Back in January I bought a couple of African violets. One was a deep purple.
At some point - I can't remember when or how - one of the leaves broke off.
It was a healthy looking leaf so I decided to try to root it. For some reason I had a small pot with a compost/vermiculite mix in our little bedroom - where the grow lights are housed.
I stuck the leaf in. I obviously didn't expect much as I didn't take a photo or record the planting. The small pot was left sitting on the windowsill and was given a small amount of water if I thought about it. More often it was ignored until one day I noticed that something was happening.
This made me pay more attention and more shoots appeared.
I made a guess as to when to separate the plantlets from the parent leaf ending up with seven baby plants.
These were placed in a tray of water to soak and have been left in the bedroom to see what becomes of them.
The original leaf had lots of roots and if allowed would no doubt have parented more small plants.
I decided that to potentially grow seven identical African violets was probably more than enough.
Maybe I should try and replicate this with my other violet - or should I just quit whilst I am ahead?
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Did you see the thing about propagating Streptocarpus from leaves, shown on the BBC's coverage of the Chelsea show? Much the same sort of procedure, and evidently very effective.
ReplyDeleteI've thought of trying a streptocarpus, Mark but as it is I have more of them than enough.
DeleteIt's amazing, isn't it? I've never taken root cuttings before.
ReplyDeleteThe wonder of nature, Jo.
DeleteSo its same like begonia..can propagate from leaves.
ReplyDeleteI've seen that done, Normala but never tried it - have you?
DeleteMore, more! I love African violets - one of the few houseplants that I was actually able to keep alive for an extended period of time. I'll have to make a note to give this a try.
ReplyDeleteGo for it, Margaret
DeleteI had no idea--how neat. And I'm going to take Mark's tip about the Streptocarpus as I have one that I just adore.
ReplyDeleteI have about ten streptocarpus, Sue so the problem is that as some of them are the same colour I could do to thin them out a little rather than grow more from the leaves
DeleteFantastic. I remember doing this when I was little. They look too fleshy and delicate for it to work don't they.
ReplyDeleteThey do, CJ. To be honest I never thought it would work especially as I had rather neglected them.
DeleteAfrican violets are not my favorite plants, but.....I want to try this too.
ReplyDeleteMaybe if you get some baby plants you can give them away as gifts, Janneke.
Deletehow wonderful...I think you should definitely try it with your other violet Sue!!
ReplyDeleteI think I am going to have a go with a begonia Rex, Tanya. The main plant is looking a little bit shabby so I could do to replace it.
DeleteThat's why gardening is so rewarding isn't it. All those lovely plants for nothing and the satisfaction of knowing you have done it.
ReplyDeleteHi, Gail yes it is. Nature is always surprising us.
DeleteThat is absolutely fantastic Sue all from just sticking a leaf in. I'm so glad it worked out for you x
ReplyDeleteBasically that sums up what I did very well, Jo. Other than a little bit of water when I remembered it was literally just a case of stick it in and see what happens.
DeleteThis is wonderful outcome of your experiment Sue! You should try more of them! ;)
ReplyDeleteI am going try a begonia, Malar.
DeleteThat is a fantastic outcome! I'm surprised you got so many plants! I do love African violets....you have me wanting to buy one and give this a go!xxx
ReplyDeleteMaybe you can try to acquire a leaf from somewhere, Dina.
DeleteMany congratulations. I would love to try the same thing with Streptocarpus which I love, but there's no point - haven't got anywhere in the house suitable for them.
ReplyDeleteOurs are on the north facing bedroom windowsill and west facing windowsill downstairs, Jayne
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