Dividing An African Violet Plant – How To Separate African Violet Suckers
![Potted African Violet Sucker About to be Divided](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QCHbKaByU5AEgS432dByrb-415-80.jpg)
African violets are cheery little plants that don’t appreciate a lot of fuss and muss. In other words, they’re the perfect plant for busy (or forgetful) folks. Dividing an African violet– or separating African violet “pups”– is an easy way to generate more plants to spread around your house or to share with lucky friends. Read on to learn more about African violet plant division.
African Violet Sucker Propagation
Exactly what are African violet pups? Pups, also known as suckers, are miniature plants that grow from the base of the mother plant. A pup grows from the plant’s main stem– not from a leaf or the crown. A mature African violet might have one pup or it may have several. Removing suckers is a good way to propagate a new plant, but it also keeps the mother plant healthy, as suckers can rob the plant of nutrients and energy, thus reducing flowering and shortening the life of the plant.
How to Separate African Violet Suckers
Separating African violet pups is easy and will result in another plant that can be given away to family or friends…or you may simply want more to add to your own collection. Water the African violet the day before you intend to separate the pups. Then fill a 2 inch (5 cm.) clay or plastic container with a commercial potting mix consisting of peat and perlite, or any well-drained mix. Don’t use a larger pot as too much damp potting mix can rot the pup. Slide the mother plant carefully out of the pot. Push the leaves apart gently to find the pups. Remove the pup from the mother plant with scissors or a sharp knife. Make a hole in the center of the pot with your fingertip. Insert the pup in the hole, then firm potting mix gently around the stem. Water lightly. Create a miniature greenhouse by covering the pot with a clear plastic bag. You can also use a clean plastic milk jug with the “spout” end cut off. Place the pot in bright, indirect light. Make sure the pup is protected from drafts or heating vents. Water lightly as needed, using lukewarm water, to keep the potting mix lightly moist but never soggy. Feed the pup once every week, using a mixture of ¼ teaspoon of balanced, water-soluble fertilizer in one gallon of water. Always water the pup before applying fertilizer. Open the bag or remove the cover occasionally to provide fresh air. This is especially important if you notice condensation inside the plastic. Remove the plastic cover for a short period after four weeks, then gradually increase the time every day until the pup is no longer protected by the greenhouse environment.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."
A Credentialed Garden Writer, Mary H. Dyer was with Gardening Know How in the very beginning, publishing articles as early as 2007.
-
5 Colorful Planting Recipes For Joyful Garden Beds And Containers
Transform your garden with these stunning plant combinations that will add bursts of vibrant color to beds and pots.
By Ellen Wells
-
7 Perennial Herbs Perfect For Pots – Enjoy Aromatic Patio Harvests Year After Year
Discover the best perennial herbs to grow in pots. Ideal for small spaces, these low-maintenance plants offer year-round flavor and greenery on your patio.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
African Violets: Complete Care And Growing Guide
For people who love these sweet plants, African violet care is easy and fun. Knowing what they need is the key.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
What Are Episcia Plants – Learn About Caring For Episcia Varieties
Growing Episcia plants adds eye catching appeal to household décor. These colorful houseplants can test the hand of the most experienced green thumb.
By Laura Miller
-
African Violet Flowering Needs: Tips For Getting African Violets To Bloom
Most African violets are sold when flowering. After that, people can have trouble getting them to bloom. What should you do if your African violate won’t flower? Click here for info on African violet flowering needs and tips on how to make African violets bloom again.
By Teo Spengler
-
African Violet Watering Guide: How To Water An African Violet Plant
Watering African violets isn’t as complicated as you may think. Actually, these charming, old-fashioned plants are surprisingly adaptable and easy to get along with. Wondering how to water an African violet? Click here to learn more about African violet water needs.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
African Violet Leaves Are Curling – What Do Curling African Violet Leaves Mean
African violets are among the most popular flowering houseplants. But there can be issues with these houseplants. If your African violet leaves are curling, there are a few potential causes and easy solutions. Click this article for more information.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
African Violet Repotting – How To Repot African Violets
African violets can live a long time, as long as 50 years! To get them there, you need to provide good care which includes repotting African violets. The trick is knowing when to repot an African violet and what soil and container size to use. This article will help with that.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
African Violet Nematode Control: Treating Root Knot Nematodes In African Violet
Nematodes of African violet are tiny worms that infest the roots. They are extremely destructive. For information about African violet root knot nematodes, click this article. We’ll also give you tips on African violet nematode control.
By Teo Spengler
-
Fertilizing African Violets – Learn How To Feed African Violet Plants
There are just a few straightforward rules for growing African violets. Water and light needs are two of these, but just as important is how to feed African violet plants. Click on the following article to learn more about African violet feeding.
By Bonnie L. Grant