Growing succulents from seed can be a rewarding way to expand your plant collection without breaking the bank. The tiny seeds might not look like much at first, but with patience and proper care, they transform into beautiful, unique plants that you’ve nurtured from day one.
Many folks don’t realize that these water-storing wonders can be started from seed right at home. While it takes longer than buying established plants, there’s something special about watching your seedlings develop their characteristic plump leaves and distinctive shapes.
I’ve tried both methods over the years and found that while most succulents do well from seed with basic care, a few stubborn types are best purchased as grown plants. Let’s look at which ones fall into each category so you can plan your collection accordingly.
1. Echeveria
The rosette-shaped beauties are perfect for beginner seed-growers. Their seeds germinate relatively quickly, usually within 2-3 weeks when kept in warm conditions with bright, indirect light.
Starting Echeverias from seed lets you access varieties that might be hard to find in stores. I planted a mixed packet last year and ended up with five different color variations!
Keep the soil barely moist until germination, then gradually reduce watering as they develop. Young Echeverias will reach a decent size within a year, showing their characteristic color and form much earlier than many other seed-grown succulents.
2. Sempervivum (Hens And Chicks)
These hardy little plants sprout readily from seed and grow at a surprisingly quick pace. Their name means “always alive,” and they certainly live up to it with their resilient nature.
When starting Sempervivum seeds, use a well-draining soil mix and keep it lightly damp. They germinate within 2-3 weeks when kept in bright conditions.
The baby plants form tight rosettes early on, making them identifiable even when tiny. While they also reproduce by offsets (the “chicks”), growing from seed offers greater variety and the fun of watching them develop their unique colors and textures from scratch.
3. Sedum
From groundcovers to upright varieties, Sedums are among the easiest succulents to grow from seed. Their seeds are tiny but mighty, often germinating in just a week under ideal conditions.
Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil rather than burying them, as they need light to germinate. A light misting keeps them in place without washing them away.
I’ve found that Sedum seedlings grow quickly once established, reaching transplant size within a few months. Their early growth looks like miniature versions of the adult plants, with characteristic leaf shapes appearing early in development.
4. Lithops (Living Stones)
Growing these strange pebble-like plants from seed is surprisingly straightforward, though they develop slowly. The seeds are dust-like, so mix them with fine sand for easier sowing.
Patience is key here—Lithops may take up to three weeks to germinate and several years to reach maturity. The seedlings look like tiny green dots at first, gradually developing their distinctive split appearance.
Mist rather than water these delicate seedlings, and provide bright light without direct sun. Watching them slowly transform from specks to stone-like plants is a fascinating process that’s worth the wait for any succulent enthusiast.
5. Crassula
The Crassula family includes the popular jade plant and many other varieties that grow well from seed. Their seeds germinate within 1-2 weeks when kept in warm, bright conditions.
These little powerhouses develop quickly compared to other succulents. Within a few months, you’ll see the characteristic leaf patterns forming that make each Crassula species unique.
Use a seed-starting mix that drains well but retains some moisture. Once seedlings have several sets of true leaves, they can handle the drier conditions that mature succulents prefer. I’ve grown Crassula ovata from seed, and by year two, they already looked like miniature jade trees!
6. Aloe
While we usually think of propagating aloe from offsets, many species grow wonderfully from seed. The seeds are larger than those of many succulents, making them easier to handle for beginners.
Germination typically occurs within 2-4 weeks in warm conditions. The seedlings look like tiny green spikes at first, gradually developing their characteristic fleshy leaves.
Keep young aloe seedlings in bright indirect light until they develop some size. I started Aloe vera from seed three years ago, and while it took time, the plants are now robust enough to harvest leaves occasionally for their soothing gel.
7. Haworthia
These window-leaved gems germinate readily from seed, though they develop at a leisurely pace. Their seeds are small but viable for years when stored properly.
Sprinkle Haworthia seeds on moist soil and cover with a thin layer of fine grit. They typically sprout within 10-14 days when kept warm and bright.
The baby plants form their characteristic rosette pattern early, though the transparent “windows” that make them so distinctive develop more clearly as they mature. Growing Haworthias from seed lets you experience the full transformation of these architectural plants from their humble beginnings.
8. Gasteria
These tongue-shaped succulents have relatively large seeds that germinate reliably, making them great for beginners. They typically sprout within 2-3 weeks when kept in warm, bright conditions.
Baby Gasterias look nothing like their mature counterparts at first. They start as single leaves that gradually develop into the characteristic distichous (two-ranked) growth pattern as they mature.
Use a well-draining soil mix and keep it lightly moist until seedlings establish. These tough little plants grow slowly but steadily, developing their distinctive spotted patterns and tongue-like leaves over time.
