another container.
Make sure you leave enough space in the new one and then cover the roots as well as the old soil with a new batch. Gently press down, without using too much force, and water them after a few days. They are some of the easiest plants to transplant, so you should have too much trouble doing this.
As you can see, there are not a lot of things you need to do to make sure you succeed. The only thing you need to remember is to water your seeds. Have patience, don’t rush with the replanting process, and make sure there is always enough air, water, and light until your succulents grow. If you choose a container with a lid for the first part of the process, always poke holes in it so the plants get enough air. For any questions you may have, you can contact the store where you purchased the kernels, or talk to a professional
