African
violets can live a long time, as long as 50 years! To get them there, you
need to provide good care which included repotting African violets. The trick
is knowing when to repot an African violet and what soil and container size to
use. We’ll go over some of the tips on how to repot African violets for a
successful transition for your plant.
When to Repot an African Violet
Most plants
need repotting at some point to either increase the container size or to
refresh the soil. There are several schools of thought on the right way to
repot, but all agree you can buy or make your own African violet mix. Before
removing your plant, select a container that is one third the size of the
plant’s leaf spread.
Most collectors recommend repotting at least once and up to
twice per year. The timing is not terribly crucial since they are usually
indoor plants, but to avoid
transplant shock, it is wise to disturb the plant when it is not actively
growing and producing flowers.
Tips on African Violet Repotting
Before repotting, water the plant well from under the leaves
or put the container on a saucer of water for an hour. The moisture will help
you remove the plant from its container. This is more important with clay or
ceramic pots. You can skip this step with plastic containers that will bend a
bit to help the root ball slide out.
The right soil is necessary for successfully repotting
African violets. There are very good mixes to purchase that are specially
blended for this species or make your own. For this, use 1 part each garden
loam, sand and peat moss. Add a small amount of bone
meal if you wish. Pre-moisten the soil lightly before planting.
Be careful when removing the plant from its old housing. You
may need to loosen the soil a bit and then turn the plant over, cradling it in
your hand gently and push into the drainage holes. The plant should come right
out but, if necessary, cut around the container with a knife.
How to Repot African Violets
There are various instructions on the next step. Some say to
cut a bit of the root mass off the bottom and spread the roots gently. This is
useful if the neck of the plant is elongating.
Others say separate the plant into smaller plantlets, but
this would only refer to older plants. Still others feel that the root ball
should not be disturbed and, instead, nestled into a hole made in the new
container and backfilled around.
The leaves of the plant should be lightly resting on the rim
of the container. To reduce transplant shock, bag the container and plant. The
increased humidity helps the plant recover. Remove the bag after one week and
continue the plant’s usual care.
African
violets can live a long time, as long as 50 years! To get them there, you
need to provide good care which included repotting African violets. The trick
is knowing when to repot an African violet and what soil and container size to
use. We’ll go over some of the tips on how to repot African violets for a
successful transition for your plant.
When to Repot an African Violet
Most plants
need repotting at some point to either increase the container size or to
refresh the soil. There are several schools of thought on the right way to
repot, but all agree you can buy or make your own African violet mix. Before
removing your plant, select a container that is one third the size of the
plant’s leaf spread.
Most collectors recommend repotting at least once and up to
twice per year. The timing is not terribly crucial since they are usually
indoor plants, but to avoid
transplant shock, it is wise to disturb the plant when it is not actively
growing and producing flowers.
Tips on African Violet Repotting
Before repotting, water the plant well from under the leaves
or put the container on a saucer of water for an hour. The moisture will help
you remove the plant from its container. This is more important with clay or
ceramic pots. You can skip this step with plastic containers that will bend a
bit to help the root ball slide out.
The right soil is necessary for successfully repotting
African violets. There are very good mixes to purchase that are specially
blended for this species or make your own. For this, use 1 part each garden
loam, sand and peat moss. Add a small amount of bone
meal if you wish. Pre-moisten the soil lightly before planting.
Be careful when removing the plant from its old housing. You
may need to loosen the soil a bit and then turn the plant over, cradling it in
your hand gently and push into the drainage holes. The plant should come right
out but, if necessary, cut around the container with a knife.
How to Repot African Violets
There are various instructions on the next step. Some say to
cut a bit of the root mass off the bottom and spread the roots gently. This is
useful if the neck of the plant is elongating.
Others say separate the plant into smaller plantlets, but
this would only refer to older plants. Still others feel that the root ball
should not be disturbed and, instead, nestled into a hole made in the new
container and backfilled around.
The leaves of the plant should be lightly resting on the rim
of the container. To reduce transplant shock, bag the container and plant. The
increased humidity helps the plant recover. Remove the bag after one week and
continue the plant’s usual care.