Propogating African Violets

African violet (Saintpaulia)

It’s a great time of year to divide and spruce up your African violets. This way you can share an easy care plant with others. I have had one African violet for over 8 years, it faithfully produces beautiful purple flowers regularly and requires minimal attention. Many friends and family members now have their own plants from cuttings I have made over the last 5 years. Here is how you can do the same with your African violet.

Supplies assembled and ready to begin propogation

Start by looking at your plant, particularly the lower leaves, which will be the largest; making them the best choice for propagating. Before starting, sterilize your pruners, this is important for the health of both the mother plant and the cuttings. I use isopropyl alcohol. I remove anywhere from 3-8 leaves, making a clean cut at the base of the plant, taking as much of the leaf stem as possible. When I am done I sterilize my pruners again.

Lower leaves removed from Mother Plant

The next step, which can be skipped if you don’t have it at home is applying rooting hormone. I mix mine into the water container where I will place the cuttings. In the past I have also dipped each cutting in rooting hormone before placing it in water until roots form at which point each will then be potted up.

You can dip the cutting in growth hormone before putting it in the water to propogate

Alternatively, you can dip each cutting in the rooting hormone and place them directly in soil. When I have done this, I have covered these plants to increase humidity. I will then place the cutting under grow lights or in a south facing window until they are rooted. (winter south facing window)

African violet cuttings in a solution of water and growth hormone.

In a few weeks each cutting will have roots and I will plant them out into soil. Slowly new leaves will form at the base of the cutting and you will be able to share your African violet.

These make great hostess gifts.

Authored by Claire Blahnik

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