Have you ever heard of caudiciform, or Caudex, plants? These unique plants store water in their swollen stem bases, making them perfect for those looking for low-maintenance greenery.
This unusual style of growth makes them particularly interesting to grow from seed! The sprouts look unassuming when they germinate, but as they grow, their stems gradually start to swell as the baby plants store away water and nutrients(it's pretty adorable to watch!)
While each plant has its own specific care guidelines, many caudex plants have similar care requirements:
conditions for happy caudex plants:
- soil: use a well-draining cactus & succulent potting mix(sand and rocks can help with drainage)
- light: part to full sun, most caudex varieties prefer more light
- fertilizer: fertilize 1-2 times a month during the growing season
- water: water once soil starts to dry, and keep regular waterings during the growing season, but minimal waterings during the winter months
Here are some Caudex plants you can grow from seed:
1. sinningia
Sinningia, also known as the hardy gloxinia, is a beautiful caudex plant that grows a round bulbous stem and fuzzy leaves, giving them a very distinct look!
Sinningia seeds are tiny(we're talking specks of dust) which can make them difficult to start. Make sure to use a white sheet of paper to transfer the seeds to soil, and it helps to use a planting medium that isn't too chunky(coconut fiber soil pods work great!), or the seeds may get lost in the gaps. Keep the seeds warm(>70F), moist but not waterlogged, and in a location with bright, indirect light. Look out for teeny sprouts within a few weeks!
sinningia mix seeds2. adenium obesum aka desert rose
Adenium Obesum, or desert rose, is a stunning caudex plant with colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers.
These seeds are very beginner-friendly, and usually germinate within just a few days. Sow them in a sandy, well-draining soil mix, keep them warm, moist and brightly lit away from direct sunlight. As the seedlings grow, acclimate them gradually to sunlight, so the plants can get the full sun they need.
grow desert rose seeds3. beaucarnea recurvata aka ponytail palm
Beaucarnea Recurvata, also known as the ponytail palm, is a popular caudex plant with a swollen stem and long, thin leaves that resemble a ponytail.
Plant the seeds in a well-draining, sandy soil mix, keep warm and humid and in bright, indirect light. Ponytail Palm seeds take some time to sprout, but germinate readily and aren't as finicky about their setup as other houseplant seeds! The seedlings grow slowly, so make sure they have plenty of light to keep their growth consistent.
ponytail palm seeds4. aloe
Aloe plants are well-known for their soothing gel and unique appearance. These succulents are also popular as houseplants given their minimal care requirements! Luckily, the seeds are also easy to grow.
Similar to previous seeds, aloe seeds like a moist and well-draining potting mix, high humidity, and bright and indirect sunlight(or grow lights!). Once the seedlings germinate, start acclimating them to lower humidity and as they grow larger, water more sparingly.
aloe mix seeds5. lithops
Lithops, also known as living stones, are fascinating caudex plants that mimic the appearance of rocks. The plants are relatively low maintenance that are happy in a sunny spot with minimal waterings. The seeds are tiny and take time and a particular setup to germinate.
To grow Lithops seeds, plant them in a sandy, well-draining soil mix and place them in a warm spot >70F, a humidity dome, and bright indirect sunlight(or grow lights).
lithops mix seeds6. zamia furfuracea aka cardboard palm
Many caudex plants are succulents, but not all of them! Many palms and cycads are also caudex plants, including Zamia furfuracea, aka the Cardboard Palm. Though it's commonly called the Cardboard Palm, this plant is actually a cycad, and has a swollen stem at its base.
Palm and cycad seeds have very thick shells that make them particularly difficult to germinate. To successfully germinate Zamia seeds, it's best to pre-soak them in water for 12-24 hours, then plant them in a very moist and well-draining soil mix, cover with a humidity dome, keep very warm between 75F-85F, and in bright, indirect light. These seeds also take much longer to germinate, and can take several weeks to sprout.
cardboard palm seeds
These are just some of the caudex plants you can grow from seed, there are many more out there and each is extremely unique! Hopefully this inspires you to add one or two of these awesome plants to your plant collection.
