How to Propagate an African Violet

African violets are one of the most common flowering houseplants. Small, easy to care to for and prized for its many bloom colors. African violets are also easy to propagate; a leaf or a crown is all that’s needed to start an entire new plant.

Leaf Propagation for African Violets

Select a leaf from the African violet that is medium-sized and mature, but don’t select an old leaf. Snip the leaf off the parent plant, being careful to leave an inch long leaf stem on the leaf.

Fill a small glass with water and cover the top of the glass with aluminum foil, wax paper or cardboard. Cut a small slit in the center of the material chosen to cover the glass. Insert the African violet leaf in the slit so the stem end will be in the water and the leaf will be suspended upright above the water by the aluminum foil, wax paper or cardboard glass topper.

Place the glass in a location where it will receive light but not be in direct sunlight. Add water to the glass as needed. A new root system will form on the African violet leaf in two to four weeks.

Planting the Newly Rooted African Violet

When the root system is established and about one inch long on the leaf stem, it’s time to plant the propagated African violet into a small pot. Plant in a light, sandy potting soil mixture and keep the soil moist at all times. Be careful not to plant too deeply, just up to the tops of the new roots, or the African violet will rot.

Crown Planting Propagation

Sometimes, an African violet will produce an extra crown or two and that makes for an instant plant propagation method. Pinch off the extra crown and place it in its own pot on top of the soil. Gently pat the crown into the soil and water it in well. 99% of the time, the crown will instantly begin forming new roots and produce a new African violet.

Growing Tips for Newly Propagated African Violets

Keep the plants away from direct sunlight, diffused light from a grow light or a north or east window is best. Too much light burns the African violet, too little light and the flowers will be few.

When watering African violets, use water that is room temperature and water at the soil level only. Don’t get any water on the plant’s foliage and don’t over-water or allow the soil to become soggy. Good drainage is essential for a healthy African violet.

A couple of African violets can quickly become a multi-plant display by propagating the plant’s leaves or crowns and creating new African violet plants.