Plant care guide
African Violet Propagation: Leaf Cuttings and Suckers
Updated
How do you propagate an African violet?
African violets are propagated from a single leaf with its stalk (a leaf petiole cutting), from suckers that grow beside the main crown, or by dividing a plant with several crowns. Leaf cuttings root in a few weeks and make several new plants each.
What to do first
Cut a firm, healthy leaf from the middle of the plant with 2.5–4 cm (1–1½ in) of stalk. Insert the stalk at an angle into moist, light rooting mix, cover with a clear bag and keep it in bright, indirect light. Separate and pot the plantlets once they have formed.
African violets are among the easiest flowering houseplants to multiply. Iowa State University Extension’s propagation FAQ says they are easily propagated by leaf cuttings. Suckers and multi-crowned plants give you two more options.
Every new plant from these methods is a clone of the parent, so it will have the same flowers.
Choose a method
| Method | Use it when | Time to a new plant |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf petiole cutting | You want one or several new plants from a healthy parent | Roots in 3–4 weeks; plantlets 6–8 weeks (Iowa State) |
| Sucker | A side crown is growing beside the main one | A large sucker can be potted up intact (Vermont) |
| Division | The plant has several full crowns | Each crown keeps its own roots (UF/IFAS) |
Leaf petiole cuttings
Iowa State’s leaf petiole cutting guide and UF/IFAS Extension’s African violets publication agree on the method:
- Pick the right leaf. UF/IFAS suggests a healthy, firm leaf from the middle of the plant. Purdue Extension’s African violet guide says mature but not old.
- Cut it with a sharp knife, leaving 2.5–4 cm (1–1½ in) of leaf stalk (petiole).
- Prepare the medium. Iowa State suggests a moistened 50:50 mix of vermiculite and coarse sand. UF/IFAS also lists potting mix.
- Insert the stalk at about 45 degrees, as Iowa State advises, and firm the mix around it.
- Cover with a clear plastic bag, held with tape or a rubber band, to stop the leaf wilting.
- Give bright, indirect light and warmth. Iowa State gives 4 to 6 hours of bright indirect light and 18–24 °C (65–75 °F). The RHS leaf cuttings page suggests about 20 °C (68 °F), away from direct sun.
Rooting hormone is optional. Iowa State’s method includes it; its FAQ for violets leaves it out.
Rooting a leaf in water
The University of Vermont Extension’s African violet article says a leaf can root with its stem in room-temperature water. The University of Nevada’s propagation fact sheet suggests covering the jar with foil or waxed paper and pushing the stalk through a small hole. That keeps the leaf blade dry while the stalk hangs in water. Pot the leaf into mix once roots have formed.
Separating the plantlets
Iowa State says several small plants usually form at the base of each stalk. Wait until they have grown, then separate them and pot each one in well-drained mix. Purdue suggests a 5–6.5 cm (2–2½ in) pot for each new plant.
UF/IFAS says new leaves appear 3 to 4 weeks after rooting. Flowering starts about 6 to 9 months after you took the cutting.
Suckers
The University of Vermont says secondary crowns, called suckers, sometimes form and should be removed, except on trailing varieties. Small suckers lift out with tweezers. A large sucker can be removed intact and potted up to grow into a clone of the original plant.
Dividing a multi-crowned plant
UF/IFAS says plants with multiple crowns can be divided, as long as each portion keeps some roots. Purdue suggests cutting between the crowns with a sharp razor blade.
Aftercare
- Water from below or with room-temperature water. UF/IFAS warns that cold water on the leaves causes yellowish spots.
- Keep the mix moist but not soggy. Iowa State’s All About African Violets warns that crown rot is common in overwatered or recently repotted violets.
- Choose a pot about one-third the width of the leaf rosette as the plant grows, as Vermont advises.
Only take cuttings from clean plants. Check the parent for powder on the leaves or a tight, crinkled centre first; see our powdery mildew guide and cyclamen mite guide.
African violets are safe with pets. The ASPCA lists the African violet as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
A long, bare neck can also be fixed by re-rooting the crown, as our leggy growth guide explains. For daily care, see our African violet care guide. Other species are covered in our houseplant propagation guide.
References
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: How can I propagate an African violet?
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: How to Propagate Houseplants by Leaf Petiole Cuttings
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: All About African Violets
- UF/IFAS Extension: African Violets (MG028)
- RHS: Leaf cuttings
- University of Vermont Extension: Growing African violets
- Purdue Extension HO-10-W: African Violets
- University of Nevada Cooperative Extension: Propagating Houseplants (FS-98-92)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: African Violet
How this guide was put together: Iowa State University Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, RHS, University of Vermont Extension, Purdue Extension, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and ASPCA guidance.