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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.
Can you root African violets in water?
The good news is that it’s easy to root these flowering beauties. The quickest and easiest way I’ve found to root African violets is in water using a leaf. Take a wide-mouthed jar or cup and fill with lukewarm water to almost the top. Secure a piece of plastic wrap on top, making sure that the plastic wrap is taut.
How long does it take for African violet cuttings to root?
At about 3-4 weeks, roots should begin forming on the petiole. In another 3-4 weeks, your new leaves will start to sprout. When the sprouts get 2-3 leaves on them, which is around the 2-6 month mark, you will need to repot.
How do you take cuttings from African violets?
African Violets: Propagation by Leaf Step 1: Remove and trim leaf. Step 2: Cut leaf petiole. Step 3: Root the leaf cutting. Step 4: Plantlets at 12 weeks. Step 5: Separate plantlets from leaf cutting. Step 6: Prepare pot for plantlet. Step 7: Pot plantlet. Step 8: You’re done!.
How do African violets multiply?
The easiest way to make one old African violet into two or more new ones is merely to divide the stems and roots. Tip a plant out of its pot and slice right through the plant and soil with a sharp knife taking some stem with each part. Now you have two plants. Do it again if the stem has enough branches.
Is Epsom salt good for African violets?
Epsom salts provide plants with essential magnesium and sulfur – two minerals needed to produce beautiful blooms and healthy foliage. Mix one and a half teaspoons of Epsom salts in a quart of tepid water and swirl to dissolve. Water your African violets (below the leaves) with this solution once a month.
How long does it take for a cutting to root in water?
Be sure to add fresh water as needed until the cuttings are fully rooted. Rooting will generally occur in 3-4 weeks but some plants will take longer. When the roots are 1-2 inches long or longer the cutting is ready to be potted up.
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. Insert the petiole of each leaf cutting into the rooting medium at a 45 degree angle. Firm the rooting medium around the petiole of each leaf cutting.
Should you deadhead African violets?
Deadheading. If you have success getting your African Violet to bloom, be sure to pinch or deadhead spent blooms. This allows the plant to continue to put energy into creating more buds/blooms and beautiful foliage.
Can you divide African violets?
There are several methods of African violet propagation, from cuttings to division. The plants often develop multiple crowns, which can be split apart and used to propagate new plants. Division propagation creates mature African violet plants faster than other methods.
How do you take cuttings?
Take cuttings early in the day when the plants’ stems are full of water. Place cuttings in a plastic bag to stop them drying out and pot them up as soon as possible. When taking a cutting, choose a strong side shoot with no flowers, and cut a piece between 5-10cm (2-4in) long, cutting just below a leaf joint.
How often should African violets be watered?
An important point to remember when bottom watering African Violet plants is to top water at least once a month. This way you are flushing out any extra fertilizer salt build up and refreshing the soil/roots from the top too.
What kind of pots do African violets like?
For best results, plant African violets in African violet pots, which are small (4- to 5-inch) ceramic or plastic self-watering containers. Growing plants in these pots will provide the proper amount of continuous moisture to the plants.
Should I repot my African violet?
Many successful growers of African Violets recommend repotting with fresh potting soil, twice a year or more. At the very least, an African Violet should be repotted whenever the plant becomes rootbound, i.e., the Violet has outgrown its current pot to the extent that its roots are growing out and around the rootball.
What kind of fertilizer do African violets need?
About African Violet Fertilizer The recommended ratio for African violets is 14-12-14. There are commercial formulas available specifically for fertilizing African violets, but many of these use urea as the nitrogen source. In certain conditions, urea can burn the plant’s roots.
Can I use regular potting soil for African violets?
Can You plant African Violets in Regular Potting Mix? A preferred potting mix for African Violets doesn’t contain any soil or dirt in the mixture. It also helps to keep the soil moist and drain extra water from the soil. Regular potting will work but make sure they are well-draining.
What causes limp leaves on African violets?
Likely Culprit: Overwatering Overwatering is one of the most common causes of droopy African violet leaves. That’s because their delicate root systems can’t handle waterlogged soil. Prolonged overwatering can suffocate your plant, causing a life-threatening disease called root rot.
How do I get my African violet to flower?
The most common reason African violets don’t bloom is because they aren’t getting enough light. African violets need indirect sunlight, direct 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.
Why are my African violet leaves turning light green?
African Violet foliage will turn pale or light green when the plant is exposed to too much sunlight. Often this shading problem is coupled with bleached or burnt leaves. Such areas may be providing too much direct sunlight during the summer months, something which is not favorable to this plant.
