I just wanted to thank you again for all your videos, explanations and techniques. I just separated and potted my first set of babies. I did thirteen leaves in three colors, and got 36 babies!! I’m stunned. I’ve started another twelve leaves in two more colors, and those have rooted and the first baby can be seen. I don’t know what I’ll do with all of them!! I have so many to share. You’re awesome!!!
I am getting ready to start propagating for the first time. I can't begin to tell you how much you're helping me getting everything set up. Wish me luck and thanks again!!!
Thank you for sharing your expertise. I like your style of explaining: sounds very genuine to inform others/viewers step by step.. slowly, without involving dramatic- theatrical presentation. Or you don't show us your body language, including how you dress yourself, or make up you have. I respect you for that. Just simply simple good lesson delivery to learn from you to us. BRAVO!. Thank you.
You are SOOOO knowledgeable!! I appreciate you explaining every step AND showing us too (for those of us who are visual learners like me). About four minutes in to this first video of yours that I've ever seen and I immediately subscribed. It's sometimes hard to find those who are great instructors like yourself
This is probably the best video I've watched on propagating African Violets. I'm new to the plant world and just beginning my journey. I purchased two AV from Lowe's and they looked pretty rough but I'm trying my best to keep them alive and healthy (one of them already lost all of her blooms but I am using grow lights and watering them regularly). Anyway, I will definitely try this method once they start growing and get healthier. New subbie here. Also, you are very pleasant to listen to (which is a big thing for me lol). TYFS 😊😊😊
I just ordered a few different leaves from Lyndon Lyon Greenhouse. These are what I ordered: Semi miniatures: California Victory., Dark Night of the Soul and Irish Flirt. A couple of trailers: Chanta Spring and Teeny Bopper. I also ordered a Streptocarpus, Sensation, a beautiful dark color, almost black. Thanks for you very informative videos. I've been mixing my own potting mix and I'm using the wicking method for watering. So far my plants are thriving.
@@grayturtleviolets Hi! You have a very nice presentation style, and you touch upon all the things a newbie ( like me :) needs to know to be successful. I am actually shocked at how beautiful, and relatively "easy" these plants are! Thank you!
Gray turtle, i thank you very much this updated video, I just received today, a box from Tropical world and a box from voilet barn. OMG, I was so looking forward to receiving leaves for the first time, i usually just have gotten plugs from voilet barn, until I found out you could just purchase leaves. I seen on some tutorial a person soak the leaves in water, i couldn't find that at all. But i found yours. I couldn't find any tutorial on receiving leaves from a grower, from Voilet barn and and they wrote just what you said, so hope you don't have to soack in water. How does the leaves stay alive so long?. But anyway, I really appreciate how you communicate very simply and step by step. You are full of information on how you do things. I know thete are many ways to accomplish what we want, but I believe most of us want good results, and you appsolutely have gotten beautiful, healthy grown african voilets. I am happy you started back your collection. Thank you so much for sharing your passion and great propergation tips.
Congrats on the new arrivals! I usually soak the leaves I receive from other growers only when they lose their turgor during shipping, which can happen during summer shipping, in warmer temps. I might make another video tutorial just about that - that's a great idea. If the leaves arrive crisp, no need to soak them. I do wash them in lukewarm soapy water, rinse well, and once they air dry, spray them with insecticidal soap, as a preventative, and then pot them up. Happy growing!
I used to lose lots of leaves to overwatering, when I just started growing. Especially when growing in closed containers, it's best to keep the soil just slightly moist.
Thanks for this detailed video! Such a great step by step guide and you’re so experienced, it’s amazing! 🥰 I feel ready to prop my variegated violet now 🌱
This is a great tutorial! I have seven year old violet that I'm propigating from. I don't have a domed little greenhouse, but I do have a sunny window. What would you reccomend I do?
African Violets grow well in natural light, however direct sunlight is not recommended, best is to use sheer curtain, to diffuse it. In this video ua-cam.com/video/32xrK05XdoA/v-deo.html, I show some alternatives to domed propagation trays, check it out!
That was an excellent video. I am struggling with my AFVs 😢 had one and just bought a new one in full bloom (to hopefully learn from to get other going)
Thank you! Check out my African Violet Care playlist, especially this video, about bringing new plants home: ua-cam.com/video/FR3srOXimVY/v-deo.html. Happy growing!
I starting up keeping AV again I have 4 minis, and 4 regulars they are as beautiful as as I remember. I put wool yarn in the pots for self watering but I am afraid that it may not work. And I am trying to propagation like you have shown. Just done it will be a while before I see anything yes. Great wrk
Thank you! I would swap wool with acrylic yarn for wick watering. Check out my wick watering video for more info: ua-cam.com/video/iHcYCCjPVGo/v-deo.htmlsi=z6FUWl9cgwfB7Y9K
This was very interesting, Ive only known the shot glass (water) way that my grandmother taught me, so I will be trying this soil version next. Thanks for your knowledge and time.
Did the water propagation method work for you? I use the water way for my snake and philodendron , which works for me. I want to do my violets and wonder if it has worked for you or not.
Please see these episodes for more info and product links: domed propagation trays: ua-cam.com/video/32xrK05XdoA/v-deo.html, potting mix recipe: ua-cam.com/video/pLLcZOfIo-E/v-deo.html
About a month, until baby plants have grown a couple of new rows of leaves and get an established root system. This video has more info, check it out: ua-cam.com/video/B5EP83hoFho/v-deo.htmlsi=vhmRXSjaWL9F_ILC
Thanks for the great video. I have successfully grown baby plants, but I used one bigger container for four leaves. I was wondering how big the babies should get before I seperate them into their individual conainers. I'm so excited to see them grow. The leaves came from my mom, which makes them extra special. :)
@@adventuresandreams Congrats on propagation success! I show when and how I separate them in this video, check it out: ua-cam.com/video/B5EP83hoFho/v-deo.htmlsi=1LS9mSQ7OQ-sgmaF
My girlfriend mother has three AV plants; and her mom is so horrible at taking care of plant overall so a few weeks ago I’ve taken some leaves off and replanted and gave it that tropical feels with a homemade greenhouse and that leaf thrived!
Good afternoon, this is really interesting, I love to start off the leaf cutting in soil and use the same throughout the growth. Plants look beautiful. Would love to try. Thank you for sharing. kind regards
I love your videos. I have a question on watering. After you have set it up in the dome. When should you water again and how? Do you take each pot out and add some water or water the tray?
Thank you! Keeping them in the dome helps preserve the humidity inside, so I only water them when I see that the surface of the potting mix appears dry, maybe once every 2-3 weeks or so. I usually add a little water to each pot, making sure not to overwater them.
Mostly DynaGro 7-9-5 and Jack’s Classic 20-20-20 - switching between the two helps make sure they have the main nutrients, as well as the micronutrients, for healthy growth.
Hello greeting from Canada I have a question you mentioned in the video that is better to choose a green leave instead of the one that are more variegates. Can you tell me why please? Thank you
It's better to choose the greenest leaves to propagate the variegated varieties because of the difference in the amount of chlorophyll, the green pigment of plant tissue which absorbs light during photosynthesis. The leaves that have the most chlorophyll will produce better than those with less chlorophyll. Happy growing!
