A Chimera (pronounced ki {long i}-meera) is an African violet that will not reproduce truly from a leaf cutting. The only way to get more chimeras is by suckering or planting the flower stalk. Because propagation takes longer than using regular leaf propagation, chimeras tend to be more expensive. The blossoms of the chimera have pinwheel strips, though some have had swirls. There is also a chimeral foliage where propagation by leaf cuttings produced true flower color, but will not produce the variegated foliage. The only way to produce both the true flower and variegation was by suckers.

Flower Stalk Propagation: The method of propagation using the flower stalk is quite similar to propagation from a leaf. Remove a flower stalk from the plant, be sure to leave at least an inch below the two small leaf ears. If you have several stalks to select from, choose the one with the largest leaf ears. Trim the flower stalk just above the leaf ears to remove any flower buds. Trim the bottom so it is about an inch long. Dip the leaf stalk in rooting powder and plant to just below the leaf ears in moistened potting mix. Place the pot in a plastic bag and leave it until you see new plants forming. The stalk will sucker at the point where the leaf ears connect to the stem.

Sucker Propagation: The second method of Chimera propagation is by suckering. Basically, forcing the plant to sucker by removing the crown. Before attempting this, let the plant get big enough that you have a couple rows of leaves to ensure the survival of the plant. Pinch the crown out (the newest growing leaves) or, if it is large enough, carefully remove it and pot it up. Within a few weeks, you should begin to see suckers forming. Remove them when they are big enough to pot up. By carefully removing the suckers and scraping away any scar tissue on the stem, new suckers should form in the same place.

A great tool for removing suckers. Commonly used in ceramic classes for removing the lines left by the molds. Called a "Sucker Plucker" by African violet enthusiasts.

Chimera Information Source:
Growing to Show by Pauline Bartholomew.
Recommended reading to all newbies and to many growers their "African Violet Bible". Lakes Area Violet Growers always has plenty on hand for sale at our spring show and fall display and sale.
Drawings by Cheralyn Maturi