The Easiest Way To Grow African Violets Inexpensively
If you have one African Violet and would like more of the same, or if a neighbor has a plant you admire, it is easy to start new plants from just a few leaves.
First cut off a few healthy leaves from the base of a plant. Using a very sharp knife, make a clean cut across the bottom of the stem and dip it in rooting powder. This is available at any garden supply shop. Choose one that contains a fungicide.
Fill a small pot with seed mix. Make a finger-sized hole in the mix, and push the stem in gently. The bottom of the leaf should be right at the surface of the seed mix. Space out several leaves.
Put a small stake beside each leaf. Water the soil, not the leaves.
Wrap a sheet of plastic wrap over the top of the stakes and around the pot. You can also use a plastic bag for this. Seal, and you have created a mini greenhouse.
Put your pot in in a warm place but not in sunlight. If your pot is well sealed, the soil should remain moist.
After a month or so, you will see tiny plants appear at the base of the leaves.
When the plants are about 2 - 3 inches high, separate them gently and plant them in individual pots.
African Violets like lots of light, but not direct sunlight. They also do not like water directly on their leaves. The best way to water an African Violet is to put its pot in a bowl of tepid water for a few moments. They like moist but not wet soil. African Violets enjoy a humid, consistent, environment.
