Use this guide to repot your African violets. Common problems include crowding and lack of blooms. Repotting should be done once or twice a year to keep your African violets healthy and attractive.
If you are repotting, it’s also a good time to propagate African violets from a leaf.
How to Grow African Violets
Houseplant trends come and go, but African violets seem to maintain a steady, sentimental fan base. I find their bold colors and simple arrangement so cheerful, particularly during the colder months.
While they are, overall, easy to care for, African violets can get out of hand if their size and form are not maintained on a seasonal basis. This involves grooming the plants—removing unwanted leaves and trimming crowns—and repotting as needed.
Unlike many other houseplants, repotting may not require a larger pot.
Many African violets are bred to remain small and like a compact container, so repotting is often a process of cleaning up the plant and refreshing the potting mix, not up-sizing the pot.
Contents
How to Repot African Violets
About Plant Patents
Some plants are patented and asexual reproduction is not permitted without permission from the patent holder. Patents and trademarks are usually listed on plant tags.
Examine the Plant
A neighbor gave me about a dozen old African violets and I was happy for the gift although I knew it would be a challenge. They were pretty messed up!
This next photo is a prime example. See how there are all different clumps growing together? This plant is so chaotic, it not only looks like a hot mess, but it will probably not bloom either. But I still want to give it a chance.
Many years ago, it likely started out in good formation, with symmetrical leaves nicely circling the middle of the pot.
But, after years without repotting, the whole thing has become a happy monster.
I’m sure the owner watered it perfectly but did not repot it as needed or watch out for rogue growth.
Without regular care—once every 3-6 months or so—these guys can grow in all sorts of crazy ways.
After several years, it gets very hard to fix them without serious cutting back.
Look at the Underbelly
If you notice little mosquito-like insects flitting around your houseplants, they could be fungus gnats. Replacing the potting mix will discard any larvae lurking in there. You can also use yellow sticky traps to catch the adult gnats. This has more tips for dealing with fungus gnats.
African violets are fairly fragile and it’s a bit too easy to break leaf stems.
Before repotting, it is recommended to water deeply—until water runs out the bottom of the pot—and empty the saucer after 30 minutes—a few days ahead. This moisture infusion can prevent some unwanted breakage of leaves while handling the plant.
Here’s the plant after removing it from the pot:
Looking underneath, I found several crowns and suckers, as expected. This plant is such a mess, that I am going to be ruthless to get it back on track.
I’d rather end up with some small new plants with good healthy formation, then continuing this crazy mess. A lovable, crazy mess, but a mess.
Also, any healthy leaves removed can be propagated to create new plants.
Leaf Cleanup
From top view, starting with the outermost leaves, I remove any dead or damaged ones, as well as any growing in strange places or in odd directions.
The goal is symmetry, but this may be impossible if your plant is so seriously overgrown like the ones here.
Sometimes this means removing most of the leaves.
Ideally, I end up with about 10 total in nice, circular formation, but, in reality, it could be down to just half that.
Again, go for long-term health. This is not the time to fear a good grooming.
Ongoing, your plant may also produce “suckers” which are new leaves that form at the base of some stems. You can pinch them off if you wish to retain order and symmetry.
Preparing Crowns for Repotting
A properly-planted African violet has its lower leaves just a quarter or half-inch above the soil (potting mix).
It’s very common for the plants to get “leggy,” with the crown (thick, main stem) getting woody and tall, extending several inches above the soil.
Just like succulents that are stretching for light, these crowns can get pretty gnarly and bent.
In this next photo you can see a leggy crown. To get this one back on track, I’m going to cut off the crown about 1-2-inches below the lowest leaves.
If it looks green and healthy inside, I will gently scrape the woody surface off with a clean, dull knife, and then plant the whole thing in a combination of damp African violet potting mix and perlite.
New roots will form along the scraped stem.
If it’s rotting inside, I’ll keep cutting until I’m confident I’ve got a rot-free section.
If the African violet has roots but no crown, or no excessive crown, I will simply repot it at the recommended depth, again with the lower leaves one quarter to one half-inch above the soil (potting mix).
Pot Size Matters
African violets like their roots (sometimes also called the “root ball”) fairly compact. Often, you will not need a larger pot size after cleaning up the plant. The small breeds can spend their entire lives in a 4-inch pot if they are properly maintained.
If you are simply repotting because the plant is growing, it’s best to just increase the pot size by 3/4 to 1-inch maximum at a time, and only if warranted.
If you are repotting overgrown plants you have separated into smaller, individual plants, a pot that is the width of root base or crown plus two inches in diameter will be fine.
