Which Houseplants Are Seed-Startable?

Learn how to grow houseplants from seeds, including popular and recognizable ones like Monstera, Philodendron, and Desert Rose. Discover their germination level, care level, and growth. The polka dot plant, a tropical plant, is a popular choice. Other easy-to-care-for houseplants include cactus, living stones, peace lily, African violet, English ivy, Asparagus fern, gloxinia, coleus, and many herbs.

These 15 easy plants can be grown from stem or leaf cuttings, expanding your indoor garden and sharing with friends and family. Some popular houseplants include Monstera Deliciosa, Philodendron Selloum, orange spider plant, oyster plant, and madagascar jewel. Cast iron plants, citrus plants, peace lily, Chinese evergreen, spider plant, African violets, and succulents are also available.

Herbs like begonias, sprouts, ornamental banana plants, African violets, and Polka are also easy to grow from seeds. Great species to start with include cacti, coleus, windowsill chillies, and Mimosa pudica. Ferns can be grown from spores. Blue-Stem Yucca, a popular houseplant, requires little care and thrives in long-term conditions.

Cacti, living stones, peace lily, African violet, English ivy, Asparagus fern, gloxinia, coleus, and many herbs are easy to care for. Chamomile is one of the easiest seeds to germinate, as it requires only soil, water, light, and seeds.

Can you grow indoor plants from seeds?

Growing houseplants from seeds can result in stronger, healthier growth as they are adapted to your home’s unique conditions, such as light and humidity. Early seed care ensures their chances of survival are much greater than purchased counterparts. Houseplant seeds are relatively inexpensive when compared to the cost of fully grown plants, making them a rewarding hobby that can be shared with friends.

Locating houseplant seeds is not as readily available as flower and vegetable seed, so mail order catalogs and online sources are the easiest ways to secure good quality houseplant seeds. Check seed racks at local garden centers or big box stores in early spring when flower and vegetable seeds are on display. Be careful not to overorder, as houseplant seeds are tiny and require no dormancy. They should never be refrigerated and should be planted as soon as possible.

Propagating houseplant seeds involves using various container types, such as flats, small pots, or paper cups, with small holes in the bottom for drainage. Fill the containers with a lightweight growing medium, water them thoroughly, and use seed treatments to encourage germination. Experiment to find the best results by sprinkling seeds sparingly on a white sheet of paper, lightly touching the seeds, and covering them lightly with potting medium. Sow seeds three times deeper than their diameter, and some seeds, like African violets, need to be set on top and not covered.

Water the seeds carefully and keep them out of direct sunlight but keep the medium warm. Results should be visible in two to four weeks, depending on the species and your talent for growing houseplants from seeds. Growing a houseplant from seed is a slow process, but it brings great satisfaction in adorning your home and giving to friends and neighbors something you’ve grown just for them.

What are the fastest growing houseplants from seeds?

Coleus, Polka Dot Plants, Fire Flash Plant, Bridal Creeper, and Passiflora are some of the fast-growing houseplants that can be grown from seed. These plants are known for their colorful foliage and easy care requirements. Coleus are easy to germinate and can grow quickly, making them a rewarding and cost-effective way to fill your space with beautiful plants. Some popular Coleus varieties include Rainbow Coleus, Black Dragon Coleus, and Wizard Coleus.

To grow Coleus from seed, start by planting the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, and covering with a humidity dome. Place the pot in a warm spot with bright, indirect light and watch as the seeds germinate within a few days.

What is the easiest seed to grow?

The Home Garden Seed Association has ranked beans, peas, and pumpkins among the top ten easiest plants to grow from seed. Other plants included cucumbers, zinnias, cosmos, sunflowers, lettuce, radishes, and squash. Pumpkins have been successful in growing from squirrels scattering seeds after destroying the fruit, and Achillea reseeds itself around the yard. The list includes cucumbers, zinnias, cosmos, sunflowers, lettuce, radishes, and squash. The association encourages others to share their favorite plants from seed before spring arrives.

What is the slowest seed to germinate?

Lavender seeds are highly picky and require specific conditions for germination. They typically take 2 to 4 weeks to sprout, with some taking up to 90 days. Cold stratification is a helpful technique for germination, mimicking natural winter conditions. Place lavender seeds in a damp paper towel and refrigerate for 2-3 weeks before planting. Light and warmth are needed during the germination period.

Peppers, both sweet and hot, take 2-3 weeks to germinate, especially in unoptimal soil conditions. Some peppers may take up to 6 weeks. Both seeds require specific conditions for successful germination.

What are the most difficult seeds to grow?

Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ and Eryngium giganteum are difficult to germinate due to their need for long cold-moist stratification with alternating temperatures. To ensure successful germination, they should be sown outdoors in the fall, either directly in the garden or in pots kept in a cold frame or protected location. Regularly check and water the pots to maintain moisture. Experimenting with different germination methods can help determine the best method for future plantings.

Can you grow a pothos from seed?

Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is a simple and easy-to-care-for plant that can be propagated using two main methods: layering and cuttings. Proper care is required to ensure the plant parts are taken from a healthy mother plant. Propagation is a sustainable alternative to buying new plants and is not recommended for propagation from seeds as it does not flower or fruit in certain latitudes.

There is no clear preference for propagating pothos in soil or water, but it is possible to propagate it in both. Water propagation allows for the observation of root formation, and it is recommended to change the water every other day to keep it fresh. Once the roots are two to three centimetres long, the pothos is ready to plant.

What is the fastest growing plant from seed?

Gardeners eagerly anticipate the first harvest of fresh food each spring, with fast-growing seeds like radish, pak choi, and beets ready to pick in just 30 days. Plants like tomatoes, peppers, winter squash, and corn take most of the summer to mature, but some vegetables can be planted early, even before the last frost, to be ready for harvest before the summer vegetables begin to blossom.

As summer comes to an end, the garden starts to wind down, providing both satisfaction and enjoyment. Some gardeners may feel saddened by the end of the bounty, while others may find it a relief. However, there are many vegetables that can be planted at the end of summer and ready to harvest before winter. Many of the same vegetables that gave early start in the spring are the same vegetables that will close out the growing season in the fall.

Planting in the fall offers several advantages, including cooler temperatures for both the gardener and the plants, less rain, and less pest pressure. Most pests in the summer garden are past their peak levels, so insects may still be present, but not the major problems that can occur in the summer.

In summary, gardening is a labor-intensive process that provides satisfaction and enjoyment, but there are many vegetables that can be planted at the end of summer to be ready for harvest before winter.

What plants are best to start from seed?

Plants like beans, radishes, peas, cucumbers, squash, and zinnias can be started directly in the garden by visiting local nurseries. They carry a variety of seeds and should be purchased early to avoid the Covid-19 pandemic. Starting from seed is easy, but beginners should have a good light source like LED lighting. To get started, get some planting mix, flats, and containers with drainage. Save six packs from last year’s flowers and fill them with a pre-moistened mix for surface sowing. Sprinkle seeds on the mix, then press more on top to ensure good contact between seed and soil.