Repotting African Violets - When, Why, And How! - Flower Patch ...

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Repotting African Violets is easy to do and keeps them looking their best. How often should African Violets be repotted? What is the best soil? Find out here!

There are a few thoughts on how often you should transplant African Violets but I like to call on the experts (professional growers) for the best advice.

That being said, I confess to not repotting my African Violets often enough and they can develop long necks, get a bit floppy in their pots, and then they struggle a bit. So if African Violets can take my abuse you can grow them too!

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How often should you repot African Violets?

Experts claim that African Violets should be repotted every 5 to 6 months. That may seem like a lot, but supposedly it does keep them looking their best and prevents them from developing long necks.

A healthy violet will have its lowest leaves growing from the main stem or trunk at the soil level.

As I mentioned earlier, I don’t worry about repotting my African Violets on the 6-month schedule. Who has time for that?

It is so easy to repot when they do develop those long necks, and I share that further down in this post.

How to Repot African Violets

Remove any limp, damaged, or otherwise poor-looking leaves. Also, remove any faded blooms. Leave only the freshest leaves. You can remove up to half of the foliage safely.

This will reveal a snort “neck” or main stem. This may be about 1/2 inch. (this is the case if you are repotting every 5 or 6 months, unlike mine above which shows quite a bit of neck)

Remove African Violet Plant from Pot

Pull the African Violet from its pot. This should come away easily but if you struggle tip the pot upside down while supporting the African Violet with your hand. (the video shows this to you)

Massage the soil away from the roots, be gentle.

As you have removed half of the foliage, you can safely remove half the roots. Don’t worry, this will encourage fresh roots and foliage for a happy, revived African Violet!

Generally, you can remove up to the same amount of soil as you did foliage.

Note:For information on how you can start new plants from African Violet leaves press here!

One of the most common causes of African Violet death is root rot. Cutting away some roots encourages new growth, refreshing them. Overwatering is the main cause of root rot. Be extra careful not to overwater!

Best pots for African Violets

Standard African Violets do well in pots about 4″ wide. Pots that are as tall as they are wide are a great choice. Miniature and semi-miniatures should be planted in 2.5 inch pots.

When repotting your violets, you should use a clean pot the same size as the one it is already in. There is no need to pot it up in a larger size.

What is the Best Soil for African Violets

The experts recommend a peat-based mix but because of the ecological concerns of using peat moss, I do not. The mixes you can buy for African Violets are not recommended.

So what soil should you use for African Violets? Personally, I use regular potting soil with some extra perlite added and sometimes some horticultural sand. I am never precise with the measurements but I estimate it is 2/3 potting soil and 1/3 perlite. This has worked fine for me.

Place some of the potting soil mix into the clean pot. Next, set in the African Violet, make sure that the violet plant sets down into the pot with the bottom leaves level with the rim.

Tilt to the side and add soil working around the violet. Press the soil down gently but firmly. This tends to be messy but it is worth it.

Water in and brush dirt from leaves. Some soil may settle with watering; just top up as needed.

Note: Even the best potting mixes can contain fungus gnats. This is normal and I show you how to get deal with the little rascals here.

Repotting African Violets with Long Necks

Repotting African violets with long necks is not too much different than the usual method explained above. But you may need to be slightly innovative and more aggressive in removing part of the root ball. In the video linked below, you will see I tilted the plant slightly as I repotted it to bury the long neck.

When you are finished repotting, no neck should be visible. If you wish, make it a goal to repot sooner so you won’t have to deal with elongated necks. Your African Violets will thank you. Go ahead and watch the video of how I repot my African Violets!

Note: Houseplants for everyone! Common houseplants easy enough for novice gardeners. Read more here!

• Hi, I’m Pamela

  With 45 years of hands-on gardening experience, I love sharing practical tips, proven techniques, and inspiration drawn from my own gardens. My goal is to nurture your confidence, spark your passion, and help make every step of your gardening journey more enjoyable.

  Pamela Groppe a Garden Friend!

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