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How They Can Vary
"Sports" are violets that do not bloom true, or do not have a bloom that is similar in color or markings to the parent plant. These occur when propagating by leaf cuttings, and in particular, fantasy violets and chimeras are prone to this problem. The plantlet created often does not create a blossom that is exactly like the parent plant. Many breeders recommend discarding plants that exhibit these abnormal color variations. Rebel's Splatter Kake, a violet that blooms purple with violet streaks of color with a white edge, often does not produce plantlets with the same traits. Photos here show the diversity of blooms I got when I attempted to propogate it through leaf cuttings. It is thought that using pesticides can cause some violets to sport, although the reason is often not clear. Although tossing the new plants is certainly an option, I take mine to meetings where owners of Bed and Breakfast Inns and gift shops like to take them home to decorate their businesses. Since they are not professional African violet fanciers, a few bright blooms can create a lot of good will and the plant has a new home as well! The photos below illustrate the sports that I got when leaf propagating Rebel's Splatter Kake.
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