I put some leaf stems in water and now have roots. What now? How long should the roots be before putting them into soil? Thanks
Newbie to AV..propagating question
G, getting leaves or water babies (they'll actually sprout little plantlets from the leaf stem if you leave them in the water) to make the transition to potting mix can be tricky... "water roots" just seem to be more delicate than "soil roots." I think some folks have reported good success gradually adding potting mix to the water in the glass (50% perlite added to lighten up soilless mix works well for many of us) until the leaves/plants are growing in moist soil rather than in water... then pot up.
Good luck, and welcome to the AV & Gessie forum!
Critter is much more experienced than some of us. Sounds like good advice.
Maybe, but I've never done "water babies"... I know there's been a thread on them, but I couldn't find it... Actually, I'll be giving it a try myself soon, as I have a couple of leaves that I stuck in water some time ago, planning to plant them "later" -- and now I have little plantlets growing in the water glass!
Hi GeeMan ! Well Come to the wonderful World of progated African violets !
There are some threads and stickies with pictures you ight be able to find in a search.
You may leave them in the water for what ever period of time you'd like or are comfortable with.
Yes like Critter mentioned they wil;l grow babies in the water.
When you do pot them up use a small plastic pot or 3 oz. solo cup.
Put drainage holes
Fill with light soil-less mix
A light soil-less mix is important I use Por-Mix, MG potting Soil, Bayer 3-1, potting soil from Gardenalive, Av potting soil. Any will do . Mix wil 50 percent perlite to light moist keep in closed container.
Fill you small cup/pot with soil mix.
shape out a hole long enough to place your leaf with roots comfortable inside where the leaf will just touch the soil top.
If the leaf has babies hold the Mom leaf gently in the hole fill with soil mixture covering roots not babies
You will now have a pot with Mom leaf and babies ! Water gently with warm water, keep evenly moist, warm give light and weed feedings.
You can wick them if you want.
I will try to find pictures for you
Happ Growing !
Thank you all very much..I'll give it a try!
and then you must report back!! ;-)