I don’t know what kind of African violet I have. I inherited 3 plants from my grandmother. I had good luck for a while but two died. I took a leaf and was able to grow a second full plant and it did well. But it suddenly died. I am desperately trying to propagate so I don’t lose this plant. The leaves are very fuzzy and the plant grows white and purple flowers that sort of sparkle. But the stems are very brittle. If I tried to handle it like here they would break off the plant. I will try your method!😊
Great video! I am learning so much. Thank you! Can anyone tell me what will happen if the stem is too long? I recently used this method on a batch of leaves I received, but I didn’t trim one of them to the appropriate size. It’s probably closer to an inch and a half or maybe two inches. Will it fail?
It might still produce fine, you might just have to wait a bit longer than with the shorter stem. The stem, also known as the petiole, is the pipeline through which the products of photosynthesis are normally moved from the leaf to the rest of a plant, or in this case, to the bottom of the petiole, for root formation and production of babies.
Could you please advise me of the soil mixture you are using for rooting your leaves? I am new at this but love AV and they are hard to find here in my area.
Love you video. I was gifted one. And don't have anyway of purchasing soil specifically for this plant. I have regular potting soil, perlite, orchid bark and turface. What mix can in make with what I have. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Congrats on the new plant! I would mix up the regular potting soil with perlite, at 50/50 ratio, and wouldn't add anything else. This should work, especially for top watering method. Check out this video, I talk about various mixes that I tried before moving onto making my own: ua-cam.com/video/dPxgaDSS_Z4/v-deo.html. Happy growing!
@@grayturtlevioletsThe one I think I have is the optimara romance. Its beautiful. It has a little baby, I would like to gift that to my mother. How would I go about pulling that little one, it has 2 leaves growing already and is beside the mother. Thanks so much! It truly is nature's beauty! I will watch the other video.
@@danielac983 what a coincidence - I have a video just about that - receiving Optimara Romance from Selective Gardener and separating sucker babies from the mother plant, check it out: ua-cam.com/video/U3mpMvOJsRM/v-deo.html. Happy growing!
Depends on the potting soil - some commercial potting soils have built-in fertilizer lasting for a few months, in this case wait to start fertilizing after it expires. I make my own potting mix using fertilizer-free components, I start fertilizing mine about a month or two after planting, when they have rooted.
@grayturtleviolets thank you for your quick reply. I just propagated 12 leaves. I'm excited and waiting. Keeping my fingers crossed🤞🏼 thanks again for the great lessons!
Leaf propagation produces true blooming offspring only for regular, non-chimera varieties, correct. Chimeras can propagate from leaves, but the offspring will not bloom true to description. In order to maintain chimera characteristics, propagation by suckers and bloom stalks is recommended instead.
Great informative video as I wait for my leaf delivery, I have liked and subscribed from Australia and I’ll be looking up your other videos . Thankyou 😀
I brought 4 leaves 3 weeks ago. I planted in one big container. One of the leafs have begun to rot. Can I repot like in your video? Do I still need to cut to 1 inch and a 45° angle? Thank you
To rescue the leaf beginning to rot, I would take it out, remove the damaged parts, trimming it down to healthy tissue, let it air dry for 15-20 min, and then repot into fresh mix. Cutting at an angle is not necessary, it just increases the surface of the petiole from which the babies appear.
Do you have a video on how to make violets bloom? I propagate mine 2 years ago. The plants are healthy and beautiful but so far, no blooms. I use an 8-14-9 fertilizer.. How can I get them to bloom? Thank you!
They might need some more light, or repotting in fresh potting mix, extra humidity - depending on your growing environment. Check out my African Violet Care playlist, to see what I do to accomplish the blooming shown in my monthly blooms videos: ua-cam.com/play/PLUjJPrUsRFqKcOeRyKffoZGXpQcWoCJtP.html. Happy growing!
@@grayturtleviolets Thank you for the reply. It's much appreciated. I have checked your care playlist and everything I do seems to be Ok except for the soil PH. I tested it and it's 7.5 and I don't know what to do in order to lower it. I transplanted them about 5 weeks ago and the plants have grown so much but no flowers yet. I can only keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best. Thanks again for your kindness.🌷🌷🌷
This video, African Violet PROPAGATION TRAYS / MINI GREEN HOUSES, has the link where I purchased mine, in the Description box: ua-cam.com/video/32xrK05XdoA/v-deo.html
Thank you so much for your videos! The explanations are thorough and easy to follow. Luckily, I had all the supplies necessary!! I am trying my first 12 propagations in a smaller Sterilite container. Would you tell me please, how often do you water them as you wait for babies? Also, would it help to leave a damp paper towel in the bottom for humidity, changing it as necessary?
Happy to help! Usually, I check them periodically to see if the surface of the potting mix looks dry, and the little pots become lighter - this is when I water them gently, without overwatering - maybe once every 2 weeks. The advantage of growing them in the enclosed container is that it maintains a microclimate that is beneficial for propagation and healthy root growth. No need for damp paper towel, the moisture in the potting soil is sufficient for maintaining humidity inside. Happy growing!
Which place do you preffer to order african violets from...I am trying and for some reason I am not doing so great...I used to have many but now I don't know...I am trying..thanks for your videos...very nice.......MINDY PS//I just checked violet barn but their shipping is very high,,
I had good luck ordering from Violet Barn and Lyndon Lyon - just got 2 orders today - stay tuned for the unboxing! I also like Fancy Bloomers and Bloomlovers, but the latter doesn't ship to the US due to pandemic, so maybe next season...
I love your videos! Thank you so much! I just wondered whether peat pots could be used for leaf propagation. I have had good success but I really wanted to hear your opinion. Thank you!
Does the angle you cut need to be inserted so the open cut is upwards please .. I love your way of teaching. The best instructional video I’ve ever seen, thank you so much
Yes, insert the leaf into potting mix with the petiole cut surface facing upwards - that’s where the babies will be forming once the mother leaf has rooted. Happy to help!
I have propagated some of my african violets from leaves, and some seem to have babies behind or under the leaf although I've put them in the soil with the cut edge up. What can I do to get more light and help these poor babies?? I've seen others sites cut the main leaf down so the babies can grow, what do you recommend? Thank you for all your information!!
It happens sometimes, when babies start growing not in front, but behind the leaf. If they have developed enough to keep growing without the mother’s leaf help, cutting off the mother leaf will help get more light. If not, just cut off the section of the mother leaf where the baby grows to let the light through to the baby, and keep the rest of the mother leaf, so it can keep feeding the baby until it’s ready to be separated.
Thank you for the quick reply...I love your site. I've used your soil recipe and the leaves I'm talking about were progagated under your guidance. @@grayturtleviolets
I'm so excited. I followed your tutorial and now I just peeked and I have a new baby leaf. When and how do I remove the old leaf? Thanks so much for your help.
Thats great, congrats! I usually wait to separate until the babies have grown 2-3 pairs of leaves. Check out this video for more info: ua-cam.com/video/B5EP83hoFho/v-deo.htmlsi=GRxtyy0mbdifoTyQ
I use plain water for about a month, until the leaf has rooted, and then start introducing fertilizer. Hoping to make a new episode about the fertilizers I’ve used, stay tuned!
Check out these videos in my African Violet Care playlist - Potting Mix Part 1: ua-cam.com/video/dPxgaDSS_Z4/v-deo.html and Part 2: ua-cam.com/video/pLLcZOfIo-E/v-deo.html
I received a notice today (3/6/2023) that Bloomlovers has Jolly Moonflower African Violet back in stock. At the present time they sell leaves only for $2.00 each. However, their shipping to the USA is a flat rate of $12.00, even for one leaf. Do you know of any other sources for which I could buy leaves or plants of Jo;;y Moonflower? Thanks so much.
Yes, shipping rates keep increasing, I’ve seen even higher shipping rates in cold shipping season. When it gets warmer, it might be available on eBay with lower shipping rates, worth checking.
