Streptocarpus Propagation from cuttings

If you have started african violets from cuttings, you will not find starting streps from cuttings that different.

This is the way I do it.  There are other methods, but this one works for me, and gives me a maximum number of plants.

First, remove the midrib of the leaf.  I use sharp scissors.  (I am showing the reverse of the leaf).  New plantlets will start at each vein of the leaf.

midvein_removed.jpg (37342 bytes)

Make a furrow in the potting soil you are using.  You can use any good african violet soil.  I typically use promix for starting strep leaves though, and then when they are big enough, I transfer them to my usual potting mixture of 1 part promix:1 part vermiculite:1 part pearlite.  Place the leaf on top of the soil.  

 placed_in_potting_soil.jpg (46084 bytes)

Then take the cut edge of the leaf and place it into the furrow.  Firm the soil around it gently.  You don’t want to bury the leaf, just have it more or less on its edge.  I usually support the leaf with the plastic plant labels to hold it upright.  I prefer not to use wooden sticks as they tend to mold on me.

Place the whole thing into a humidome, either a commercially purchased one, or sometimes I use clear bakery dishes that squares or cakes come in.  Open it every few days to allow air exchange and to check to make sure the set up is not too wet.

Good luck, and if you have questions please email me!

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