African Violets – How to Get Many From One!

African violets looks nice and full when you buy them. However, if you leave them that way you’ll soon notice it’s because there are two or more plants in the pot! They grow shoots out the sides and end up all twisted and crooked instead of nice and flat with flowers floating above the foliage. So, there are two good reasons to learn to divide them! You get free plants to keep or share and you get far more attractive plants.

You’ll need:

A very clean, sharp, small ,knife

An area where you don’t mind making a mess

A violet that has nice moist soil so the soil sticks together when you cut them apart

A pot of fresh, moist, potting soil (houseplant or African violet mix)

First examine your plant to be sure you have a clear idea of where the two or more plants are attached:

Next, moisten the soil you will use to pot your new plants. Never plant in dry mix or the water will run down the sides and never reach the roots. Most potting soils use a lot of peat moss which, once it is dry, does not easily absorb water. So, make sure you add water to the new soil in a big bowl and mix it up well with your hands!

Then make a nice clean cut between the two (or more) plants, nestle them in their new pots at the same depth (in other words don’t sink them too deep), water lightly to settle them in and you just  doubled your money!

And, three months later….blooming in the window!

African Violet Care:

Bright light but no harsh direct sun
(in a south or east window with sheer curtains is good)
Nice room temp – they don’t like it cold
Water with room temp. water – they don’t like that cold either
Don’t get water on the leaves…they’re fussy about that
Pinch out the little side shoots to keep your plants flat and beautiful
Feed regularly with African Violet liquid food to promote blooming
(it takes the right light and food for flowers)
With a little care you can have bright blooms in your home in the dead of winter!

Want to see more of Donna’s Inspirational gardening photography?  Check Out The Succulent Garden

All photos courtesy of Donna Jones Photography. To learn more about Donna’s work please visit  www.donnajonesphotography.com