How to Propagate African Violet Plants

 

Hi Donna,

The best way to propagate an African Violet plant is by using healthy leaf cuttings in the spring. Cut the bottom of the stem on the diagonal when you remove the leaf from the plant. This is increases the area for root growth. Use a healthy mature leaf that shows no sign of distress. I usually cut the top 1/4 of the leaf off with a sharp scissors. This helps the new roots to develop faster.  Fill a small 4″ pot, with drip holes in the bottom, with a light soil mixture that will drain quickly.  Fill a small pot with your rooting medium. This mix should be very light and porous. I use a mixture of perlite, peat moss, and vermiculite. Make a small hole, using a pencil, and plant the leaf. You can plant several leaves in the same pot if you want. The soil should completely cover the stem and reach to the bottom of the leaf. Moisten the soil and place the plant in a clear plastic bag. This creates a mini-greenhouse and increases the humidity around the plant. Put the plants in a warm (not hot) location that gets bright, indirect light. Check the plant frequently and keep the soil warm and barely moist at all times. Now you need to be patient. It will take about 3 months before you see the new plantlets appear above the soil line.  They grow out of the end of the stem and gradually work their way to the surface. Do not be in a rush to move these plantlets to a new pot. Wait at least another 12-16 weeks so the new roots can fully develop.