Leslie Bovee, commercial grower of African violets and other gesneriads
African violets are among the easiest of all plants to propagate from leaf cuttings. In fact, many people who have never propagation before are often surprised at just how easy it is to grow African violets from leaf cuttings.
Here are the basic steps:
1. Cut a leaf from the mother plant, making sure to cut at least 1” below the leaf node.
2. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone.
3. Stick the cutting in a pot of moistened African violet potting mix.
4. Put the pot in a warm, humid place, out of direct sunlight.
5. Keep the potting mix moist, but not soggy.
6. In 6-8 weeks, you should see new growth emerging from the leaf cutting. At this point, you can move the pot to a location with more light.
Propagating African violets from leaf cuttings is an easy and rewarding way to grow more plants. With just a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with new plants that are identical
To grow African violets from leaf cuttings, you will need the following materials:
-A sharp knife
-African violet leaves
-Potting soil
-Pots or containers
-Rooting hormone (optional)
1. Start by sterilizing your knife with rubbing alcohol. This will help prevent the spread of disease.
2. Cut off a few healthy leaves from your African violet plant. Each leaf should have a bit of stem attached.
3. Dip the cut end of the leaves in rooting hormone (this is optional, but will help encourage growth).
4. Plant the leaves in pots or containers filled with potting soil.
5. Water the soil lightly and place the pots in a warm, sunny location.
6. Keep the soil moist, but not too wet, and in a few weeks you should see new growth.
Can you start an African violet from a leaf cutting?
African violets can be easily propagated by leaf cuttings. To do this, select a firm, healthy leaf and cut it off with a sharp knife, leaving 1 to 1½ inches of the leaf stem (petiole) attached to the leaf blade. Fill a pot with a moistened 50:50 mix of vermiculite and coarse sand, and then insert the leaf cutting into the mix so that the leaf blade is buried and the petiole is upright. Water the pot well and then place it in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. Keep the pot moist but not wet, and in a few weeks you should see new growth emerging from the leaf petiole.
To propagate violet leaves using the traditional method, you will need to select a healthy leaf and remove it from the plant. Be careful not to pinch or bruise the leaf, as this may lead to rotting. Once the leaf is removed, place the stem into water and wait until roots begin to grow.
What is the best way to root African violet leaves
There are two ways of rooting african violet leaves. Some people prefer to root the leaves in water first, while others prefer to plant the leaves directly into soil. There is no right or wrong way to do this, it simply depends on your preference.
An African violet cutting takes about 3 to 4 weeks to form new roots. Around 3 to 4 weeks later, you will begin seeing new leaves. Once there are 2 to 3 new leaves growing, it’s time to repot. This process can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months.
How long does it take for African violet leaves to root in water?
When growing plants, it is always best to use lukewarm water to prevent shocking the system. Be careful when changing the water not to damage the leaves or roots. After a few weeks, the plant should have formed roots at the bottom of the leaf.
With African violet leaf propagation in water, the leaves will take longer to start roots. However, if you compare a 6-month old baby started in water to a 6-month old baby started in soil, you will see that the one started in water is a larger, healthier plant.
Are coffee grounds good for African violets?
Coffee grounds are slightly acidic and contain nitrogen, which helps plants grow healthy foliage. Occasionally sprinkling used coffee grounds on top of your African violet potting soil can be good for the plant.
First you will need some growing medium I use a combination of vermiculite and perlite. You can also use coco coir or soil. I like to start my seeds in small pots or seed trays and then transplant them into larger pots once they have germinated and are a few inches tall.
To start your seeds, fill your pots with the growing medium of your choice and moisten it with water. Then, using a pencil or your finger, make a small indent in the center of the pot. Place 1-2 seeds in each indent and lightly cover them with more growing medium.
To keep your seeds moist, you can place a clear plastic cover over the top of your pots or seed trays. You can also mist the soil with water every day or so. Once your seeds have germinated, remove the cover and place your pots in a bright, sunny spot.
Water your seedlings regularly and fertilize them every few weeks with a liquid fertilizer. When they are a few inches tall, you can transplant them into larger pots or into your garden.
Why can’t African violet leaves get wet
If the pores of the leaves become clogged, it can prevent the plant from taking in water and nutrients. This can lead to the plant becoming stressed and weak, and eventually die.
Pruning African Violet leaves is a great way to encourage new growth and keep your plant looking healthy. Remove older leaves by pinching the stem between your fingers where it connects with the plant base. You may also use sterilized scissors, taking care to remove the stem as close as possible to the plant base without cutting into the parent plant.
What kind of potting soil for African violets?
African violets grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix is specially formulated to provide indoor plants like African violets with just the right growing environment. This mix provides African violets with the drainage they need to prevent root rot, while also delivering the nutrients and moisture they need to thrive.
Well, there you have it! African violets are delicate plants and require special care. If you want to keep your plant healthy and looking its best, avoid brushing its leaves.
How do you propagate leaf cuttings
This is the most widely practiced method of taking a leaf cutting. You will need to snip off a healthy leaf, complete with a short piece of stem. The end of the leaf cutting is then dipped in a rooting hormone and the stalk is stuck in to a moist propagation media. Bottom heat of about 75 degrees F should be provided if possible.
If you only water your African violets once a week, it’s important to allow the plant to completely dry out between waterings. One way to make sure your violets are never over watered is by setting up a wicking system. This will allow the plant to draw up water as needed, so you don’t have to worry about watering too often.
Is Epsom salt good for African violets?
Epsom salts are a great way to provide your plants with the essential magnesium and sulfur they need to produce beautiful blooms and healthy foliage. To use, simply mix one and a half teaspoons of Epsom salts in a quart of tepid water and swirl to dissolve. Then, water your plants (below the leaves) with this solution once a month.
The quality of tap water can vary depending on the location. Chlorine levels may fluctuate, depending on the season. In some areas, tap water may have high amounts of chlorine, chloramines, or dissolved solids. All of these things may adversely affect your African violets. To be safe, it’s best to use bottled water or filtered water for your plants.
Conclusion
To grow African violets from leaf cuttings, you will need to take a leaf with a petiole (leaf stalk) from a healthy plant and snip it off at the base. Cut the leaf in half lengthwise, then cut each half into thirds. Plant the leaf sections in moistened potting mix, making sure that the midribs are buried. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, bright spot. New plants should appear in 4-6 weeks.
One of the best ways to propagate African violets is by taking leaf cuttings. To do this, simply remove a leaf from the plant with a clean, sharp knife and then insert the leaf (cut side down) into a pot of moistened potting mix. Be sure to keep the potting mix moist and within a few weeks, you should see new roots and leaves forming on the cutting.
