Pruning Leaves of an African Violet

It's a bit funny that the truly exotic tropical African violet, known botanically as Saintpaulia ionantha, should have a special power to evoke a cozy, homey atmosphere when found on a windowsill, but this plays a part in its appeal. The furry, deep green leaves, bright flowers and compact form also makes them both showy and an easy plant to manage. All of the leaves emanate from a central rosette and can be easily removed when damaged, to start a new plant or when they die back from old age. Removal of the leaves is a simple process and, when done at least somewhat carefully, will not harm the plant at all, according to the University of Rhode Island.

Sharp knife or small sharp household scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Pluck dead, discolored and shriveled leaves from the plant with your finger tips. When dead or damaged, the leaves often come free from the main, brown plant trunk, called the meristem, when barely touched. These leaves can be composted or simply discarded, as they are of no use for propagation.
- 2
  Snip off damaged, asymmetrical, overgrown or otherwise unsightly leaves as needed with a sharp clean knife or scissors. Sever the leaf low on its stem, near the meristem without cutting into the meristem. Pull the cut leaves from the soil surface and never let them decay in place on the plant or the soil as this invites disease.
- 3
  Remove mature leaves for propagation purposes by severing the leaf from the meristem so that at least 1 inch of the leaf stem remains attached to the healthy leaf. Use a clean, sterilized knife or scissors to make a clean cut without introducing pathogens. The leaf stem can then be planted to root and develop into a new plant in a few months time.

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