Question
Hi Mary,

I am brand new gardner and have two African Violets that are thriving in my courtyard in New York City.  I read in a book that to propogate these plants, that your simply need to take a leaf and stick it soil -- and of course to keep the soil most.  I did this over a week ago and the leaf hasn't wilted, but it also has sprouted any growth.  This all seems too simple.  Am I doing this correctly?

Thanks for your help.

Best - Stephen

Answer
Stephen:  I am very impressed that your violets are doing well outdoors. Yes, you are are on the right track. But don't look for any baby sprouts for a few weeks. Normally it takes anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. Some of my violet buddies can see sprouting in about three weeks when they have the mother leaf in a small styrofoam cup, with very, very light rooting soil and the the whole cup closed up in a large baggie--sort of like a mini greenhouse. Most of my leaf cuttings show sprouts in about six weeks. I grow mine in styrofoam cups under lights on my plant stands.  If you haven't visited the African Violet Society of America web site, you owe it to yourself to do so. http://www.avsa.org    It has tons of info--inlcuding propagation of violets. One of the commercial members, DR. Ralph Robinson, has a web site that shows how to pot up the baby plants and other great info. He has his business in New York state--can't remember the town. Good luck with your leaf cuttings. If you have any more questions, please get in touch. Best wishes and happy growing.

Mary Hill, Tulsa