Do all plants produce seeds?


All of us at some point, whether motivated by curiosity or by a school assignment, have germinated some seed, even beans. It's an amazing thing to see how from something so small a plant can emerge that will grow and develop into an adult capable of producing fruits, flowers, and seeds.


But not all plants follow this cycle to reproduce, because depending on their species they have other means at their disposal. Believe it or not, not all plants produce seeds.

Flowers and bees: How plants reproduce

Plants are complex living beings, with a wide variety of particular characteristics depending on their species and ways of reproduction, but for practical purposes we are going to summarize them in two: sexual and asexual.


  • Sexual reproduction involves both male and female plants. The pollen that is in the stamens of male plants is transported by various means (in the feet of bees, in the wind, or with the help of insects or birds) to the interior of the flowers, which are female reproductive organs, where the seeds will be produced. Depending on the species of plant, these seeds can form in weeks, months, or years. There are some that are formed inside fruits, such as avocados, peaches and apples, for example.
  • In asexual or vegetative reproduction, pollination is not necessary. The new plant is formed by cellular mitosis and the new plants are exact copies of their parent. It is typical of non-vascular plants and can occur by spores, bulbs or by human action, which takes portions of this plant and makes the vegetative multiplication.

A classic example of plants with asexual reproduction is ferns. If you take a frond from a Boston Fern you can see small brown dots that look like seeds, but are actually the spores of the plant, which do not require pollination in order to become new plants.


We ship plants to all locations, you can see more options here.

Blue Star Fern
33.00 €
A climbing fern
Buy
Aloe
45.00 € 41.00 €
Healing and resilient
Buy

Is it possible to reproduce a seedless plant?


Almost all houseplants can reproduce without the need for seed, even if they have the ability to do so. For example, Sansevieria in its natural habitat produces white, pink or red flowers and even fruits. Indoors, it's difficult for them to develop flowers (and it takes some time), so it's more common to reproduce them using leaf cuttings. This is true for most succulents.

Cuttings are another shortcut to reproducing your plants without having to wait for the seeds to sprout. It's much simpler and faster to make a cutting from a healthy plant develop roots and grow into a new plant. As long as they have the right conditions of substrate, watering and lighting, you can create new plants with cuts made to your other plants. If you have a pothos or a pilea, you can try it with a small cut. These plants reproduce without much drama and you can give baby plants to your friends, in fact it is considered good luck and that it attracts prosperity.


About the author
Ame Rodríguez

Dedicated to creating an army of cacti, succulents, poodles and cats to help me conquer the world. In the little free time I have left, I play, write and dance.

Related articles
Learn all about houseplants that are shade hardy The perfect gift for Sant Jordi's Day: a rose bush full of love Incorporate indoor trees into your home and venture into the urban jungle in 2024 Find out how plants can be your saviors to protect your home from radiation The Chinese Money Plant: A Symbol of Prosperity and Good Fortune Bougainvillea: A Colorful, Prickly Landscaper's Dream Foolproof Techniques for Thriving Arrowhead Plant Cuttings Plants that don't need direct sun: the solution for spaces with artificial light The Power of Plants: Uncovering the Millennial Fascination with Houseplants Complete guide to choosing the right houseplant for your pet's space and needs Tips for transplanting newly purchased plants Find the best plants to survive air conditioning in summer with this handy guide Relieve stress and anxiety with the natural remedy of the Pothos plant Keep your plants shiny and healthy with natural body wash Discover how the Ficus robusta can be the perfect solution to bring your interior spaces to life Easy Propagation and Care Tips for Dracaena Marginata Plants Discover the magic of plants with pretty leaves: how to choose them and where to place them Mastering the Art of Watering Succulents Unveiling the Secrets of the Resilient ZZ Plant: A Must-Have for Every Green Enthusiast From Concrete to Oasis: The Houseplant Trend Among Millennials The secret to healthy plants: discover the power of neem oil Get ready to fall in love with Fiddle Leaf Fig care thanks to Alison Marie! Always fresh: tips for caring for plants during transport Plants that can be grown in water Bellezas exóticas: Una visión general de las diferentes especies de orquídeas The Eucalyptus tree: a versatile plant for your garden Find out how Syngonium Neon can improve the air quality in your home The best plants to decorate your kitchen Keep your pets safe with these plants: Know which are the best options! Types of Plants to Know in the Secret Gardens of Spain, France, and Italy If your orchid is growing, here are some watering tips to support its development Terrariums with tillandias: a botanical universe in your home