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TIPS FOR STARTING LEAVES

We dip our leaves in PyroClay, a rare-earth mineral supplement that maintains freshness and helps to prevent fungal diseases (see http://www.greenair.com/pyro_clay.htm). Before you plant each leaf, first add about half a cup (125 mL) of warm water to the baggie with the leaf in it, and let the leaf soak in it for about 5 min. Then blot the leaf dry and plant it as you normally would. You can add a teaspoon of sugar dissolved in water and soak them for a few hours or over night. If the leaf is severely wilted it can often be revived by floating the entire leaf in the bowl. A drop of Superthrive or Allegro in the water seems to help but is not necessary. You can sprinkle the leaf with cinnamon which seems to stop rot and fungus problems.  Cut the petiole at a 45 degree angle about one to two inches below the base of the leaf. If you are potting in soil, let them harden off for 10 - 20 minutes before potting. We don't use rooting powder which just encourages root growth and it will take longer for babies to appear.  You can start leaves either in a potting mix (make sure it is sterilized). Make it a little lighter by adding perlite -  about ¼ to ¾ mix. Do not plant the tip of the petiole too deep. Leaves started this way may benefit from being placed under a dome or in a plastic bag for a few weeks. We use zip lock baggies. You can also start leaves in water. Cover a yogurt container with aluminium foil, poke a hole in the foil and stick the leaf in. As soon as the tiny root hairs appear, pot it up (as above). When planting only the tip of the petiole is placed beneath the soil surface so that the developing plantlets can easily make their way to the surface. Prop up the newly planted leaves with plant sticks.  Fertilize the rooted leaves with diluted fertilizer. We recommend Schultz? African Violet Plant Food or RainGrow (both available from Harborcrest Gardens). Once rooted the mother leaves can be placed under lights. Babies will appear in 2 - 6 months and should be ready to transplant in another two. Next Back l Home l About l Shipping Info l Contact Us l Policy l Products A-Z l Catalogue l Secure On-line Ordering l Order Form l African Violets l l Tropical Plants l Growing Tips l