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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.
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 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 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.
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.
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. However, they are still land plants and will do best if planted in soil over the long term.
Is it better to root cuttings in water or soil?
If you root your cutting in water, it develops roots that are best adapted to get what they need from water rather than from soil, Clark pointed out. Instead, add a small amount of soil to the water that you’re using to root your cutting.
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.
How long do African violets last?
When to Repot Your African Violets 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.
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.
