Propagating African Violets: 3 Proven methods For Starting New Plants

Propagating African Violets can be done in three approaches; the simplest of which is by division.Division is done by carefully cutting each crown away from the plant so that each plant has its equal portion of the root system.

Plant each division in a deep flower pots using a soil composition of one-third of peat moss, one-third of perlite and one-third of vermiculite. The second approach to African Violet propagation is through its seeds.

Propagating African Violets from seeds can be fun because the plants seldom bear the characteristics of their parent plant. While its leaves may be similar to most African Violets, its flowers differ in color and type—they may not be purple at all and the shape of petals may not be the same.

For beginners, it is advisable to obtain seeds from an experienced grower of Saintpaulia, its other name. Nonetheless, if previous experience has proved successful in growing the plants from its seeds, then, it is possible to pollinate the plants to produce flower seeds.

The flowers are the reproductive organ of Saintpaulia. They contain all the necessary components for self-reproduction. There are also many experienced hybridizers that have pollinated their plants to produce new seedlings.

In growing Saintpaulis from seeds, it may take three months before a seedling emerges. From then, it may take seven months before it finally blossoms its first flowers. Experienced growers of African Violets suggest taking only half of a package of seed at a time.

The seeds are very tiny and produce very small seedling. Hence, it requires good care and patience. The third approach, which is also the most meticulous process in propagating African Violets is by rooting a plant from its leaf cutting in spring.

This approach requires materials such as a watering can, clean and empty jam jar, sting, wax papper and liquid plant food. Begin by filling up the watering can with tepid water and allow it to sit overnight. Healthy leaves with petiole should be plucked from the bottom of Saintpaulia’s stem.

Trim the petiole about one to one and a half inch in length. Cut the wax paper in round shape and put it on top of the jam jar. Secure it with a string, and make two holes on the wax paper. One hole should be larger than the other.

Place the stem of the African Violet leaf into the smaller hole, and allow the leaf to rest on the wax paper. Fill the jar with tepid water using the large hole. The water should touch most of the stem, but it should not cover the leaf itself.

Put a droplet of liquid plant food and place the whole jar in an area where it can get enough sunlight. If needed, keep on adding water. The roots should start to appear in six weeks or two months. Propagating African Violets is one way of feeding one’s enthusiasm for purple blossoms.

To receive automatic updates whenever changes are made to our site visit our BLOG PAGE today. This page listed under Indoor Plants

Top Of Propagating African Violets