African Violets are very popular houseplants, and for a good reason! They are beautiful, easy to care for, and consistently bloom year-round. However, African Violets need to be properly maintained including needed to repotted every once in a while to stay healthy and vibrant. In this blog post, we will discuss repotting African Violets, when it needs to be done, supplies needed and how to repot.
How Do You Know When to Repot?
Recognizing when to repot your African Violets is crucial for their health and growth. There are several signs that your plant may need a new home. If you notice that the leaves are wilting, even though the plant is well-watered, it might be time for a repot. Another sign is when the roots have taken up all the space in the pot and started growing out of the drainage holes. You may also observe that the violet is no longer blooming as it used to, or the growth seems stunted in comparison to its regular growth rate. Also the plant becomes top heavy and leans to one side. These symptoms indicate that either the current pot has become too small for your plant, the stem has become leggy or it’s just time for some fresh soil.
Repotting African Violets – Assembling Your Supplies
Before you start the repotting process, it’s important to prepare all the necessary supplies. First, you’ll need a new pot. The pot should be about one third the diameter of the plant and have drainage holes. It’s best to use a small pot as African Violets prefer to be root-bound. For soil, use a well-draining, light potting mix, preferably one that is specifically designed for African Violets. You can also check out my African Violet Soil Recipe here. Do not use garden soil as it can contain pathogens and isn’t aerated enough.
You’ll also need some porous material, I prefer small screen disc (I purchase in packs of 50-100 on Amazon), to place at the bottom of the pot to avoid soil loss. Lastly, gather a clean knife or scissors for trimming the roots and old leaves, and a watering can to thoroughly water the plant after repotting. Keeping these supplies at hand will ensure a smooth and efficient repotting process.
African Violet with a Neck: What It Is and How It Happens
An African Violet with a neck is a plant that has developed a visible, long, and bare stem, causing the rosette of leaves to be lifted above the pot. This condition is more commonly known as ‘Necking’ in African Violets. Unlike most plants, African Violets grow from the center outwards. Over time, as the plant grows and old leaves die off, they can leave behind a bare stem or ‘neck’.
This phenomenon typically happens because of age, or because the plant was not replanted deeply enough the last time it was repotted. Necking is not beneficial for the plant, as the bare neck can be weak, which might cause the plant to lean or even break, and can also make water absorption less efficient. Moreover, an African Violet with a neck is not aesthetically pleasing for most people. Therefore, identifying and properly treating this condition is vital for the well-being, longevity, and visual appeal of your African Violets.
How to Repot an African Violet with a Neck
If your African Violet has developed a neck, it will need a special repotting process. Follow these steps to give your plant a fresh start:
- Prepare the New Pot: Place a small screen disc at the bottom of the new pot to prevent soil loss. Fill the pot halfway with a well-draining, light potting mix specifically designed for African Violets.
- Remove the Plant: Gently remove the African Violet from its current pot. Be careful not to damage the roots in the process.
- Trim The Neck: If the neck has become too long, you can trim it down to a more manageable size using a clean knife or scissors. Remove any old or dead leaves that are still attached to the neck.
- Plant Deeply: Place your African Violet in the new pot, making sure to plant it deeply enough that the neck is covered with potting soil. This will provide the stem with more support and encourage new root growth.
- Water Thoroughly: Once the plant is securely in the new pot, water it thoroughly. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
This repotting process will not only improve the look of your African Violet but will also promote healthier growth and ensure the longevity of the plant. Make sure to check on it regularly and adjust its care as needed.
Repotting African Violets for a Fresh Soil Change
Even if your African Violet doesn’t show signs of necking or root overcrowding, it’s important to occasionally change the soil. I like to do this yearly. Fresh soil provides renewed nutrients and can significantly improve the health and growth of your plant. Here’s how to do it:
- Preparation: Gather all your supplies including a new pot similar in size to the current one, fresh potting mix designed for African Violets, small screen disc, clean knife or scissors, and a watering can.
- Extraction: Carefully remove the African Violet from its current pot. Remember to be gentle to avoid damaging the roots.
- Root Care: Using your clean knife or scissors, trim off any dead or excess roots. This will ensure the plant can effectively absorb nutrients from the new soil.
- New Pot Preparation: Place a small screen disc at the bottom of the new pot to prevent soil loss and fill it halfway with the fresh potting mix.
- Planting: Place the African Violet into the new pot, ensuring the roots are well covered with the soil.
- Watering: Once the plant is securely in the new pot, water it thoroughly. Be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot.
Repotting for soil change can give your African Violet a fresh start, promoting robust growth and vibrant blossoms. Remember to check the plant regularly and adjust its care as needed.
Repotting African Violets Due to Root Rot
Root rot is a common issue faced by many African Violet enthusiasts. It’s usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage, which leads to soggy soil and ultimately, root decay. Root rot can seriously damage the health of your plant, but with proper intervention, it’s possible to save your African Violet. Here’s how:
- Identify Root Rot: The first step is to identify if your African Violet has root rot. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing or browning leaves, a foul smell emanating from the soil, and black, mushy roots.
- Remove the Plant: Carefully remove the African Violet from its current pot. Be gentle to avoid causing any further damage to the roots.
- Inspect and Trim the Roots: Rinse the roots under lukewarm water to remove the soil and clearly see the extent of the rot. Using a clean knife or scissors, trim away the rotted roots. It’s important to remove all affected areas to prevent the rot from spreading.
- Prepare the New Pot: Place a small screen disc at the bottom of a new pot to prevent soil loss. Fill the pot halfway with a fresh, well-draining potting mix that’s suitable for African Violets.
- Replant the African Violet: Place the plant in the new pot, ensuring the healthy roots are covered with soil.
- Water Sparingly: Until the plant has recovered, it’s crucial to be cautious not to overwater. Water your African Violet only when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
By repotting due to root rot, you’re giving your African Violet a chance to recover and thrive. Always remember that prevention is better than cure, so aim to create an environment that discourages root rot in the first place – one with well-draining soil and an appropriate watering routine.
Repotting African Violets – Potting Up
Sometimes, your African Violet may need to be moved to a larger pot to accommodate its growth and ensure it’s getting the nutrients it needs. This process is known as ‘potting up’. Here’s how you do it:
- Choose the Right Size Pot: The new pot should be slightly larger than the current one. A pot too large can lead to overwatering problems as the soil will stay damp for too long. The best is a pot 1/3 the diameter of the leaf spread of your African Violet.
- Prepare the New Pot: Place a small screen disc at the bottom of the new pot to prevent soil loss. Fill it about one-third full with fresh, well-draining potting mix specifically designed for African Violets.
- Remove the Plant: Gently remove the African Violet from its current pot, being careful not to damage the roots.
- Position the Plant: Place your African Violet in the new pot, situating it in the center. Fill the rest of the pot with potting mix, ensuring that all roots are covered and the plant sits at the same depth as in the previous pot.
- Water Thoroughly: After planting, water your African Violet thoroughly. Moving forward, be cautious to avoid overwatering.
- Placement: Place your newly potted African Violet in a location with bright, indirect sunlight and keep a close eye on it in the coming weeks.
Potting up can provide your African Violet with the environment it needs to maintain vigorous growth and produce a stunning display of blooms. Just remember, more space means more nutrients and more room for roots to grow.
Happy Gardening!
Repotting African Violets is a simple process that can help keep your plants healthy and thriving. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your African Violets will continue to bloom beautifully year after year. Remember to be patient and only repot when your plant is root-bound, choose the right container and soil, and maintain proper care after repotting. With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy the stunning beauty of this exquisite houseplant!
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