I love your channel! I do however have a question. Once your cuttings (propagated in water) start to develop roots when do you transfer them over to soil? I assume the baby leaves will not produce in water, correct?
Great question! When propagating in water first, I would wait for the roots to be around 1/2 - 1 inch long, and then transfer them over to soil. I wouldn't wait longer than that though - when mother leaf is left in water for too long, baby plantlets can start growing in water as well, although I am not sure how viable they will be after being potted up in soil - some will make it, and others may not, because of the rapid change of their growing environment. Personally, I prefer propagating directly in soil - less work for me this way, and less stress for the mother leaf and the babies.
Yes, the babies grown from leaves will bloom when reaching maturity. Except the chimera hybrids - those will bloom true only when propagated by bloomstalks or suckers.
I cut mine shorter, as shown in this video. Think of the stem, also known as the petiole, as the pipeline through which the products of photosynthesis are moved from the leaf to the rest of a plant, or in this case, to the bottom of the petiole, for root formation and production of babies. The longer the stem, the longer it takes for the leaf to start growing roots and produce babies.
Thanks so much for your quick response. They are currently out of stock for that variety, but I am now on their notification list. I've never ordered African Violets online before. In the case of Violet Barn, African Violets that cost between $10-$15, is that for a plant or a leaf? Also, at Bloomlovers, they have prices for African Violets that say cuttings. Is that a leaf? Sorry to bother you again. Thanks for your help.
Each vendor has their own prices, they usually list them next to each variety. Violet Barn sells plants only, no leaves. Bloomlovers used to sell plugs and leaves, on their homepage it says that it will be leaves mostly, in 2023.
Been enjoying your videos Gray Turtle. Thought I should share, pier 1 imports went bankrupt and everything in store is 50-80% off right now. I found a bunch of really cool glasses and glass candle holders for water wicking my african violets for really cheap.
Usually, about 9-12 months from planting a leaf to getting the first blooms on the babies that grow out of it. Miniatures sometimes grow and bloom faster than standard varieties. Happy growing!
When propagating leaves without stems, I usually water the potting mix around the base of the leaf, when the surface of the mix looks dry, about once every 2 weeks, if the leaves are domed.
I have a question. My propagations seem to be doing well, they seem to have rooted as the leaves are firmly in place. It has been three weeks. I am wondering, though, about a green tinge to the top of the soil and the vermiculite that can be seen on top, almost like a moss or mold. Is there something I should do to remove this?
I don’t use vermiculite. Some of mine, in peat moss and perlite mixture, sometimes grow some moss on top, it’s not harmful, and easy to remove if needed. I just let it be. Happy growing!
@@grayturtleviolets, I apologize, I meant perlite. I did see a video that talked about this. The author said it can be algae! His recommendations to remove it is to sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon or a solution of 1 cup water with 1Tbl 3% peroxide and lightly spray the soil, saying either one will get rid of the green growth without damaging plants or seedlings.
This video is great! I followed your instructions and I'm anxiously awaiting those babies. I had a question about care after the leaves are properly potted: How do I know when to water them? And do I water them from the bottom or the top?
Glad it was helpful! I usually check periodically on the potting mix surface - when it looks dry, I water it gently from the top, usually once a week, or every two weeks. The domed trays keep it moist for a while, so they require watering less frequently than those grown in open air. You can also tell by the weight of the pot, if it has weight to it when lifted, it means that the potting mix is still moist, and when it gets lighter, it’s time to water. The key is to avoid overwatering, better less than more. Happy growing!
@@Guttergirl61 Thank you for your comment. Yes, to clarify, it is the potting mix surrounding the leaf planted for propagation, that is being watered, not the actual leaf. In my experience, watering the potting mix both from the top and from the bottom in this case works just fine.
У меня вопрос, если листья можно укоренять без черенка, какой смысл срезать под углом? можно ли не срезать, а просто посадить в грунт как он есть или сломан? и еще в догонку, из не самого лучшего листа появляются детки, они потом догоняют своих однокашек из красивых листов или остаются такие же недокормыши?
Мне кажется дело в площади поверхности среза - при срезке под углом она больше, чем при срезке по прямой или отламывании. Чем больше площадь среза, тем больше деток. Я размножала и листом без черенка, и отломанным листом, детки появляются при любом способе, главное чтобы материнский лист был здоров. Чистота среза также важна для предотвращения гнилостных процессов на месте среза после посадки. Качество посадочного материала может влиять на потомство - это из личного опыта. Но также может зависеть и от сорта - есть сорта, дающие хороших деток и от не самых лучших листьев, а есть тугодумы, которые и при первосортном посадочном материале могут не дать потомства.
Love your videos! So well done. Using the recipe you have for the potting soil, could you keep it longer than 1 week if I didn't add the water until I was ready to use it? Thank you and keep those great videos coming!!
Thank you! I’ve kept mine up to a month, adding water at the very beginning, during mixing. I usually wait for a few days after mixing before using, to let all of the ingredients blend in and the dolomite lime action going. I also read that when adding dolomite lime for the benefit of added calcium and magnesium, it should be added to the potting mix around two to three weeks before planting, to give the compound enough time to break down in the soil.
@@grayturtleviolets My problem is that I wouldn't use all the soil within a week or so I don't have that many plants to propagate. So I was thinking of adding water as I go,
Oh, I am so glad! We are moving this year, so maybe I can add potting mix to my selling list, once we get established in a new home. Thank you so much for shopping with me and supporting my channel!
Maybe a little improvement, in terms of how fast they grow. Hard to tell since I keep using the regular fertilizers (DynaGro 7-9-5 and Jack's 20-20-20), in addition to the worm castings. I trust the other growers, with more experience, that adding them is beneficial for the AVs, so I just follow their wisdom. Just make sure to use systemic insect control when using worm castings, as a preventative.
I was looking for Jolly Moonflower African Violets to purchase and can't find any. Do you know where they can be bought? Violet Barn doesn't list it in their varieties. Thanks very much.
I use DynaGro 7-9-5 liquid plant food (1/4 tsp/gallon of water) and Jack's Classic 20-20-20 (1/8 tsp/gallon of water) - I switch between the two kinds every week or so. I get them on Amazon.
I know AVs can be propagated from a section of a leaf, and trailing varieties can be propagated by stem cuttings that have at least one leaf bud, but never heard of propagation from a leaf petiole, without the actual leaf. I would imagine that AV leaf petioles have lower photosynthetic capacity than the AV leaves, therefore less likely to produce roots and babies without the leaf - would be curious to see if propagation by petiole is possible...
Also, I've had my African Violet for a few years. I repotted and it hasn't bloomed since. The leaves are a beautiful green but no flowers. It used to bloom all the time, what should I do?
Thank you Gray Turtle for your tutorials. I am obsessed now with AV since recently obtaining my first few plants and successfully propagating from leaves. Please recommend good reliable sources for leaves if you can. Do you sell? Good luck and well wishes.
Welcome to the AV world, this is a very exciting hobby to have! For U.S.-based leaf sources, I can recommend Lyndon Lyon, Fancy Bloomers, Moonlight Nursery, Selective Gardener, Tropical World Nursery, and eBay. I also purchased from Bloomlovers, before the pandemic (now it is Canada-only). I do sell my surplus on eBay, under grayturtleviolets. Happy growing!
I am confused you showed putting in drain holes but the cups you used when potting up the leaves of the violets did not look like they had holes. Why have a hole if you are using slightly damp soil mix. Are the holes for when you are wicking a mature plant.
