Learn to propagate beautiful, low-maintenance African violets

African violets reliably bloom several times a year. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

African violets like filtered sun (north facing windows are best). They need sun to promote flowering. In the winter months with shorter days it is helpful to use a plant light. They like humidity and temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees. They like to be root bound and do not like to get their leaves wet. They are definitely indoor plants that need special love. 

Here are the steps for propagating African violets:

To propagate just cut one healthy leaf and stem. Include about 3/4 of an inch of the leaf stem. It is best to cut at an angle with a sharp knife or scissors. Dip the leaf stem in rooting hormone. Place the leaf in an African Violet potting mix (easy to find in nurseries and home stores). (Photos: Sue Bohigian)

Water the soil once a week or when completely dry. Now you wait and wait and wait. In six months you will be rewarded with little baby African violet leaves. Once they grow you can cut off the parent leaf. Some sources say to cut the patent leaf in half so it does not take too many nutrients, but I have found that the parent lead just dies so I have not followed this practice.

Keep your new plants at the preferred temperature and in filtered sunlight. Make sure that they do not get too chilled. Wait some more and you will be rewarded with new plants.

Happy growing!