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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 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.
How do you take cuttings from African violets?
Using a sterile knife or scissors, remove a healthy leaf along with its stem from the base of the plant. Trim the stem down to about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm.). You may want to dip the tip of the stem into some rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a one-inch deep (2.5 cm) hole in potting soil.
How long does it take African violets 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.
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 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.
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.
Are coffee grounds good for African violets?
Is Coffee Grounds Good for African Violets? Yes, coffee grounds are a great homemade fertilizer for African Violets. Make a mixture of dried coffee grounds and dried egg shells, then work the coffee ground mixture into the top of the soil. Replenish every couple of months.
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 is a leaf petiole?
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 long do African violets live?
Repotting these blooms is so important due to their long lifespan. “Remember that African violets have a very long lifespan and have been said to last up to 50 years,” says Ryan McEnaney, public relations and communications specialist for Bailey Nurseries.
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.
How often do African violets bloom?
How Often Do African Violets Bloom? One of the reasons African violets are so well-loved is that they can bloom nearly year-round with the right care. Each healthy flower will last two or three weeks. A happy plant can continue producing new blossoms regularly for 10 to 12 months out of the year.
Should African violets be watered from the top or bottom?
The roots of the African Violet need aeration, so keeping them moderately moist but never soggy is the key. Watering from the bottom so they can soak the water up, over an hour or so, will help to keep water out of the crown of the plant. African Violets like warmer water, around 70 degrees.
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.
Why do you water African violets from the bottom?
Top Watering (Specialty African violet watering cans are available online.) This gives you more control over the stream of water: poke the nozzle beneath the leaves to wet your soil while keeping your plant dry. Grow Tip: Bottom watering can allow fertilizer salts to build up in your plant’s soil.
