Rooting of african violet (Saintpaulia ionantha Wendl.) in different substrate

The present study was accomplished with the objective of evaluate different substrates on the rooting of african violet (Saintpaulia ionantha Wendl). The work was carried out in the greenhouse under a shading net (poliolefinas 70%) in the Agrarian Science Center of Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, in Alegre-ES. Were utilized acclimated plants of african violet (Saintpaulia ionantha Wendl), cultivar New Mexico (lilac flowers); Nancy (pink flowers); Stella (blue flowers) e Mike (white flowers). The leaf stalks were reduced to 2/3 of the original size, sterilized with a 4% sodium hypochloride during three minutes. The substrates utilized were soil+sand+manure, sand, fern fiber dust, vermiculite and water in plastic pot (200 mL). The experimental design was carried out in blocks randomized, with four replications of 10 leaf stalks. The results indicated that cultivar Nancy presented 100% of rooting in all substrate after 40 days. The greater percentage of rooting was verificated in water and better initial development in fern fiber dust.