As easy as African violets are to grow from seed, they can also be propagated from leaves. The key to success is in taking a stem cutting that includes a small portion of the leaf attached. These cuttings can then be rooted in moist potting soil.
To propagate African violets from leaves, you will need to take a leaf cutting from a healthy plant. You can do this by carefully snipping off a leaf near the base of the plant with a sharp knife or gardening shears. Make sure that the leaf cutting has a bit of stem attached to it.
Next, fill a small pot or container with moistened potting mix or seed starting mix. Gently insert the leaf cutting into the potting mix, making sure that the stem is buried. Water the potting mix lightly.
Place the pot in a warm, sunny location, and wait for the leaf cutting to root. Once the African violet has rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger pot.
Can you propagate African violets from a leaf?
African violets are easily propagated by leaf cuttings. 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. Insert the leaf cutting into the potting mix, and lightly press it down. Water the potting mix, and then place the pot in a warm, bright location. Keep the potting mix moist, but not soggy. In 6 to 8 weeks, the leaf cutting will produce new plants.
To propagate violet leaves the traditional way, place the stem into water until roots begin to grow. Using this method, select a healthy leaf and remove it from the plant by toggling it from side to side until is pulls free. Avoid pinching or bruising the leaf as this may lead to rotting.
How do you start an African violet from a leaf
There are two ways of rooting African violet leaves. Some people prefer rooting the leaves in water first. This method is said to be easier and faster. However, others prefer to pot the leaves first. This method is said to be more successful in the long run.
There is no one definitive way to root African violets, but the method described here is quick and easy. Fill a wide-mouthed jar or cup with lukewarm water to just below the rim. Pinch off a mature African violet leaf, making sure that it is not too old. Use a wooden skewer or something of similar diameter to poke a hole in the plastic wrap. Insert the leaf into the hole, making sure that the skewer goes through the leaf and into the water. The leaf should be completely submerged. Place the jar in a warm, sunny spot and wait for the leaf to sprout roots. Once the roots are several inches long, you can transplant the African violet into potting soil.
How long does it take an African violet leaf to root?
It is around the 3-4 week mark that roots should begin to form on the petiole. In another 3-4 weeks, the new leaves will start to sprout. Once the sprouts get 2-3 leaves on them, which is around the 2-6 month mark, the plant will need to be repotted.
It is best to take African violet cuttings in the spring or summer when the plants are actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, non-flowering stems. Each cutting should be about 4 inches long.
Cut the bottom 2 inches off of the stem at a 45-degree angle. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. Plant the stem in a pot filled with African violet potting mix. Water the soil lightly.
Place the pot in a location that receives indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. New roots should form within 3 to 4 weeks. Once the roots have formed, you can transplant the African violet to a larger pot.
Is it better to propagate African violets in water or soil?
African violet leaf propagation in water is a great way to get a head start on your plants. The leaves will take longer to start roots, but 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.
This can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off the 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.
Some plants can be propagated from just a single leaf. Many of these plants have compressed stems, making it impossible to take stem cuttings. These include African violets, bush-type peperomias, and Sansevieria. Some succulents, such as jade plant and jelly bean plant, can also be propagated from a single leaf.
Where do you cut African violet leaves?
Pruning African Violet leaves is a great way to encourage new growth and keep your plant 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.
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.
Should you touch African violet leaves
Brushing leaves of african violets is not recommended because repeated brushing can decrease plant quality and size. The next time you are tempted to touch that pretty african violet in your kitchen window, remember — for a healthier plant, keep your hands off!
Watering your African violet correctly is important to preventing crown rot. When watering, be sure not to mist the foliage as this can cause permanent leaf spotting. Use room temperature water and water the plant from the bottom so that the crown does not become saturated.
How do you harvest violet leaves?
Violet leaves and flowers are best harvested in the spring to early summer when they are still looking vibrant. Pinch off the leaves and flowers gently, making sure to leave enough of the plant so that it continues to flourish. Many wild violets transplant well and will flourish in shady areas of your garden.
One way to make sure your African violets are never over watered is to set up a wicking system where the plant only gets watered once a week. This allows the plant to completely dry between waterings, which is important for preventing root rot.
Warp Up
Place a healthy leaf on some moistened potting mix, then cover the leaf with plastic to create a humid environment. Check on the leaf periodically, and when you see new growth, carefully transplant the new plant to its own pot.
The best way to propagate African violets from leaves is to take a leaf cutting from a healthy plant and then place the cutting in a pot of moistened potting mix. Be sure to keep the cutting warm and humid until new growth appears.