The cups I used when potting up the leaves had drainage holes that I made ahead of time, check out this video at 12:16 showing the cups' bottoms when I turn them toward the camera. The holes are needed to wick away extra moisture during subsequent waterings. I've also seen other growers using cups without the drain holes - if watered sparingly, that could work too.
@@grayturtleviolets thank you so very much for promptly answering my question. I am going to try propagating some leaves. I also have a couple violets that have gotten leggy I need to deal with. I did not know I was to repot twice a year. I am going to look for the online group you mentioned. Hugs “ Gardners know the best dirt” 😊
@@valeriekushner5003 Sure thing, happy to help! I also have a demo for outgrown plants/long neck treatment, check it out: ua-cam.com/video/XL_TDq2_O1Y/v-deo.html. Happy growing!
Hi..i use the small red cups when I plant my seeds in the spring..can you tell me plz what you use to make the holes on the bottom of the red cups..cuz I had a hard time poking holes in them..thx
@@mystiquerose620 Check in local home improvement or electronics stores, for a basic, simple soldering iron, e.g. this one: www.frys.com/product/9008917?store=11
My question is when or if I have to separate the leaf that I propagated and the babies are producing do I take the leaf off or just let it stay with the babies until it finally dies
Great question! Normally, I wait until the babies have grown 2-3 pairs of leaves, before separating from mother leaf. Check out my video called 'When and How I Separate Babies from Mother Leaf', for more info: ua-cam.com/video/B5EP83hoFho/v-deo.html
I have a propagation tray and dome, but I never seem to form humidity droplets inside of them. Does it have to do with the strength of your lights? Or the warm conditions? If there is no build up of water droplets, is the dome working? Thx
I keep the dome openings closed, to elevate humidity, and open them when I see too much condensate forming inside. If there are no openings in the dome, I’d check the moisture in the potting mix. If it’s dry to the touch, no condensate will form.
@@grayturtleviolets Thank you. I’m not sure what is going on with it as the potting mix is moist. I even had water containers inside at one point, and no condensation formed. Does it take several days to build up? I’m at a loss as to what to try next and concerned that my leaves will rot if I add more water to the mix. Do you have further ideas? Thank you so much for your help
@@JoAnneMOwens another reason could be that the dome does not close all the way, if there is a gap between the dome and the tray, the moisture can escape through the gap. Be careful not to overwater, even if no condensate forms inside! 50-60% humidity will do.
@@grayturtleviolets Thank you! Good to know humidity can be adequate without forming water droplets. I will place my humidity meter inside the enclosure and take some readings to check it. I appreciate your reply
@@grayturtleviolets just one last question, what is a safe upper limit of humidity? I just measured mine and it is 84%, is that too high? I still have very little condensation and my potting mix is pretty moist, thank you again for all your help 🪴🪴🪴
I noticed that you didn't use rooting hormone on the leaves you are propagating. Is it on top use it? Wondering why other channels always use this. Love your video! It was very thorough and helpful! 👍
I just wanted to thank you again for all your videos, explanations and techniques. I just separated and potted my first set of babies. I did thirteen leaves in three colors, and got 36 babies!! I’m stunned. I’ve started another twelve leaves in two more colors, and those have rooted and the first baby can be seen. I don’t know what I’ll do with all of them!! I have so many to share. You’re awesome!!!
So glad it’s been helpful! Thank you for sharing your growing success, way to go!
Where do you get the cups to start off propagation
My husband got me grow lights and shelving units for Christmas. I’m completely new to this and enjoying your tutorials. Thank you!
Glad it’s been helpful! Happy growing!
I am getting ready to start propagating for the first time. I can't begin to tell you how much you're helping me getting everything set up. Wish me luck and thanks again!!!
Glad it’s been helpful, appreciate your feedback! Happy growing!
Thank you for sharing your expertise. I like your style of explaining: sounds very genuine to inform others/viewers step by step.. slowly, without involving dramatic- theatrical presentation. Or you don't show us your body language, including how you dress yourself, or make up you have. I respect you for that. Just simply simple good lesson delivery to learn from you to us. BRAVO!. Thank you.
Thank you, appreciate your feedback! Exactly my point - let the African Violets be the stars of the show!💕
You are SOOOO knowledgeable!!
I appreciate you explaining every step AND showing us too (for those of us who are visual learners like me).
About four minutes in to this first video of yours that I've ever seen and I immediately subscribed. It's sometimes hard to find those who are great instructors like yourself
Thank you, so glad it’s been helpful! Happy growing!
This is probably the best video I've watched on propagating African Violets. I'm new to the plant world and just beginning my journey. I purchased two AV from Lowe's and they looked pretty rough but I'm trying my best to keep them alive and healthy (one of them already lost all of her blooms but I am using grow lights and watering them regularly).
Anyway, I will definitely try this method once they start growing and get healthier. New subbie here. Also, you are very pleasant to listen to (which is a big thing for me lol). TYFS 😊😊😊
@@yyonak Appreciate your feedback! Happy growing!🌸
I like the way you explain,very calm and i have patience to listen up to the end,ty🤗
I am so glad, thank you for watching!
Your information about leaf propagation is a godsend to us who are just starting to do this.
Thank you! Glad it’s been helpful!
I just ordered a few different leaves from Lyndon Lyon Greenhouse. These are what I ordered: Semi miniatures: California Victory., Dark Night of the Soul and Irish Flirt. A couple of trailers: Chanta Spring and Teeny Bopper. I also ordered a Streptocarpus, Sensation, a beautiful dark color, almost black. Thanks for you very informative videos. I've been mixing my own potting mix and I'm using the wicking method for watering. So far my plants are thriving.
Glad it’s been helpful! Congrats on the new acquisitions and happy growing!
This is so beautiful. You are a gifted teacher! My violets were “semi-cooked” in the heat. I am excited to try to save them. Thank you. 😉
You can do it! Happy growing!
@@grayturtleviolets Hi! You have a very nice presentation style, and you touch upon all the things a newbie ( like me :) needs to know to be successful. I am actually shocked at how beautiful, and relatively "easy" these plants are! Thank you!
@@jackiekittridge-steele385 Happy to help, always so much to learn about African Violets! Appreciate your feedback!
This is exciting! I want to grow african violets and she give clear and east to follow directions. Thank you very much this is very helpfull
I enjoyed your video! It was very informative and precise. I am very excited about propagating my African violets! Thank you!
Oh I am so glad! Happy growing!
Gray turtle, i thank you very much this updated video, I just received today, a box from Tropical world and a box from voilet barn. OMG, I was so looking forward to receiving leaves for the first time, i usually just have gotten plugs from voilet barn, until I found out you could just purchase leaves. I seen on some tutorial a person soak the leaves in water, i couldn't find that at all. But i found yours. I couldn't find any tutorial on receiving leaves from a grower, from Voilet barn and and they wrote just what you said, so hope you don't have to soack in water. How does the leaves stay alive so long?. But anyway, I really appreciate how you communicate very simply and step by step. You are full of information on how you do things. I know thete are many ways to accomplish what we want, but I believe most of us want good results, and you appsolutely have gotten beautiful, healthy grown african voilets. I am happy you started back your collection. Thank you so much for sharing your passion and great propergation tips.
Congrats on the new arrivals! I usually soak the leaves I receive from other growers only when they lose their turgor during shipping, which can happen during summer shipping, in warmer temps. I might make another video tutorial just about that - that's a great idea. If the leaves arrive crisp, no need to soak them. I do wash them in lukewarm soapy water, rinse well, and once they air dry, spray them with insecticidal soap, as a preventative, and then pot them up. Happy growing!
