The Soil Method

Look for a leaf that is healthy and fresh, but has been established on the plant. You want to be sure the leaf is still full of life and not old and tough. Keep the stem that is attached to the leaf.

Optional Step: With a sharp knife or razor, trim off the top of the leaf blade. This will encourage faster production of roots by sending all of the energy back into the soil and not into leaf growth.

Trim the stem to about 1 inch in length for best results. When trimming, be sure to cut it at a 45 degree angle to encourage root and plant growth.

Find a small container and fill it with a porous potting mix (light and airy).  This may be only vermiculite and/or perlite, or it may be a peat-based mix with a high percentage of perlite added.  Moisten the soil and make a shallow hole, using your finger or pencil. Place your leaf cutting in, stem side down, and firm the soil around it.

Your cutting needs humidity and sunshine in order to grow. Place it in a clear covered container or put a clear plastic bag over it to provide humidity. Place this in a bright place without being in direct sun. Try to find a window that provides moderate temperature.

At about 3-4 weeks, roots should begin forming on the stem. In another 3-4 weeks, new leaves will start to sprout.  When the sprouts get a few leaves on them, you will need to repot.

The Water Method

The traditional way of propagating violet leaves is to place the stem into water until roots begin to grow. Once again, look for a leaf that is healthy and fresh, but has been established on the plant. You want to be sure the leaf is still full of life and not old and tough. Keep the stem that is attached to the leaf.

Once again, trim the stem to about 1 inch in length for best results. When trimming, be sure to cut it at a 45 degree angle to encourage root and plant growth. Then, you can put it in a container with water, but you must be sure that that leaf doesn’t touch the water. A small jar usually works best and you can also cover the top with wax paper or plastic wrap to prevent the leaf from falling in.

You will probably see roots starting to grow in a few weeks and it might be necessary to change the water if it gets cloudy. When the roots are between 1/2 to 1 inch long, you can transfer the leaf from the water container and to a small pot of very loose moist potting mix which contains a high percentage of perlite or vermiculite. Then, you can water it and put it in a plastic bag in a bright place for the young plants to develop.

For more details on either method, please see Starting Violets from Leaves on the African Violet Society of America website.