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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.
Can you start a new 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. 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.
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.
How do you strike an African violet from a leaf?
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 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.
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 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.
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.
How do you get seeds from African violets?
If the pod forms, it takes about two months for it to fully mature. After two months, remove the pod from the plant and carefully crack it open to harvest the seeds.
Can you put cuttings straight into soil?
Technically, you can transfer your cuttings to soil at any time. In fact, you can actually propagate directly into soil, however, it’s much harder to do within your home. When you propagate in soil, you have to keep a good balance of soil moisture, air flow, and humidity. That can be very hard to do inside.
Is it better to propagate in water or soil?
Propagation for many plants is best done in potting soil, but some plants can be propagated in water. This is because they have evolved in an environment that allows it. Most Aroid plants can be propagated in water, including pothos plants, philodendrons, monsteras, and ZZ plants.
How often do you change water when propagating?
Change out the water every 3-5 days with fresh room temperature water. Wait and watch as your roots grow! This can take weeks to months depending on the plant. Once your roots reach approximately 3″-5″ then it’s time to put the cutting in soil!.
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.
How do I know if my African violet has root rot?
Distinguishing Symptoms Plant topples over at the base. The top part of your African Violet may separate from the root system entirely, though the crown is still intact. Roots are decayed. Roots have yellow or yellowish-brown stripes on them.
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.
Do African violets like to be crowded?
Violets need to feel crowded to bloom, but when a plant gets too big for its pot, divide the plant’s separate-looking leaf heads. When you repot, tease the roots apart and plant in room-temperature potting soil.
How do you get African violets to bloom again?
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.
Do African violets need to be pruned?
How to Prune an African Violet. In order to keep the plant at its healthiest, remove three or more bottom leaves every month. The plant produces leaves regularly, and this will help balance the appearance of the violet while allowing old leaves to make room for new.
How often do you repot African violets?
There are several schools of thought on the right way to repot, but all agree you can buy or make your own African violet mix. Before removing your plant, select a container that is one third the size of the plant’s leaf spread. Most collectors recommend repotting at least once and up to twice per year.