Very informative! I love your calm voice. Thank you so much for the tips. Great video!!! 🌷🌷🌷
Thank you! Happy to share!
This was very helpful. My first leaf propagations failed because I did not know I needed to dry the stems, and I over watered.
I used to lose lots of leaves to overwatering, when I just started growing. Especially when growing in closed containers, it's best to keep the soil just slightly moist.
Thank you for your information rich videos. They are truly a wealth of information! I'm new to propagation as a hobby now that I'm retired. So fun!!!!
Appreciate your feedback! Welcome to the hobby and happy growing!🌸
Thanks for this detailed video! Such a great step by step guide and you’re so experienced, it’s amazing! 🥰 I feel ready to prop my variegated violet now 🌱
Appreciate your feedback! Happy growing!🌸
Wow! Very informative and easy to follow. I am anxious to get started on my own now.
Glad it was helpful! Happy growing!
This is a great tutorial! I have seven year old violet that I'm propigating from. I don't have a domed little greenhouse, but I do have a sunny window. What would you reccomend I do?
African Violets grow well in natural light, however direct sunlight is not recommended, best is to use sheer curtain, to diffuse it. In this video ua-cam.com/video/32xrK05XdoA/v-deo.html, I show some alternatives to domed propagation trays, check it out!
@@grayturtleviolets Will they grow faster if they are under some sort of terrarium?
@@bellacataline8506I found that in my environment they propagate better when domed, with elevated humidity.
Hi! Thanks much for your details videos. Can you let me know where to buy the tool to make the holes under your containers?
Thank you! On Amazon, search for ‘soldering iron kit’, or you can buy it locally in any store that sells them.
That was an excellent video. I am struggling with my AFVs 😢 had one and just bought a new one in full bloom (to hopefully learn from to get other going)
Thank you! Check out my African Violet Care playlist, especially this video, about bringing new plants home: ua-cam.com/video/FR3srOXimVY/v-deo.html. Happy growing!
Very informative and very useful on learning to propagate african violets!!!!
@@user-ji7wn4oj4k Thank you!🌸
I starting up keeping AV again I have 4 minis, and 4 regulars they are as beautiful as as I remember. I put wool yarn in the pots for self watering but I am afraid that it may not work. And I am trying to propagation like you have shown. Just done it will be a while before I see anything yes. Great wrk
Thank you! I would swap wool with acrylic yarn for wick watering. Check out my wick watering video for more info: ua-cam.com/video/iHcYCCjPVGo/v-deo.htmlsi=z6FUWl9cgwfB7Y9K
This was very interesting, Ive only known the shot glass (water) way that my grandmother taught me, so I will be trying this soil version next. Thanks for your knowledge and time.
You are very welcome, happy to help!
Did the water propagation method work for you? I use the water way for my snake and philodendron , which works for me. I want to do my violets and wonder if it has worked for you or not.
@@lindaandrie99 it worked for me, I did a video on it on my channel, I should do an update video on them because they are all leafed out.
where did you get the dome with lid? and also what doyou use for your soil mixture. thanks in advance plants look beautiful
Please see these episodes for more info and product links: domed propagation trays: ua-cam.com/video/32xrK05XdoA/v-deo.html, potting mix recipe: ua-cam.com/video/pLLcZOfIo-E/v-deo.html
Very informative video, thanks. Can you please tell me how long you leave your baby african violet plants in the terrarium before removing?
About a month, until baby plants have grown a couple of new rows of leaves and get an established root system. This video has more info, check it out: ua-cam.com/video/B5EP83hoFho/v-deo.htmlsi=vhmRXSjaWL9F_ILC
Спасибо большое за видео! Очень интересно! Я поделюсь этим видео в шведской группе любителей фиалок. Думаю, многие будут рады послушать ваши советы.
Спасибо, мне очень приятно! Привет из Калифорнии шведским коллегам-любителям сенполий!
@@grayturtleviolets do you speak Russian?
@@Nura4N Yes, I do :-)
Thanks for the great video. I have successfully grown baby plants, but I used one bigger container for four leaves. I was wondering how big the babies should get before I seperate them into their individual conainers. I'm so excited to see them grow. The leaves came from my mom, which makes them extra special. :)
@@adventuresandreams Congrats on propagation success! I show when and how I separate them in this video, check it out: ua-cam.com/video/B5EP83hoFho/v-deo.htmlsi=1LS9mSQ7OQ-sgmaF
@@grayturtleviolets Thank you so much for your fast reply and super helpful second video! Subscribed! :)
My girlfriend mother has three AV plants; and her mom is so horrible at taking care of plant overall so a few weeks ago I’ve taken some leaves off and replanted and gave it that tropical feels with a homemade greenhouse and that leaf thrived!
Glad it’s worked out! Happy growing!
Good afternoon, this is really interesting, I love to start off the leaf cutting in soil and use the same throughout the growth. Plants look beautiful. Would love to try. Thank you for sharing. kind regards
You can do it! Happy growing!
I love your videos. I have a question on watering. After you have set it up in the dome. When should you water again and how? Do you take each pot out and add some water or water the tray?
Thank you! Keeping them in the dome helps preserve the humidity inside, so I only water them when I see that the surface of the potting mix appears dry, maybe once every 2-3 weeks or so. I usually add a little water to each pot, making sure not to overwater them.
@@grayturtleviolets thank you.
I’m learning so much from your channel. Thank you.
So glad you find it helpful! Thank you for watching!
Hi thank you for the great video.Could you please tell me what you feed your plants with because they look so healthy
Mostly DynaGro 7-9-5 and Jack’s Classic 20-20-20 - switching between the two helps make sure they have the main nutrients, as well as the micronutrients, for healthy growth.
Hello greeting from Canada I have a question you mentioned in the video that is better to choose a green leave instead of the one that are more variegates.
Can you tell me why please?
Thank you
It's better to choose the greenest leaves to propagate the variegated varieties because of the difference in the amount of chlorophyll, the green pigment of plant tissue which absorbs light during photosynthesis. The leaves that have the most chlorophyll will produce better than those with less chlorophyll. Happy growing!
I don’t know what kind of African violet I have. I inherited 3 plants from my grandmother. I had good luck for a while but two died. I took a leaf and was able to grow a second full plant and it did well. But it suddenly died. I am desperately trying to propagate so I don’t lose this plant. The leaves are very fuzzy and the plant grows white and purple flowers that sort of sparkle. But the stems are very brittle. If I tried to handle it like here they would break off the plant. I will try your method!😊
I learn so much from you! Thank you for the wonderful content. 😊
Appreciate your feedback! 🌸
Great video! I am learning so much. Thank you!
Can anyone tell me what will happen if the stem is too long? I recently used this method on a batch of leaves I received, but I didn’t trim one of them to the appropriate size. It’s probably closer to an inch and a half or maybe two inches. Will it fail?
It might still produce fine, you might just have to wait a bit longer than with the shorter stem. The stem, also known as the petiole, is the pipeline through which the products of photosynthesis are normally moved from the leaf to the rest of a plant, or in this case, to the bottom of the petiole, for root formation and production of babies.
@@grayturtleviolets thank you for this info!
@@artificialembelligence2262 Sure thing, happy growing!
I do mine longer then gently cut with xacto knife close to soil after it has grown some leaves then I reuse that same stem and propagate again
i love that propagation room also known as living room
Thanks! :-)
Could you please advise me of the soil mixture you are using for rooting your leaves? I am new at this but love AV and they are hard to find here in my area.
