4 Houseplants to Grow from Seeds
Though taking plant cuttings and rooting them is the most common way of propagating new houseplants, some houseplants can be grown from seeds.
By Shelley Wigglesworth
Aug 11 2022
Winter is the perfect time to get your green thumb fix by planting seeds and watching them grow. Here are four houseplants to grow from seeds, along with tips and suggestions to help them thrive.
Photo Credit : Dreamstime
4 Houseplants to Grow from Seeds
Asparagus Fern (not a true fern)
Fill a seed starter tray approximately ¾ full with a potting soil. Lightly pack the top of the soil so it is firm. Sprinkle the seeds over the tamped soil and lightly cover them with a layer of soil, about ¼ inch. Mist the soil but do not saturate, keeping the soil moist but not wet. Cover with plastic wrap to retain moisture. Place in a well lit area. When the seeds begin to germinate in approximately 3 weeks, remove the plastic wrap. When the seedlings are full with tiny leaves a few weeks later, they may be transplanted.
Teacup African Violet
These seeds are extremely tiny, resembling small specks, almost like pencil dots. Fill a seed starter tray approximately ¾ full with a seed starting potting soil mix. Lightly pack the top of the soil so it is firm. Moisten the potting mix with a spray bottle. Sprinkle the seeds on the top of the soil but do not cover with more soil. Place in a spot that receives good light. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Within 2-3 weeks the seeds will begin to sprout. It will take a few months for a seedling to begin resembling an African violet. In approximately 4 months, the teacup African violets should begin to bloom.
Cactus
Fill a seed starter tray approximately ¾ full with a cactus and succulent potting mix. Spread the cactus seed evenly over the top of the soil. And cover lightly with more mix. Cover the container with clear plastic wrap to retain moisture and warmth. Place the tray in a well-lit location. Most cactus seeds germinate within 3 weeks, but some take longer. Once tiny spines are showing on the newly grown cactus, remove the plastic wrap. Do not allow the soil to dry out. When the tiny cactus plants are about the size of a quarter they may be transplanted to other pots.
Cat Grass
Why not plant an edible treat for your feline friends to enjoy? Fill a shallow container with drainage holes ¾ full with potting soil and moisten the soil. Sprinkle seeds evenly over the surface and lightly cover the seeds with about a quarter inch of soil. Cover the container with plastic wrap and keep at room temperature in indirect sunlight. Sprouts should appear within a few days. At this point, remove the plastic wrap and move the seedlings to a well-lit area. When the grass is about 4 inches tall it is ready for your cats to nibble.
Have you ever tried growing houseplants from seeds? Share your favorites in the comment section below!
This post was first published in 2015 and has been updated.