African violets are a type of plant that is native to Africa. They are known for their beautiful flowers and their ability to thrive in low-light conditions. African violets are a popular houseplant, and they can be divided to create new plants. When dividing African violets, it is important to choose a healthy plant and to use sterile tools.
African violets can be divided by taking a clean, sharp knife and cutting the plant down the center. You will want to make sure that each new plant has at least two leaves, and that the roots are intact. Once you have divided the plant, you will want to replant it in fresh soil and water it well.
What is the best way to separate African violets?
I find it helpful to first identify the center of the object I’m carving. Once I have the center, I can more easily choose a path for my knife between the two centers. This helps me to carve more evenly and accurately.
It’s easy to propagate African violets from leaf cuttings. Simply take a leaf from the mother plant and gently tug it away from the baby plantlet clusters. The mother leaf should have a large root system, and the cluster of baby plantlets should have a shallow root system.
Do African violets like to be crowded
It’s a bit of a conundrum: African violets like it a little crowded above ground and below, but they can start to struggle if it gets too tight. In fact, an African violet with too many leaves might even withhold its beautiful blooms—or stop growing altogether!
To root African violets in water, simply take a leaf from your plant or a friend’s plant and place it in a cup of water. Within a few days, you should see roots growing from the leaf. Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transplant the leaf into soil.
What time of year do you repot African violets?
An African Violet should be repotted when it becomes rootbound. This means that the Violet has outgrown its current pot and its roots are growing out and around the rootball.
It is fine to water African violets from the top or bottom. The most important thing is to use lukewarm or warm water, not cold water. If you water from the top, be careful not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun; this is to avoid leaf spots.
What do you do when African violets get too big?
If you notice your African Violet getting leggy, it means the plant is not receiving enough light. African Violets need indirect light exposure and cannot tolerate full sun. Try moving your leggy plant closer to the window or into a room that gets more light.
African violets and rex begonias both multiply readily from leaf cuttings. Use whole or even parts of leaves to propagate either of these plants. Because a detached begonia or African violet leaf wilts quickly, always have your pot of soil ready before you take the cutting.
What pots are best for African violets
If you want to grow healthy African violets, it’s best to plant them in African violet pots. These pots are small (4- to 5-inch) ceramic or plastic self-watering containers that will provide the plants with the right amount of continuous moisture.
African violets need to be slightly pot-bound in order to thrive, so it’s best to choose a pot that’s on the smaller side. A professional tip is to use a pot that’s 3-4 inches in diameter if you have a standard African violet plant.
How often should a African violet be watered?
A wicking system is a great way to make sure your plants are never over watered. The system works by using a wick to draw water up from a reservoir into the soil of the plant. The reservoir can be refilled as needed, and the plant will only take up as much water as it needs.
If you want to grow healthy African violets, it’s important to create the right soil conditions. The plants prefer slightly acidic conditions, with a pH between 58 and 65. In conventional soil, your plant won’t be able to efficiently absorb nutrients. To lower the pH, you can add peat moss to your African violet potting soil. This will create a more acidic environment that’s ideal for these beautiful plants.
Can you use regular Miracle Grow on African violets
This product is great for African violets and other blooming houseplants. It provides the nutrients they need to produce beautiful blooms.
As the plants grow, they can be repotted into larger pots so that they don’t get too root-bound. This will ensure that they have enough room to grow and the roots can breathe. African violets are typically ready to be repotted every 12-18 months.
Do African violets need deep pots?
African violets typically like shallow, breathable pots. This is because their roots don’t go very deep, and they prefer to spread out sideways. It’s important that your pot has suitable drainage holes so that you can water from underneath. You can also buy African violet specific pots that come with a terra cotta sleeve and water reservoir.
If your African violet is not blooming, it is likely because it is not getting enough light. African violets need indirect sunlight; direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Choose a north- or east- facing window for best results. Keep plants away from cold glass and rotate the pot once a week so all leaves receive light.
Final Words
To divide African violets, start by finding a mother plant that is healthy and has multiple crowns. Then, use a sharp knife to carefully divide the plant into several pieces, making sure each piece has at least one crown. Next, plant the divisions in individual pots filled with African violet potting mix. Finally, water the new plants well and place them in a location where they will receive indirect sunlight.
To divide African violets, first decide how many plants you want to end up with. Choose a spot in the center of the plant to make your cuts. Using a sharp knife, make several angled cuts into the center of the plant. Next, carefully pull the plant apart. Each section that has roots attached can be potted up individually. Be sure to use a light potting mix, and water your plants well.