50/50 sphagnum peat moss and perlite
Love you video. I was gifted one. And don't have anyway of purchasing soil specifically for this plant. I have regular potting soil, perlite, orchid bark and turface. What mix can in make with what I have. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Congrats on the new plant! I would mix up the regular potting soil with perlite, at 50/50 ratio, and wouldn't add anything else. This should work, especially for top watering method. Check out this video, I talk about various mixes that I tried before moving onto making my own: ua-cam.com/video/dPxgaDSS_Z4/v-deo.html. Happy growing!
@@grayturtlevioletsThe one I think I have is the optimara romance. Its beautiful. It has a little baby, I would like to gift that to my mother. How would I go about pulling that little one, it has 2 leaves growing already and is beside the mother.
Thanks so much! It truly is nature's beauty! I will watch the other video.
@@danielac983 what a coincidence - I have a video just about that - receiving Optimara Romance from Selective Gardener and separating sucker babies from the mother plant, check it out: ua-cam.com/video/U3mpMvOJsRM/v-deo.html. Happy growing!
@@grayturtleviolets wow!! Thanks so much ill definitely watch the video, I've watched the other ones great information. Thanks for sharing. 🥰
@@danielac983 You are very welcome! Happy to share!
Hi, how long do I wait to start fertilizing my leaves? I've just started this wonderful hobby! Thanks in advance! Sally
Depends on the potting soil - some commercial potting soils have built-in fertilizer lasting for a few months, in this case wait to start fertilizing after it expires. I make my own potting mix using fertilizer-free components, I start fertilizing mine about a month or two after planting, when they have rooted.
@grayturtleviolets thank you for your quick reply. I just propagated 12 leaves. I'm excited and waiting. Keeping my fingers crossed🤞🏼 thanks again for the great lessons!
Thank you for this vidéo! Does it work for Chimera?? I Heard that Chimera Can not be.propagate with leaf. Thank you
Leaf propagation produces true blooming offspring only for regular, non-chimera varieties, correct. Chimeras can propagate from leaves, but the offspring will not bloom true to description. In order to maintain chimera characteristics, propagation by suckers and bloom stalks is recommended instead.
@@grayturtleviolets thank u 😊
Thanks for that SUPER tutorial! I will surely try this.
Thank you for watching, and happy growing!
Great informative video as I wait for my leaf delivery, I have liked and subscribed from Australia and I’ll be looking up your other videos . Thankyou 😀
Thanks so much! Happy growing!
Красивые у вас фиалочки😍
I brought 4 leaves 3 weeks ago. I planted in one big container. One of the leafs have begun to rot. Can I repot like in your video? Do I still need to cut to 1 inch and a 45° angle? Thank you
To rescue the leaf beginning to rot, I would take it out, remove the damaged parts, trimming it down to healthy tissue, let it air dry for 15-20 min, and then repot into fresh mix. Cutting at an angle is not necessary, it just increases the surface of the petiole from which the babies appear.
@@grayturtleviolets excellent! thank you. I love your channel. I wish I can come to see your violets.
Khub sundor pilant valo laglo
Thank you!
Do you have a video on how to make violets bloom? I propagate mine 2 years ago. The plants are healthy and beautiful but so far, no blooms.
I use an 8-14-9 fertilizer.. How can I get them to bloom? Thank you!
They might need some more light, or repotting in fresh potting mix, extra humidity - depending on your growing environment. Check out my African Violet Care playlist, to see what I do to accomplish the blooming shown in my monthly blooms videos: ua-cam.com/play/PLUjJPrUsRFqKcOeRyKffoZGXpQcWoCJtP.html. Happy growing!
@@grayturtleviolets Thank you for the reply. It's much appreciated. I have checked your care playlist and everything I do seems to be Ok except for the soil PH. I tested it and it's 7.5 and I don't know what to do in order to lower it. I transplanted them about 5 weeks ago and the plants have grown so much but no flowers yet. I can only keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.
Thanks again for your kindness.🌷🌷🌷
Very well done! I always learn something new. Thank you.
Thank you! Glad it was helpful!
Could I get the link for the tall propagation trays.
This video, African Violet PROPAGATION TRAYS / MINI GREEN HOUSES, has the link where I purchased mine, in the Description box: ua-cam.com/video/32xrK05XdoA/v-deo.html
Thank you so much for delivering so much knowledge and information. You have done such a fantastic job. Can't wait to see more. Thanks again.
So glad it was helpful! Happy to share!
@@grayturtleviolets thank you learnt so much
Thank you so much for your videos! The explanations are thorough and easy to follow. Luckily, I had all the supplies necessary!! I am trying my first 12 propagations in a smaller Sterilite container. Would you tell me please, how often do you water them as you wait for babies? Also, would it help to leave a damp paper towel in the bottom for humidity, changing it as necessary?
Happy to help! Usually, I check them periodically to see if the surface of the potting mix looks dry, and the little pots become lighter - this is when I water them gently, without overwatering - maybe once every 2 weeks. The advantage of growing them in the enclosed container is that it maintains a microclimate that is beneficial for propagation and healthy root growth. No need for damp paper towel, the moisture in the potting soil is sufficient for maintaining humidity inside. Happy growing!
Which place do you preffer to order african violets from...I am trying and for some reason I am not doing so great...I used to have many but now I don't know...I am trying..thanks for your videos...very nice.......MINDY
PS//I just checked violet barn but their shipping is very high,,
I had good luck ordering from Violet Barn and Lyndon Lyon - just got 2 orders today - stay tuned for the unboxing! I also like Fancy Bloomers and Bloomlovers, but the latter doesn't ship to the US due to pandemic, so maybe next season...
Wonderful! Thanks. Now I am armed with better information. I will try again. Thanks.
Thank you for the awesome video!
I've got a single leaf so I'm hoping that it grows baby plants successfully!
Appreciate your feedback! Happy growing!
what a fantastic video!! thank you for all the information!
You are very welcome! Happy to share!
Do you have a suggestion for any places here in the US where we can purchase and have leaf cuttings with a bit of stem attached mailed to us?
EBay (sellers with good feedback), Woodland Blooms, Fancy Bloomers - I had good results propagating leaves from these sources.
I love your videos! Thank you so much!
I just wondered whether peat pots could be used for leaf propagation. I have had good success but I really wanted to hear your opinion. Thank you!
Appreciate your feedback! I grow mine in plastic pots filled with peat moss-based mix, so I would imagine peat pots would work too. Happy growing!
Does the angle you cut need to be inserted so the open cut is upwards please .. I love your way of teaching. The best instructional video I’ve ever seen, thank you so much
Yes, insert the leaf into potting mix with the petiole cut surface facing upwards - that’s where the babies will be forming once the mother leaf has rooted. Happy to help!
@@grayturtleviolets thank you so very much. You’re an inspiration x
I have propagated some of my african violets from leaves, and some seem to have babies behind or under the leaf although I've put them in the soil with the cut edge up. What can I do to get more light and help these poor babies?? I've seen others sites cut the main leaf down so the babies can grow, what do you recommend? Thank you for all your information!!
It happens sometimes, when babies start growing not in front, but behind the leaf. If they have developed enough to keep growing without the mother’s leaf help, cutting off the mother leaf will help get more light. If not, just cut off the section of the mother leaf where the baby grows to let the light through to the baby, and keep the rest of the mother leaf, so it can keep feeding the baby until it’s ready to be separated.
Thank you for the quick reply...I love your site. I've used your soil recipe and the leaves I'm talking about were progagated under your guidance. @@grayturtleviolets
I'm so excited. I followed your tutorial and now I just peeked and I have a new baby leaf. When and how do I remove the old leaf? Thanks so much for your help.
