african violet leaves for sale

Buying African Violet Leaves: A Cost-Effective Way to Grow Gorgeous Violets

African violets are captivating houseplants known for their colorful blooms and lush, fuzzy foliage. But starting these beauties from seed can be tricky, and buying mature plants can get pricey. That’s why purchasing African violet leaves for propagation is a smart, budget-friendly option for violet lovers. Keep reading to learn where to find leaves for sale, what to look for in quality leaves, proper propagation techniques, and tips for nurturing your new plants.

Where to Buy African Violet LeavesMany specialty online retailers sell African violet leaves for propagation. Leaves are typically sold in sets of 2-4, along with an official plant tag from the hybridizer. Reputable sellers include

• BuyAfricanViolets.com – Offers leaves from over 100 different Optimara hybrids. Price is $14.50-$19.50 per set.

• Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses – Sells leaves from classic and rare varieties. Price ranges from $5-$20 per set.

• Violet Barn – Good selection from various hybridizers. Prices start around $10 per set.

You can also sometimes find African violet leaves sold locally at nurseries farmer’s markets or society sales. Check your area’s African violet or gesneriad groups.

When buying online, be sure to shop early in the week. Leaves fare best when they don’t sit in shipping over a weekend. Also look for fast shipping times.

What to Look for in Healthy Leaves
When selecting African violet leaves, check for:

• Firm, turgid leaf texture – Avoid wrinkled or curled leaves

• Intact leaf tips – No tears or cuts along edges

• Petiole attached – Avoid leaves detached from the stem

• Clean, pest-free – No spots, speckles, or signs of damage

• Leaves with color if variegated – Should display proper variegation

The best leaves will be 4-6 inches in size and come from the plant’s center crown. The leaf sets will be identical pairs from the same plant. Reputable sellers will only ship quality leaves.

Technique for Propagating African Violet Leaves
Propagating African violet leaves into full plants takes patience but is very rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Trim the leaf ends and remove lower leaves from the petiole with a sharp, sterile blade.

2. Dip the end of the petiole in rooting hormone powder to encourage new roots. Tap off any excess.

3. Poke holes in moist propagation mix and gently insert each petiole up to the leaf.

4. Cover the container with a clear plastic dome or bag to increase humidity.

5. Place in bright, indirect light between 70-85°F. Avoid direct hot sun.

6. Check often and keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy. Never let leaves dry out.

7. New plantlets will emerge where the leaves meet the petiole in 3-8 weeks. Pot up when roots are 1-2 inches long.

8. Transition to normal African violet care once potted, and enjoy your new creations!

Caring for Your Propagated Violet Plants
With the right care after propagation, your homegrown violet plants will thrive and grow to be as lovely as their parent plants. Follow these tips:

• Pot in a peat-based African violet mix and use ceramic or plastic pots with drainage holes.

• Water from below by soaking pots in room temperature water for 30 minutes 1-2 times per week. Never allow pots to sit in water.

• Use an African violet fertilizer according to package directions to feed plants regularly.

• Place in bright indirect sunlight, ideally east or west facing windowsills. Rotate plants periodically for even growth.

• Maintain indoor temperatures between 65-80°F with average household humidity.

• Remove spent blooms and dying leaves promptly to keep plants tidy and direct energy to new growth.

The Advantages of Propagating from Leaves
Starting African violets from leaves has many advantages over other propagation methods:

• Less expensive than buying mature plants
• Easier than starting from seed
• Lower risk of disease than stem cuttings
• Produces genetically identical plants to the parent
• Allows you to select from rare or exclusive varieties
• Satisfaction of growing your own from just a leaf!

So don’t be intimidated to try propagating those beautiful African violet leaves. With proper care, you’ll reap the rewards of vibrant new houseplants. It’s both economical and fun to expand your violet collection this way. The only hard part is having the patience to watch your plants grow!