Table of Contents
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!.
Can you root an African violet leaf 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.
Can you propagate African violet 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.
How long does it take to propagate an African violet from a leaf?
Place the pot in a sunny location, keeping the soil just moist. Roots will usually form in 3 to 4 weeks. The leaves of new little plants usually appear in 6 to 8 weeks. You should see several plants form at the base the cutting.
Can you grow African violets in just water?
African violets can not live in water. African violets can be watered from the bottom but should never sit in water for more than 45 minutes. It is possible to root new cuttings in water but once rooted the cutting should be removed from the water and planted in a pot with appropriate soil.
How do you regrow an African violet?
Propagating African Violets from leaves Choose a Leaf. Look for a leaf that is healthy and fresh, but has been established on the plant. Cut Leaf Petiole. Trim the petiole (the stem) to about ½ to 1 inch in length for best results. Plant your Cutting. Give it Sunshine. Plantlets Sprout.
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 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.
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 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.
Is Epsom salt good for African violets?
Applied once per month epsom salts will help trigger bloom in your violets and be a good companion to your African violet specialty fertilizer. Dissolve two tablespoons of epsom salts in one gallon of tepid water in a watering can or pitcher. Swish or swirl the salts in the water to dissolve them and combine the two.
What kind of soil do African violets like?
African violets grow best in soil which is loose, porous, and well-draining. The first consideration in choosing an appropriate potting mix is your home growing conditions—heat, humidity, and light. If your home is lacking in humidity, choose a mix high in organic matter.
How do you propagate African violets from blossoms?
African violets: Propagation by Blossom stems Remove open blooms from plant, leaving only peduncles. Remove buds and pedicels above leaflets. Cut blossom stem below leaflets. The cut blossom stems ready to root. Rooting the blossom stems. Wait for the plantlets to appear! Separate and pot the plantlets.
What is a petiole on a leaf?
The petiole is a stalk that connects the blade with the leaf base. The blade is the major photosynthetic surface of the plant and appears green and flattened in a plane perpendicular to the stem.
How can I make my African violet bloom?
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.
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.
How do you fix root rot in African violets?
You can trim away the brown rotted roots leaving the healthy roots and repot this violet in a light airy barely moist soil. To prevent future root-rot, when potting up the plant, can add a thin layer of perlite at the bottom of the pot, to provide adequate drainage.
How do you save a broken African violet?
The leaves that break off the African violet can be rooted to form new plants. You’ll need a leaf with 1 to 1 1/2 inches of stem attached. Insert the stem into a pot filled with moist sand or vermiculite, firm it up so that the leaf stands up, and water thoroughly.
Why do African violet leaves split?
Reason for Splitting African violets reproduce with suckers, or small rosettes, that sprout from the base of the plant. You may also see them growing in the axils — the area where the leaf joins the main stem. Suckers that aren’t removed promptly keep growing, sapping the energy the plant needs to produce blooms.
Why do African violets get leggy?
Depriving your plant from light will cause longer stems as they reach for light to grow. Leaves of African violets don’t like to be wet. If leaves stay wet, they are more susceptible to mold, rot, and fungus growth. The flowers will try to get away from the mold or fungus and become leggy.
