propagation

african violets can be propagated by seeds or with leaf cuttings. older plants can be divided.

leaf cuttings

at first cut off a leaf with a sharp and clean knife. the african violet cutting can be planted in a regular potting soil or a mix between humus and sand (3:1). the ending of the leave should sit on the ground.

put it on a bright but not sunny place with a temperature > 20 °c (68 °f). keep the soil moist but not wet. a fertilizer must not be given. there is no need to increase humidity.

after six to eight weeks the african violet cutting will show first new leaves. after about six months you can treat it like the mother plant.

how to grow african violets from seeds

growing african violets (saintpaulia) from seeds isn’t difficult – if you get some. i found mine on ebay.

you can use a regular potting or cacti mix. place the seeds just on the soil. to increase humidity put a glas or a freezing bag over the pot. don’t forget to air daily. give the pot to a bright location without direct sun. temperature should be above 20 °c/68 °c. keep the soil moist but not wet.

the seeds need 14 to 31 days to germinate (at 25 °c/77 °f). if the seedlings are approx. 3 cm/1.18 inches tall you can start adapting them to your room climate by extending the airing time daily. when they have reached a hight of about 5 cm/1.97 inches they can be divided an re-potted.