Neither is better nor worse. Many have strong ideas on soil, others on water. Depends on what you prefer.

When I get a leaf, I always trim a very small piece off the end of the petiole at an angle to provide more exposure to the veins which will become roots.

Leon Ash- Thanks! I just wasn't sure if there was one option that was a lot better. And yeah I'll cut it at an angle! Thanks for the help!

goldstar135 - Yeah that would be really helpful if you don't mind? Thanks!

Back in the 60's & 70's I always just used soil. Never lost a leaf. Got away from violets after the 80's and just started back up a few years ago. My old methods that I knew didn't work for me and I don't know why. I lost almost every leaf I put down. My magic was gone.

I tried rooting in water but have never had good luck with that either.

After much disappointment and reading the postings (old and new) in this forum,,,,,I finally settled on using a Kcup with a very light soil mix (1/2 perlite & 1/2 soil) water barely damp and put in a baggie. I have better results that way.

But there are a lot of ways to do it and you will find your favorite also. I still don't know why my old methods didn't work! But I have babies now, so all is well. Good luck to everyone rooting leaves! This is Trinidad ll. Rosie

I just checked two Russians that I've had in water for two weeks and.......roots are appearing.

I can't figure out why you aren't getting the same results unless your water has too much chlorine. If the supplier puts too much of it into the water your leaves will die.

Leon -

it depends on the variety. I was repotting and put some leaves down and had some extras - so I thought I will take them to the club... Aha...1 cup with water - all leaves had small roots - second cup - all leaves died. 1st was "Firebird", second "Maas' Angela".

Old and damaged leaves root slower. Picked too young - often rot. Variegated...often do not have enough oomph and if the variegated areas are bruised, they rot easily,

Looks like your seller sent you good fresh leaves at their prime. And you didn't procrastinate starting them.

Way to go!

Irina

Hi Leon! I am not sure of the chlorine content. I know it is in there,,,but how much is too much??? I never had luck with water rooting though. Soil yes. Not water. No matter where I lived. But that is ok,,,,,I have another method that works for me now! Yay!!!!! Rosie

Rooting update-

Nothing as of now, except for hints of something on the bottom, in the cut?

Gee,,,,looks good to me! Good luck! Rosie

Nothing going on yet with mine either. I went for soil in the end!

Well, let us know how that works! Rosie

I've written this many times before : I love hovering over those leaves and watching as the roots appear. And one can do this if they're in water.

BTW, I've never lost a leaf yet. Of course, being impatient I've howled and growled until they rooted. Even swearing didn't seem to do much to make them hurry....they take their time.

It is amazing how long they can take to begin to produce babies after they've rooted. Most of mine take months! Waiting is the pits!

Now, Leon,,,,,remember Miss Patience???? Get to know her. And quite hovering!!!!! lol. Rosie

Update:

Plantlets? o_o

I don't see any clear roots yet, just these.

Is that a tiny leaf growing? I really can't see it that well, but just be patient. It will root when it is ready. Ya really can't hurry this stuff! Keep us posted. Rosie