Marianne's Response

Is it necessary to split African Violets?

When I try to split African Violets it seems that I almost always have no luck. I sometimes destroy both roots. Can I leave them together and just put them in a larger pot, or do they have to be separated?

Posted by Mary Taylor on May 15, 2014

Marianne's Response

African violets do not have to be separated and you can enjoy them in a larger pot as twins. If you do want a single plant try slicing off the smallest side plant with a knife right at the base near the soil line. You must sacrifice this new side plant but the mother plant will than not suffer root damage and will grow into a more formal, symmetrical shape. I too have tried to separate African Violets with no luck. Now I just keep the Mama plant. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti