How to Separate Violets

African violet is a common violet grown indoors.

"Violet" is the common name for several plants, including the widespread and easy-to-grow houseplant, African violet. Separate or divide this type of violet when it outgrows its pot. You can also divide a violet for propagation. Typically, each plant can be divided into two, three or four different plants, each of which will grow into its own healthy African violet if properly cared for.

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife

Instructions

1. Stop watering your violet, and let the soil dry out slightly before separating it.

2. Tap the sides and bottom of the container to release the soil from the sides of the pot. Do not pull on the on the base of the plant, because violets are fragile plants. Instead, slide a knife between the pot and soil to help separate the two, if necessary.

3. Break apart the soil with your hands to examine the roots. Do it gently to avoid any damage to the roots.

4. Cut right through the crown with a utility knife so that each violet section has a healthy part of the plant and roots. If the plant has several crowns, pull the plant apart so that each section has one crown. The divisions are now ready to replant in moist soil.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant the divisions the same depth they were in their old pots, digging a hole that is deep and wide enough to accommodate the roots without folding them.

• Place a plastic perforated bag around a newly divided plant to help maintain high humidity conditions, recommends Purdue University. Take the bag off when the plant begins to grow again.

References

• North Dakota State University: Questions on: Violets
• Purdue University: African Violet Care