African Violets and Gesneriads: IMMMM BAAACK!!!, 1 by Snowrose

Snowrose wrote:
Good idea violet_ grower. I guess the old adage holds true....practice makes perfect. With your determination, you will succeed :0)

What have you tried so far? I just stick mine in AV mix and cover to hold in the humidity. I put down a bunch of trailer leaves this evening and used one of my most favorite containers....the shoe box size salad containers from Costco. I first poke holes in the bottom for drainage using a phillips screwdriver heated on the stove. I just use a cheap one from the dollar store strictly for this purpose. I cut my leaf stems (petioles) fairly short and insert in to the mix. After sticking the leaves and watering using my trusty hair coloring squeeze bottle, I cover the top and seal with clear plastic wrap. I use the salad container top for the saucer underneath.

I love these salad containers and find so many plant related uses for them. My sister saves me hers also. These work well if you are doing a bunch like I did, but if you have just a couple, you can start your leaves in individual pots and cover with a bagge or use smaller deli containers.

The old fashioned way to grow from leaves was simply to root in water like my Grandmother did.

I'm sure the other violet growers on this forum have their favorite ways of propagating that works well for them and could add much to what was said here.

You have so many nice varieties. Happy growing!