Propagating / Rooting African Violets for New Plants

• Apr 27, 2008 by Judi

Originally uploaded by madaise.

Years ago, I was told to clip the leaves off of an African Violet and to put it in dirt. It would root and grow a new plant. I’m really not very good at watering frequently enough to keep the soil moist.. admitting this, I never tried this method.

Last year, I came across a new method I thought I’d try. The one given was too much work (in my lazy opinion, ha!) - a jar, covering the opening with wax paper; two holes - one for the violet stem and the other to use for watering… I mangled the whole project very easily. And ended up with dried up african violet stems.

Walking around Old Roberds Emporium one day, I found some small bottles - something like what they use to (maybe still do) serve alcohol in on airplanes - the little individual bottles.

For a quarter a piece, I bought several of them, just because (I’m a pack rat, another admission.). I stuck an African Violet leaf and long stem into the bottle and within a couple weeks, I had roots. I had no idea it was so easy to propagate african violets!

Only a few weeks more and I had little leaves growing off the main one. I’ve been lazy and haven’t planted any of them yet.. been waiting for some free time and nice weather - so I’ll so it soon.

Here are the bottles I used with the stems in it.

Here is a picture of one of my African Violets last year.

I never use straight tap water for my plants. I collect empty gallon jugs (water and milk), rinse and fill with tap water. I let these sit at least 48 hours before using to water any of my plants. This allows for the chemicals in the water to evaporate.

See more of my house plant pictures.