Killing African-Violet Cuttings

Question For almost a year now a disease that my gardening friends and I have never heard of has been killing all my African-violet cuttings. Recently a friend, eager to give me a fresh start, gave me some leaf cuttings to root. These I dipped in Rootone and inserted in a sterilized pot filled with vermiculite.

These cuttings were struck by the same disease that ravaged my other African-violets. As you can see by the cutting that I’ve enclosed, the leaf begins to rot at the edge, later spreading to the center. I am at a loss to understand the trouble. Can you give me some help?

Answer The leaf you sent was a total loss by the time I received it so it furnished no clues. But from your description it would seem to me that one or more of the following might be the cause of the trouble: (1) the leaves were too mature (2) the vermiculite was too tightly compacted, thus forcing air out of the medium (3) the petiole was broken off instead of being severed cleanly. The mature plants may have been watered or fertilized too much or may have received insufficient light.

Next time you root African-violet cuttings, I would suggest that you use a razor blade, severing the petiole cleanly 1-1/2 inches below the base of the leaf. Allow the cutting to stand for an hour or two before inserting it in vermiculite. Do not compact the rooting medium, but leave it moderately loose.

Related Articles Of Interest:

• Is It Possible To Root Roses From Cuttings?
• Crown of Thorns – Care Questions and Answers
• How To Water, Start And What Conditions Episcia Needs?
• How To Start A Beefsteak Begonia?