Thats great, congrats! I usually wait to separate until the babies have grown 2-3 pairs of leaves. Check out this video for more info: ua-cam.com/video/B5EP83hoFho/v-deo.htmlsi=GRxtyy0mbdifoTyQ
Do you know if I can regrow my violet from just the root? The whole plant died and I only have the root….
If the roots and the main crown stem are still alive, it’s possible - check out this video, for more info: ua-cam.com/video/-JcS821NZMY/v-deo.html
Very informative. Cant wait to try this ! New subscriber here!
Thank you! Welcome to the hobby!🌸
Where did you get the dome tray that fits the 2" pots?
Greenhouse Megastore, I included a link in my African Violet Propagation Trays video: ua-cam.com/video/32xrK05XdoA/v-deo.html
Do you fertilize each time you water the soil?
I use plain water for about a month, until the leaf has rooted, and then start introducing fertilizer. Hoping to make a new episode about the fertilizers I’ve used, stay tuned!
@@grayturtleviolets thanks. Will look forward to it as always.
Thank you for this video. Please could you show the soil recipe again, with suggestions for alternatives?
Check out these videos in my African Violet Care playlist - Potting Mix Part 1: ua-cam.com/video/dPxgaDSS_Z4/v-deo.html and Part 2: ua-cam.com/video/pLLcZOfIo-E/v-deo.html
I received a notice today (3/6/2023) that Bloomlovers has Jolly Moonflower African Violet back in stock. At the present time they sell leaves only for $2.00 each. However, their shipping to the USA is a flat rate of $12.00, even for one leaf. Do you know of any other sources for which I could buy leaves or plants of Jo;;y Moonflower? Thanks so much.
Yes, shipping rates keep increasing, I’ve seen even higher shipping rates in cold shipping season. When it gets warmer, it might be available on eBay with lower shipping rates, worth checking.
@@grayturtleviolets Thanks very much for your help and quick response.
I love your channel!
I do however have a question. Once your cuttings (propagated in water) start to develop roots when do you transfer them over to soil? I assume the baby leaves will not produce in water, correct?
Great question! When propagating in water first, I would wait for the roots to be around 1/2 - 1 inch long, and then transfer them over to soil. I wouldn't wait longer than that though - when mother leaf is left in water for too long, baby plantlets can start growing in water as well, although I am not sure how viable they will be after being potted up in soil - some will make it, and others may not, because of the rapid change of their growing environment. Personally, I prefer propagating directly in soil - less work for me this way, and less stress for the mother leaf and the babies.
Is it possible to propagate a stem without the leaf??
I’ve heard of African Violet regeneration from petiole (leaf stem) used for in vitro micropropagation experiments, but I never tried it myself.
Will these leaf propagated offspring produce flowers eventually?
Yes, the babies grown from leaves will bloom when reaching maturity. Except the chimera hybrids - those will bloom true only when propagated by bloomstalks or suckers.
Do we need to cut the stem shorter? Or i can leave it that long
I cut mine shorter, as shown in this video. Think of the stem, also known as the petiole, as the pipeline through which the products of photosynthesis are moved from the leaf to the rest of a plant, or in this case, to the bottom of the petiole, for root formation and production of babies. The longer the stem, the longer it takes for the leaf to start growing roots and produce babies.
@@grayturtleviolets okay thank you so much for the response🥰
@@ferjovayne7006 You are very welcome!
Can you use African violet soil?
Yes, the AV soil works, I would add some extra perlite to it, if available.
Thanks so much for your quick response. They are currently out of stock for that variety, but I am now on their notification list. I've never ordered African Violets online before. In the case of Violet Barn, African Violets that cost between $10-$15, is that for a plant or a leaf? Also, at Bloomlovers, they have prices for African Violets that say cuttings. Is that a leaf? Sorry to bother you again. Thanks for your help.
Each vendor has their own prices, they usually list them next to each variety. Violet Barn sells plants only, no leaves. Bloomlovers used to sell plugs and leaves, on their homepage it says that it will be leaves mostly, in 2023.
@@grayturtleviolets Thanks for all your help. Best wishes, Ted
Are you using your potting mix for your wick watering setups? Or just for propagating?
Same mix for both
Been enjoying your videos Gray Turtle. Thought I should share, pier 1 imports went bankrupt and everything in store is 50-80% off right now. I found a bunch of really cool glasses and glass candle holders for water wicking my african violets for really cheap.
Thanks so much! Will go check it out, we have one nearby...
How often do you water??
When the soil surface looks dry.
How Long does it take for the babies to get flowers?
Usually, about 9-12 months from planting a leaf to getting the first blooms on the babies that grow out of it. Miniatures sometimes grow and bloom faster than standard varieties. Happy growing!
Do you water the base of the leaf and how often? The leaf without the stem..
When propagating leaves without stems, I usually water the potting mix around the base of the leaf, when the surface of the mix looks dry, about once every 2 weeks, if the leaves are domed.
@@grayturtleviolets
Thank you so much.
@@grayturtleviolets
Thank you so much.
I have a question. My propagations seem to be doing well, they seem to have rooted as the leaves are firmly in place. It has been three weeks. I am wondering, though, about a green tinge to the top of the soil and the vermiculite that can be seen on top, almost like a moss or mold. Is there something I should do to remove this?
I don’t use vermiculite. Some of mine, in peat moss and perlite mixture, sometimes grow some moss on top, it’s not harmful, and easy to remove if needed. I just let it be. Happy growing!
@@grayturtleviolets, I apologize, I meant perlite. I did see a video that talked about this. The author said it can be algae! His recommendations to remove it is to sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon or a solution of 1 cup water with 1Tbl 3% peroxide and lightly spray the soil, saying either one will get rid of the green growth without damaging plants or seedlings.
WOW! Very good, informative Video! Best one I've found yet! I LOVE the Promix too! Do you sell any of your beautiful african violets?
Thank you! I sell my extras on ebay-grayturtleviolets
@@grayturtleviolets good to know
Where do you buy your potting soil?
I talk about it in this video: ua-cam.com/video/pLLcZOfIo-E/v-deo.html
This video is great! I followed your instructions and I'm anxiously awaiting those babies. I had a question about care after the leaves are properly potted: How do I know when to water them? And do I water them from the bottom or the top?
Glad it was helpful! I usually check periodically on the potting mix surface - when it looks dry, I water it gently from the top, usually once a week, or every two weeks. The domed trays keep it moist for a while, so they require watering less frequently than those grown in open air. You can also tell by the weight of the pot, if it has weight to it when lifted, it means that the potting mix is still moist, and when it gets lighter, it’s time to water. The key is to avoid overwatering, better less than more. Happy growing!
What!!!!!?? NO! Water can't touch the leaves!!!!! Place your plant in a small dish of water!!!
@@Guttergirl61 Thank you for your comment. Yes, to clarify, it is the potting mix surrounding the leaf planted for propagation, that is being watered, not the actual leaf. In my experience, watering the potting mix both from the top and from the bottom in this case works just fine.
У меня вопрос, если листья можно укоренять без черенка, какой смысл срезать под углом? можно ли не срезать, а просто посадить в грунт как он есть или сломан? и еще в догонку, из не самого лучшего листа появляются детки, они потом догоняют своих однокашек из красивых листов или остаются такие же недокормыши?
