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African Violets

Question About Leaf Rooting,In 'Soil'.

6 years ago

Well. I am trying to root babies from a few leaves, from 2 of my fantasy bloomers. My 'Gee Pee', and 'Cosmos Legend-2', even though MY 'Cosmos' bloomed solid blue, if might revert back to fantasy, and if it doesn't, I actually love the huge plant and the mass of blue/purple flowers I got from it.

So I now have 4 leaves of 'Gee Pee' and 2 of 'Cosmos' in tiny 2in pots, with rooting hormone, I cut the stems very close to the leaf, I heard it should be close to the leaf. Was that right? They are planted in what I found, called 'Seed Starting Mix', it says it is for starting seeds, AND plants from cuttings. It is a Miracle-Gro soil-less mix. Is this ok?

Pure vermiculite is only in the big 8 quart bag, and thats a waste, when you only need a cup of it! I have them in an aluminum tray, and covered them loosely with clear saran wrap, to try and trap some moisture for the leaves, and put them near my grow lights, since they throw off so much light to the sides, it hits the leaves. I figure it is a good light for them.

About how long will it take for the leaves to root/grow babies? It has been a LONGGG time since I tried to do this. But if i can get some real fantasy bloomers out of this, it might be worth it. MONTHS from now, when I see the first blooms. I might have some trades available for other fantasy growers on here!

So...am I doing it right? OR...any hints?

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Comment (1)

Rosie1949
6 years ago
I use a mix of 1/2 MG soil and a very generous 1/2 of perlite. I do not use vermiculite. It holds too much moisture. (You can use seed starter/perlite I guess. I never have.)

I use snack size baggies. I put about a tablespoon of soil in the END (short side) of the baggie, put in my cut leaf stem and a marker tag and zip it up from bottom to top. Then I carefully fold the end with the soil/leaf just enough so it can be set in a kcup. THAT keeps it upright. I don't water the soil mix. I make sure it is very barely damp. I just keep it in a light but not sunny spot. I do open the baggies every now and then just to let fresh air into them.

It really shouldn't take long to get mouse ears. However the timeline is different for everyone depending on how they are taken care of. Good luck! Rosie
PoohBearLvr thanked Rosie1949
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