9. Senecio
From string of pearls to blue chalk sticks, the Senecio genus contains many seed-friendly succulents. Their seeds germinate quickly, often within 7-10 days under warm conditions.
The seedlings develop their characteristic shapes early on. String of pearls seedlings, for example, start forming their round beads within months of germination.
Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil barely moist for best results. I started Senecio mandraliscae (blue chalk sticks) from seed two years ago, and they’ve already formed impressive blue-gray clumps that look just like their parent plants.
10. Graptopetalum
These rosette-forming succulents, including the popular ghost plant, grow well from their tiny seeds. Germination typically occurs within 1-2 weeks when kept in warm conditions with bright, indirect light.
The seedlings form their characteristic rosette shape early, though their distinctive colors develop as they mature. Young plants often look green before developing the powdery bloom that gives them their ghostly appearance.
Use a well-draining soil mix and water sparingly once seedlings establish. My ghost plant seedlings reached an attractive size within a year, showing their characteristic pale lavender-gray coloration by their second summer.
11. Pachyphytum
Known for their chubby, powdery leaves, these Mexican natives grow surprisingly well from seed. The seeds germinate within 1-2 weeks when kept in bright, warm conditions.
The seedlings develop slowly at first but form their characteristic plump leaves early in development. They won’t have the same powdery coating (farina) as adults until they mature.
Keep the soil barely moist and provide good air circulation to prevent damping off. By the end of their first year, young Pachyphytums will already show their distinctive chunky leaf shape, though they’ll continue to get more impressive with age.
12. Fenestraria (Baby Toes)
These window-topped succulents germinate readily from their tiny seeds, though they develop at a moderate pace. Their seeds typically sprout within 1-2 weeks in warm conditions.
The seedlings look like small green tubes from the start, with the characteristic transparent tips appearing early in development. They’re fascinating to watch grow!
Use a gritty, well-draining soil mix and provide bright light without direct sun. I started a batch of these two years ago, and watching the tiny seedlings develop their window-topped fingers has been like having a miniature alien landscape on my windowsill.
13. Cotyledon
With their interesting shapes and colors, Cotyledons make rewarding plants to grow from seed. Their seeds germinate within 1-2 weeks under warm, bright conditions.
The seedlings develop slowly but steadily, forming their characteristic leaf shapes within the first few months. Their distinctive powdery coating develops as they mature.
Use a well-draining soil mix and water sparingly once seedlings establish. I’ve found that Cotyledon orbiculata seedlings reach an attractive size within 18 months, developing their characteristic paddle-shaped leaves and powdery blue-green coloration even as young plants.
14. Agave
These architectural plants grow well from their relatively large seeds. Germination typically occurs within 1-3 weeks when kept warm and moist.
The seedlings form their characteristic rosette shape early, though they lack the impressive size and spines of mature plants. They grow steadily but patience is required—most species take years to reach their full impressive size.
Use a well-draining soil mix with added grit or perlite. While they take time to mature, growing agaves from seed allows you to watch their complete transformation from tiny green sprouts to the magnificent statement plants they’ll eventually become.
15. Aeonium
These tree-like succulents with their dramatic rosettes can be challenging to grow from seed. Germination is slow and unpredictable, often taking several weeks to months.
Even when successfully germinated, Aeoniums grow excruciatingly slowly from seed. It can take 3-5 years before they develop their characteristic branching structure and impressive rosettes.
They’re also particular about temperature, preferring cool conditions that can be difficult to maintain. For these reasons, it’s much more practical to propagate Aeoniums from cuttings or purchase established plants that already display their distinctive form and coloration.
16. Cephalocereus senilis (Old Man Cactus)
The iconic white-haired cactus looks nothing like its mature self when grown from seed. Seedlings lack the distinctive hairy covering that gives this plant its charm and character.
Growth from seed is painfully slow, with plants taking decades to develop their impressive columnar form and full coat of white hairs. Young plants are also particularly susceptible to rot if overwatered.
For these reasons, purchasing a small established plant is far more satisfying. You’ll get to enjoy the characteristic woolly appearance immediately, rather than waiting years for seedlings to develop this defining feature.
17. Ariocarpus (Living Rock Cactus)
These highly prized collector’s cacti grow at an excruciatingly slow pace from seed. Germination itself isn’t particularly difficult, but subsequent development tests even the most patient gardeners.
Seedlings can take decades to reach maturity and develop their characteristic stone-like appearance. They’re also extremely sensitive to overwatering and improper soil conditions during their lengthy juvenile period.
Given their protected status in the wild and slow growth rate, purchasing a legally propagated specimen is the practical choice. This allows you to enjoy their unique form immediately while supporting ethical propagation efforts rather than waiting a lifetime for seed-grown plants to mature.