QA

Quick Answer: How To Root African Violets

Fill a pot with a moistened 50:50 mix of vermiculite and coarse sand. 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. After all cuttings are inserted, water the rooting medium and allow it to drain for a few minutes.

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 start an African violet?

Starting African Violets from Cuttings Simply cut healthy leaves from the base of the petiole (stem) and insert them in moist Black Gold Vermiculite. Maintain high humidity and keep them out of direct sunlight. After a month or so they should root.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 do you get African violets to soil?

Simple African Violet Potting Mix Recipes Two cups Peat Moss +one cup Vermiculite + one cup Perlite (50:25:25 ratio) One cup Peat moss + one cup Vermiculite or Perlite (50: 50 ratio).

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 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 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.

How do you get African violets to 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.

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.

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 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.

Should you repot African violets?

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.

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.

Can I use orchid potting soil for African violets?

Even though African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) and phalaenopsis orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.) both require well-drained potting mixes, their growing conditions are too dissimilar for them to do well in the same kind of planting medium.

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.

How often should I repot African violets?

African violets need to be repotted about once a year to keep them growing big and beautiful. It is best to inspect them first to see if their leaves and roots are healthy.