AFRICAN VIOLET BASICS

By Nancy Robitaille

Choosing a Leaf for Propagation

Always take a leaf from the second or third row of leaves when propagating African violets. Why? The center leaves are too young and immature and beyond the third row of leaves, the leaves become weak and may not produce babies. Leaves from the second row, possibly the third row are mature, vigorous, and more likely to produce healthy babies in less time.

Preparing the Leaf

Take the leaf, cut with sharp knife at a 45 degree angle. This cut allows more of the stem to be in contact with the soil and will produce more babies.

Planting the Leaf

Prepare a 2 ½ inch pot or other small container. Place good African violet soil in it. Water the soil. With a pencil, make a hole then place the leaf stem in the soil. Sometimes leaves grow roots then start to grow larger themselves rather than making babies. In order to keep them from doing this, cut the top part off the leaf. Plant leaf at an angle. A name tag may be placed inside the pot to record information.

Or you may write any information you wish to keep on tape or directly on container. Include plant’s name, hybridizer, date of planting, other information.