Earlier this year, I made it a goal to look into growing endangered plants from seeds and dispersing them by selling them on my shop. I have experience in growing rare philodendrons and anthuriums, but rare does not mean endangered in the wild. I feel like I am doing some good by growing these types of plants.
I decided to begin by looking at an endangered plants list and compare that with what seeds I could find available online. I began with the Baobab Tree and Dragon Tree. Later, I learned that there are several different types of Dragon Trees, and I discovered that the type I have is not technically officially endangered, so I do want to say that upfront!
I experimented with several different germinating tricks:
- Soaking in water
- Scarring the seed and soaking in water
- Chilling in the fridge in a wet paper towel
- Scarring the seed and chilling it in the fridge in a wet paper towel
I began this experiment on February 11, 2024. I originally meant to soak them for around 48 hours, but it ended up being around a week.
February 21, 2024, I put them all in soil.
It wasn't until March 9, 2024, that I saw any of them begin germinating. It was a Dragon Tree seedling that had been scratched and soaked in water. Throughout the months, I found that the Dragon Tree seeds germinated much more quickly than the Baobabs. It's July as I write this, and I had a Baobab germinate just about 2 weeks ago - so they can definitely take a while! If you are growing from seed, definitely don't give up on them!
March 24, 2024, 2 of the Dragon Trees were large enough to transplant into a pot. 4 total Dragon Trees had germinated by this time, no Baobabs.
It wasn't until May 1, 2024, (the day I got married!) that the first Baobab sprouted! Definitely a sign of good luck I'm sure!
Today, July 21, 2024, 6 Baobabs and 5 Dragon Trees are growing. There were one or two casualties, however. The seed covering is so thick, that I had to help a few Baobabs by taking it off after they had sprouted. I remember at least one I killed by doing this.
It's interesting how the Dragon Trees were by far the quickest to germinate, but after around 6 months, the Baobabs have won for most that germinated!
What endangered plants should I try next?