by Pat Gray

Created on: December 24, 2011   Last Updated: December 25, 2011

African Violets look exotic and many people think they are difficult to propagate, but nothing could be further from the truth. If you have an established plant, a few clean pots, a bit of potting soil and a plastic bag, in just a few months you can have a dozen new plants. The three most common methods of propagating African Violets are described below.


• From leaves - in water

This is the easiest method for producing roots and new leaves, especially for beginners, but roots started in water may not thrive as well as those started in a propagation medium.

1) Snap healthy leaves from your plant, taking the entire leaf stem.

2) Trim the stems with a sharp knife or razor blade on an angle, about two inches from the leaf.

3) Fill a glass, vase or jar with room temperature tap water (let city water sit for a day or to to allow the chlorine to dissipate). Using a dark container is recommend to prevent the growth of algae.

4) Cover the container with cling film, and fasten it in place with a rubber band.

5) Poke holes just large enough to slide the stem in - make sure the stem is submerged.

6) Place the jar in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight, and top-up the water if necessary.

7) Once small leaves begin to form, and the roots are about half an inch long (any longer and the plant may die when transplanted), trim away the starter leaf and move the plantlets individually into small pots of filled with damp African Violet soil.

8) Place the pots in plastic bags for two to three weeks to help the new plants to overcome transplant shock.

9) Transfer your new plants into larger pots (no more than once a year) as they continue to grow.

• From leaves - in soil

This propagation method is a bit trickier, but generally results in hardier plants.

1) Follow steps 1 and 2 above.

2) Fill small individual clean pots with African Violet soil. Make sure the soil is moist but not dripping wet. (You can also use larger pot to start multiple leaves).

3) Dipping the end of the stem in a rooting hormone is an optional step, but may increase your chances of success.

4) Use a pencil to make a hole in the soil and insert the stem to about a half an inch from the leaf. Gently pack the soil around the stem.

5) Enclose the pots in large clear plastic bags, and seal it tightly. You can sit the pot in a zip bag or put a bag over the pot and hold it in place around the pot with a rubber band. Use a straw to fill the bag with air, which will keep the plastic off the leaves.

6) Allow the leaves

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