Propagating African violets is an easy way to multiply your collection for free.
All you need is a single leaf to grow whole new plants.
And before long, your propagated African violets will begin producing flowers of their own.
Credit:Bob Stefko
Giving to friends is why I propagate some of my favorite plants.
Its joyful to give them away to people who will appreciate them," she adds.
However, the best time is during the spring and summer.
Credit:Bob Stefko
The warmer temperatures and better lighting during these months are ideal for promoting the growth of cuttings.
Choose a leaf that is not very mature but also not super youngsomewhere in the middle is best.
Place the African violet cutting directly into water or potting soil after you cut it off the main plant.
Credit:Jay Wilde
It takes about three weeks for it to root after it is placed in water.
Set the shot glass in a warm,sunny, brightly lit area, but not in direct sunlight.
It will do best in filtered light, such as behind a curtain near the windowsill.
After roots form, transfer the cutting into a well-draining potting mix withadded perlite or vermiculite.
Place the stem and 14 inch of the leaf into moist potting soil.
This will help keep humidity high enough to encourage rooting.
With either method, roots can take several weeks to form.
So you have to be really patient, says McManus.
When you plant the rooted cuttings in soil, provide consistent moisture.
Check the moisture level by sticking your finger in the soil.
If it is dry, water the plant well.
If it is moist all the way through, you dont need to water it yet.
I think [keeping it] too dry is when youre going to fail.
You want to keep that even moisture level.
you’ve got the option to water pretty well with a mist bottle.
It helps control the process more than dumping in a glass of water.
So try both methods and see which one you find easiest.
