Download Plant Propagation Leaf cuttings of African Violets (Saintpaulia)

Plant Propagation
Leaf cuttings of African Violets (Saintpaulia)
Materials List
Styrofoam cup
Styrofoam bowl
Perlite
Vermiculite
Pencil
Stick
African Violet leaflets
Rooting Hormone
1.Prepare cup for planting: Place 4 holes around the bottom of the cup, and then about ½ inch up from
those holes, place holes around the cup about ½ inch apart. (Two rows of holes). Top row of holes are
for drainage.
2.Fill cup to top holes with Perlite, then fill remainder of cup with Vermiculite. Moisten media.
3.Cut leaf (petiole) at an angle. Dip in water—tap off, then dip in rooting hormone and tap off. Be sure
not to contaminate your rooting hormone.
4.Make hole in vermiculite with pencil. Place leaf into vermiculite. Place the leaf very shallow into
the vermiculite. The more shallow, the better. Gently firm leaf in growing medium. Place stick or
plastic spoon handle behind leaf to keep leaf from laying in the growing medium.
5.Place cup into bowl. Fill with water up to just below the top holes.
Place completed project into a bright window or under a florescent light. An East facing window is
best because you do not want the plant to get bright sunlight ALL day.
Plantlets will begin to appear at the base of the leaf. This may take 3 months or so. When new
plantlets are larger than a thumbnail, very gently remove the new plant from the cup, cut away the
starter leaf and place your new plant in a small pot. Start with a small pot because African Violets like
to be root bound. A self watering pot is best. Never water the plant from the top----the leaves HATE
being wet. It may take 3 or more additional months before the new plant will bloom. In starting new
African Violets, patience is required, as it takes a long time to propagate violets.
Turn plants occasionally
Best temperature for growing is 65 to 75 degrees with a 10% to 15% increase during the day
Use room temperature water—best not to use softened water
Water from bottom—no wet leaves
Pinch off spent blossoms to encourage new blooms
Use African Violet soil when replanting
Fertilize with African Violet fertilizer
Good luck and Happy Gardening!!!
Prepared by: JoAnne Dieterich, Master Gardener, Plant Propagation Specialist