Why Should I Grow Starter Plants?

Start Small, Grow Big: The Joy of Starter Plants

In a world where multi-gallon outdoor plants and houseplants in 6-inch pots are the norm, we often get asked why we specialize in starter plants. Beyond our love for plant propagation and nurturing young plants into thriving adults, we believe starter plants are one of the most rewarding ways to bring greenery into your home. In this article, we’ll share why starting small can lead to big growth.

An Agave 'Pixie' starter plant held by a MicroStarts team member in front of trays of Agave 'PIxie' starter plants.

What is a Starter Plant?

An example of a MicroStarts starter plant 4 pack - in this case, of Zebrina bananas. MicroStarts starter plants ship in ellepots, which promote healthy root development.

A starter plant is a young, healthy plant that has been carefully grown in a greenhouse or nursery to give it a strong start. It’s more than just a seedling - it already has roots, leaves, and the potential to grow into a full-sized plant. Most of MicroStarts’ starter plants are produced via tissue culture, a clonal process that produces true to type, disease-free plants - all grown on their own roots.

Our starter plants are grown in small plant plugs, which give them a safe, contained space to develop strong roots. Some plants are grown in special plug types like ellepots, but no matter the style, every plug casing is biodegradable and encourages natural air-pruning. This helps roots grow stronger and healthier while avoiding problems like circling or becoming root-bound.

Why Starter Plants Make Sense

A 4 pack of Melia azedarach, a flowering shade tree offered by MicroStarts. Alternatively called Persian lilac, Chinaberry tree, Bead tree, and Pride of India, this sterile variety produces beautiful flowers, but does not fruit.

Starter plants are a smart choice for your garden or home jungle - and your wallet. Whether you’re drawn to drought-tolerant succulents, vibrant houseplants, or fruit-bearing trees, starter plants give you the same genetic potential as full-grown plants, but at a fraction of the cost. For example, a mature shade tree can cost $50-$100 or more, while a healthy shade tree starter - or even multiple starters - are often under $25. That means you can try new varieties, experiment with different species, or simply get more plants for your budget.

For houseplant lovers, the advantage is even bigger. You can fill a whole windowsill with starters for the price of one mature plant, creating a lush indoor jungle that will grow alongside you.

The Joy of Watching Them Grow

An example of a mulberry starter tree. Still very small, they easily fit in the hands of MicroStarts team members - however, the tree will ultimately grow to 30-40 feet tall and become an annual fruit producer!

There’s something truly special about nurturing a plant from youth to maturity. Choosing starter plants isn’t just buying greenery - it’s starting a little journey! Watching a young fruit tree bloom for the first time, seeing a drought-tolerant plant adapt to your garden, or noticing new leaves unfurl on a houseplant is a small victory, reminding you of your care and patience.

Starting with smaller plants means more joy and victories! We love seeing plants grow from just a few inches tall into thriving, fruit-bearing trees or tropical statement plants - and we’ve found that our customers do, too.

Fresh from the Greenhouse

A tray of Ficus elastica 'Shivereana' (aka Moonshine) in a greenhouse.

All MicroStarts plants come straight from our professionally-managed greenhouses, where they’ve received expert care during their most vulnerable stages. This controlled environment ensures strong roots, healthy foliage, and a head start that’s hard to match. Unlike plants that spend weeks in retail settings, our starters haven’t been stressed by inconsistent watering, temperature swings, or inadequate light. They arrive ready to thrive in your home or garden. This greenhouse advantage is especially important for delicate houseplants or young fruit trees, which benefit greatly from stable conditions during their early growth.

Since our starter plants are fresh from the greenhouse, they will need a gentle acclimation period to adjust to their new environment - another part of the joy of starting small. This is especially important for any plants that will be grown outdoors in full sunlight. Bringing home any new plant is exciting. With starter plants, with a little patience and care, you’ll also have the reward of seeing your attentive care transform a young plant into a flourishing adult plant.

Perfect for Every Garden or Home

Whether you’re planting a desert-adapted water-wise garden, decorating your home with houseplants, or dreaming of homegrown fruit, starter plants are the perfect starting point. Once acclimated, they adapt more easily to new environments, giving you a chance to shape their growth from the very beginning.

Drought-tolerant starters develop roots perfectly suited to your soil and climate. Houseplant starters can be trained to grow exactly how you like. And young fruit trees can be pruned and guided to fit your space and harvesting goals.

Grow with Purpose

Starter plants aren’t just economical - they’re a way to become part of your plants’ story from day one. At MicroStarts, we believe the best gardens and indoor collections grow alongside the people who care for them.

When you bring home a MicroStarts starter, you’re starting a partnership. With a little love and attention, your plant will grow stronger, more beautiful, and uniquely yours. And if it produces fruit, nuts, or berries, you’ll also enjoy the rewards of your care in every delicious harvest!

Ready to start your growing journey? Browse our selection of premium starter plants and see why so many gardeners love starting small with MicroStarts.

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