If you love African violets but can’t seem to keep them alive, starting new plants from leaves may be the answer. African violets are relatively easy to propagate from leaves, and doing it yourself means you’ll have an endless supply of plants. Plus, it’s a fun project that the whole family can enjoy. Here’s how to get started.
Place a leaf in a glass of water with the underside of the leaf resting on the bottom of the glass. Change the water every few days, and eventually, you will see roots growing from the leaf. Once the roots are a few inches long, you can pot the leaf in soil.
Can you root an African violet leaf in water?
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. Change the water every few days, and within a few weeks, you should see roots growing from the leaf. Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transplanted the leaf into soil.
African violets are easily propagated by leaf cuttings. Select a firm, healthy leaf and cut it off with a sharp knife. Leave 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. Place the leaf, cut side down, on the surface of the mix. Gently press the mix around the leaf to secure it. Water the leaf gently and place the pot in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. New leaves will sprout from the leaf in a few weeks. Once the new leaves are a few inches long, you can carefully transplant them to individual pots.
What is the best way to root African violet leaves
The traditional way of propagating violet leaves is to 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 it pulls free. Avoid pinching or bruising the leaf as this may lead to rotting.
If you’re looking to propagate your African violet, you’ll need to take a cutting from the mother plant. The cutting should have 2-3 leaves, and you’ll want to remove the bottom leaves so that only the upper leaves are left. It will take 3-4 weeks for the cutting to form new roots, and then you can repot it into fresh soil. The whole process from cutting to repotting can take 2-6 months.
Is it better to propagate African violets in water or soil?
There are a few reasons for this. First, when you start a leaf in water, it has a constant supply of moisture and nutrients, whereas a plant in soil has to rely on rain or irrigation to get its moisture. Second, the roots of a plant in water have more room to grow and aren’t restricted by a pot or soil. Finally, the plant in water isn’t competing with other plants for water and nutrients, so it has a better chance to thrive.
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.
Why can’t African violet leaves get wet?
This can clog up the pores of the leaves and prevent them from taking in carbon dioxide, which they need for photosynthesis.
If you have a leafy plant that you want to propagate, there’s a good chance you can do it from a single leaf. Many plants with compressed stems can’t be propagated from stem cuttings, but can be propagated from a single leaf. This includes 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.
Is it OK to touch African violet leaves
While it may be tempting to brush the leaves of your African violet, it is not recommended. Repeated brushing can actually decrease the plant’s quality and size. So, the next time you’re tempted to reach out and touch your violet, remember to keep your hands off!
To take a leaf cutting, snip off a healthy leaf complete with a short piece of stem. Dip the end of the leaf cutting in a rooting hormone. Stick the stalk in a moist propagation media. Bottom heat of about 75 degrees F should be provided if possible.
Where do you cut African violet leaves?
Pruning African Violet leaves is a great way to keep your plant healthy and looking its best. Older leaves can be removed 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.
An African Violet can maintain a maximum of 3-5 rows of leaves, depending on the size of the plant. Miniature, semi-miniature, and standard size African Violets can be found here.
What makes an African violet grow straight up
African Violet leaves usually curl or reach upwards when the light they receive is too low. The stems start growing longer in size and growing upwards as if they are reaching for the light. The leaves no longer grow flat as they usually should, but grow upwards too.
It is best to feel the top of the soil to determine when to water African violets. The soil should be dry to the touch before watering. African violets should be allowed to dry out between each watering for best results. Overwatering can kill a plant.
What kind of potting soil for African violets?
If you’re looking to grow African violets, Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix is a great option to help ensure they thrive. The mix is designed to provide well-drained, slightly acidic soil – perfect for African violets. Plus, it’s easy to use and can be found at most garden stores.
Epsom salts are a great way to give your plants the magnesium and sulfur they need to produce beautiful blooms and healthy foliage. Just mix one and a half teaspoons of Epsom salts in a quart of tepid water and swirl to dissolve. Then water your African violets (below the leaves) with this solution once a month.
Conclusion
Leaf propagation is a great way to get more African violets without having to spend money on new plants. It is also a very easy process. All you need is a healthy leaf, a pot, and some potting mix.
To start, fill a pot with potting mix and moisten it. Then, take a healthy leaf from your African violet plant and remove the petiole (leaf stem) by gently twisting it. Next, insert the leaf into the potting mix, making sure that at least half of the leaf is buried. Finally, water the leaf and place the pot in a warm, sunny location.
In time, the buried leaf will begin to produce new roots and leaves. Once this happens, you can carefully transplant the new plant into its own pot.
African Violets are a beautiful plant that can brighten up any room. They are also very easy to care for and propagate. One of the best ways to propagate them is from leaves. Simply take a leaf from a healthy plant and insert it into some potting soil. Water it regularly and within a few weeks, you should see new growth.
