African Violet Root Propagation

African violet root propagation is very easy to do and is an economical way to increase your collection. African violets are by far the easiest plant to propagate by using its stems. With patience, dedication, and a few dollars, you can propagate your favorite African Violet. It also is a great project for the whole family.

Reasons to propagate

Propagation is a great project if you want more of your favorite flower, the African violet!

• Pass on your favorite plant to a relative or friend
• Restart an unhealthy plant again.
• Have your favorite plant in every room of your home.

Materials

• African violet plant of your choice.
• Rooting powder (Not a necessity but can become a factor in some plants that are difficult to root. Rooting powder will speed up root development.)
• Seeding mat for even bottom heat.

Create your own mini-greenhouse

• 1 - 10” plastic pot
• 1 - 5” terra cotta pot, put a piece of cork in the bottom drainage hole.
• 1 - Bag of vermiculite
• 1 - Large clear plastic bag to fit over the 10” pot. This will give the cuttings saturated or humid air.

Directions

Fill the 10” plastic pot with vermiculite, leaving a space for the 5” terra cotta pot. Place the 5” terra cotta pot in the center of the vermiculite, filling the vermiculite to the top of the 10” container rim. The terra cotta pot is for watering your cuttings because the terra cotta is porous and will slowly seep water to the cuttings without disturbing the developing root system.

How to Propagate

1. Cut the end of a leaf with a sharp clean knife.
2. Dip the cutting in the rooting powder.
3. Stick the cutting in the vermiculite. The vermiculite should already be wet before you place the cutting in. Leave enough space between the cutting and the sides of the pots. The cuttings can be very close together.
4. Once you have filled your pot with cuttings, fill the terra cotta pot with water; and place the plastic bag over the entire 10” container. You may need to use bamboo sticks to keep the plastic from touching the cuttings.
5. Place the pot in the seeding mat in a sunny window. Remember the more sun, the more likely the cuttings will dry out. Be sure to check the pot everyday. The terra cotta pot should always have water in it.
6. Loosely tie the bag to the pot with a piece of string or twine.
7. Monitor the cuttings for water.
8. Gently tug at the cuttings in 7-10 days. If there is resistance then you have roots and can pot them up.
9. Pot the plants up in small 4” pots with a light potting soil mixture. Do not plant the cuttings in large pots; they will have a greater chance of getting a root rot.

Tips to Successful African Vilolet Propagation

• Always have very clean, sterilized tools. Use a solution of 1:2 bleach to water to clean tools and pots.
• Make sure cuts are smooth with no rough edges.
• Do not touch a freshly cut stem
• Never let the cutting dry out
• Do not move or pull on the cutting for at least 7-10 days. Disrupting the rooting process will only slow it down.