Мне кажется дело в площади поверхности среза - при срезке под углом она больше, чем при срезке по прямой или отламывании. Чем больше площадь среза, тем больше деток. Я размножала и листом без черенка, и отломанным листом, детки появляются при любом способе, главное чтобы материнский лист был здоров. Чистота среза также важна для предотвращения гнилостных процессов на месте среза после посадки. Качество посадочного материала может влиять на потомство - это из личного опыта. Но также может зависеть и от сорта - есть сорта, дающие хороших деток и от не самых лучших листьев, а есть тугодумы, которые и при первосортном посадочном материале могут не дать потомства.
@@grayturtleviolets спасибо.
Love your videos! So well done. Using the recipe you have for the potting soil, could you keep it longer than 1 week if I didn't add the water until I was ready to use it? Thank you and keep those great videos coming!!
Thank you! I’ve kept mine up to a month, adding water at the very beginning, during mixing. I usually wait for a few days after mixing before using, to let all of the ingredients blend in and the dolomite lime action going. I also read that when adding dolomite lime for the benefit of added calcium and magnesium, it should be added to the potting mix around two to three weeks before planting, to give the compound enough time to break down in the soil.
@@grayturtleviolets My problem is that I wouldn't use all the soil within a week or so I don't have that many plants to propagate. So I was thinking of adding water as I go,
@@dianeleonard8988 I think it could work, as long as you don’t add the dolomitic lime in your mix.
I wish you sold your rooting mix, I bought a violet from you and it’s a gem!
Oh, I am so glad! We are moving this year, so maybe I can add potting mix to my selling list, once we get established in a new home. Thank you so much for shopping with me and supporting my channel!
Question regarding earthworm castings: did you you noticed good results in your AV’s since you started using it?
Maybe a little improvement, in terms of how fast they grow. Hard to tell since I keep using the regular fertilizers (DynaGro 7-9-5 and Jack's 20-20-20), in addition to the worm castings. I trust the other growers, with more experience, that adding them is beneficial for the AVs, so I just follow their wisdom. Just make sure to use systemic insect control when using worm castings, as a preventative.
Gray Turtle Thank you so much for your response!
I was looking for Jolly Moonflower African Violets to purchase and can't find any. Do you know where they can be bought? Violet Barn doesn't list it in their varieties. Thanks very much.
I got mine from Bloomlovers in Canada
what fertiliser can i apply n what is the ratio of npk for these plants
I use DynaGro 7-9-5 liquid plant food (1/4 tsp/gallon of water) and Jack's Classic 20-20-20 (1/8 tsp/gallon of water) - I switch between the two kinds every week or so. I get them on Amazon.
can you propagate the leaf petiole without the actual leaf?
I know AVs can be propagated from a section of a leaf, and trailing varieties can be propagated by stem cuttings that have at least one leaf bud, but never heard of propagation from a leaf petiole, without the actual leaf. I would imagine that AV leaf petioles have lower photosynthetic capacity than the AV leaves, therefore less likely to produce roots and babies without the leaf - would be curious to see if propagation by petiole is possible...
Also, I've had my African Violet for a few years. I repotted and it hasn't bloomed since. The leaves are a beautiful green but no flowers. It used to bloom all the time, what should I do?
It probably needs more light, if all other growing conditions are favorable.
@@grayturtleviolets
It has good light.
Thank you
Thank you Gray Turtle for your tutorials. I am obsessed now with AV since recently obtaining my first few plants and successfully propagating from leaves. Please recommend good reliable sources for leaves if you can. Do you sell? Good luck and well wishes.
Welcome to the AV world, this is a very exciting hobby to have! For U.S.-based leaf sources, I can recommend Lyndon Lyon, Fancy Bloomers, Moonlight Nursery, Selective Gardener, Tropical World Nursery, and eBay. I also purchased from Bloomlovers, before the pandemic (now it is Canada-only). I do sell my surplus on eBay, under grayturtleviolets. Happy growing!
@@grayturtleviolets I will keep an eye out for you on eBay. Thank you!
,nicely explained thank you
Appreciate your feedback!
Did mine in water lots of roots and very tiny leaves ha e started how do I plant in soil
Her video shows u how. Good luck! 😊
I am confused you showed putting in drain holes but the cups you used when potting up the leaves of the violets did not look like they had holes. Why have a hole if you are using slightly damp soil mix. Are the holes for when you are wicking a mature plant.
The cups I used when potting up the leaves had drainage holes that I made ahead of time, check out this video at 12:16 showing the cups' bottoms when I turn them toward the camera. The holes are needed to wick away extra moisture during subsequent waterings. I've also seen other growers using cups without the drain holes - if watered sparingly, that could work too.
@@grayturtleviolets thank you so very much for promptly answering my question. I am going to try propagating some leaves. I also have a couple violets that have gotten leggy I need to deal with. I did not know I was to repot twice a year. I am going to look for the online group you mentioned. Hugs “ Gardners know the best dirt” 😊
@@valeriekushner5003 Sure thing, happy to help! I also have a demo for outgrown plants/long neck treatment, check it out: ua-cam.com/video/XL_TDq2_O1Y/v-deo.html. Happy growing!
Hello very usefully.
Thanks for this tutorial,
You are very welcome!
Hi..i use the small red cups when I plant my seeds in the spring..can you tell me plz what you use to make the holes on the bottom of the red cups..cuz I had a hard time poking holes in them..thx
I use a soldering iron to make drainage holes - as shown at 2:25 in this video.
@@grayturtleviolets thank you..where could I buy one of those plz?I'm canadian
@@mystiquerose620 Check in local home improvement or electronics stores, for a basic, simple soldering iron, e.g. this one: www.frys.com/product/9008917?store=11
@@grayturtleviolets hi..😊ok will do..thanks sooo much
@@mystiquerose620 You are welcome! Happy growing!
My question is when or if I have to separate the leaf that I propagated and the babies are producing do I take the leaf off or just let it stay with the babies until it finally dies
Great question! Normally, I wait until the babies have grown 2-3 pairs of leaves, before separating from mother leaf. Check out my video called 'When and How I Separate Babies from Mother Leaf', for more info: ua-cam.com/video/B5EP83hoFho/v-deo.html
I have a propagation tray and dome, but I never seem to form humidity droplets inside of them. Does it have to do with the strength of your lights? Or the warm conditions? If there is no build up of water droplets, is the dome working? Thx
I keep the dome openings closed, to elevate humidity, and open them when I see too much condensate forming inside. If there are no openings in the dome, I’d check the moisture in the potting mix. If it’s dry to the touch, no condensate will form.
@@grayturtleviolets Thank you. I’m not sure what is going on with it as the potting mix is moist. I even had water containers inside at one point, and no condensation formed. Does it take several days to build up? I’m at a loss as to what to try next and concerned that my leaves will rot if I add more water to the mix. Do you have further ideas? Thank you so much for your help
@@JoAnneMOwens another reason could be that the dome does not close all the way, if there is a gap between the dome and the tray, the moisture can escape through the gap. Be careful not to overwater, even if no condensate forms inside! 50-60% humidity will do.
@@grayturtleviolets Thank you! Good to know humidity can be adequate without forming water droplets. I will place my humidity meter inside the enclosure and take some readings to check it. I appreciate your reply
@@grayturtleviolets just one last question, what is a safe upper limit of humidity? I just measured mine and it is 84%, is that too high? I still have very little condensation and my potting mix is pretty moist, thank you again for all your help 🪴🪴🪴
I noticed that you didn't use rooting hormone on the leaves you are propagating. Is it on top use it? Wondering why other channels always use this.
Love your video! It was very thorough and helpful! 👍
No need for rooting hormone, they root fine on their own! Appreciate your feedback!