Choose pots that are as deep as they are wide, but not deeper than that, if you can. I have a terrible time finding pots I like in the right sizes, but finally settled on these ones.
No matter what you use, be sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot and a deep saucer to catch excess water.
My neighbor’s crazy, old plants were pretty tricky to clean up and repot, and they are certainly never going to win any beauty contests, but they are still lovely plants and will provide lots of blooms for years to come.
For optimum growing conditions. you can set each newly repotted plant in a large ziplock bag (clear plastic bag) and close it up, to keep humidity in, just the way they like it.
Use a bag big enough that the leaves don’t touch the sides, otherwise they may be exposed directly to the condensation, which they don’t like.
A humidity cover is particularly beneficial at times like this after transplanting when the plant has been stressed and needs to recover and regrow.
In addition to your watering and fertilizer routine, do yourself a favor and check on the structure of your violets every couple of months.
In addition to repotting as needed, take care of odd leaf growth, crowns sneaking up, and suckers. This will give you better-looking, healthier plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
African violet roots are fairly shallow. A pot twice as deep as the plant is tall and slightly wider than the root ball is sufficient. Repotting African violets is often more about refreshing the plant and soil by removing excess leaves, trimming back the stem, and adding fresh potting mix. You may not need a larger pot but if you do, choose one just an inch wider.
A potting mix made for African violets is your best bet. Unlike other tropical houseplant potting mixes, these include ingredients like perlite and vermiculite for a fluffier mix with good air and water flow.
Plastic pots tend to be the best option for African violets simply because they are better at retaining moisture in low humidity households. If you prefer clay or ceramic, you can always sit a plastic pot in a nice looking container.
Resources
What African Violets Need
Sunlight | East or west windows are recommended. Avoid excessive heat and cold. You’ll know the light is insufficient if the plant doesn’t bloom after 2-3 months, the leaves grow in elongated shapes, or crowns get leggy.
or
Fluorescent Lights or Full-spectrum LED Lights | One foot above the plants, 12-14 hours per day.
Potting Mix | Use a commercial mix intended for African violets combined with perlite or make your own.
Water | Water deeply, until the saucer fills. Empty the saucer after 30 minutes. Best to water from below and avoid wetting leaves. Also consider wick watering.
Temperature | 65-75°F (18-24°C)
Humidity | 40-50 percent | Unfortunately, drip trays filled with water do not help with low humidity. A household humidifier and keeping up with watering can help.
Pot Sizes | 2-inch wide for plantlets, 3-inch wide for first-time blooming, 4-inch wide for 9-inch diameter plant
Pot Type | Plastic or clay. Plastic works best in low humidity households. These plastic ones have good drainage and saucers.
Fertilizer | One popular type used is Organic Violet! African Violet Plant Food. Ask at your local garden nursery to see what they recommend in combination with your local water.
Reblooming | If growing conditions are optimal, by snipping off old flowers (“disbudding”), new blooms may appear in 6 to 8 weeks.
Growing Tips
- How to Make African Violets Bloom & Rebloom
- How to Propagate African Violets (Step-By-Step Tutorial)
- How Often Should You Water Houseplants?
- How to Increase Humidity For Plants (What Works)
- How To Keep Houseplants Watered While On Vacation
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
How to Repot African Violets
Equipment
- Flowerpot with drainage holes and water saucer
- 1 Fluorescent lights optional, with T5 or T8 bulbs OR
Supplies & Materials
- 1 African violet houseplant
Instructions
- Remove African violet plant from container and gently shake away any loose soil.1 African violet houseplant
- Examine roots, stem, and leaves and remove any dead or damaged parts.
- Pinch off any unwanted leaves from outer circle(s). These can be propagated.
- Trim stem down to 1-2-inches in length with clean scalpel (use rubbing alcohol). New roots will grow.
- Repot in fresh potting mix with lowest leaf stems just above soil level. Water potting mix thoroughly.
- Grow near east or west-facing window avoiding hot sun or heat or under fluorescent lights for 12-14 hours per day. Ideal temperature is 65-75°F (18-24°C) with 40-50% humidity.
Jill moran says
Excellent information, easy to understand. Thank you
Melissa J. Will says
Thank you, Jill. Glad you found it helpful.
Jeani Paratore says
Hello, this article is soooo helpful – thank you! I have a question about african violet baby plants that I propagated from leaves over a year ago. I have 10 healthy baby plants all growing wonderfully under grow lights (12 hours/daily), and they get fed regularly with diluted african violet food. But so far – no blooms. I just went to a nursery today and saw tiny african violet plants blooming. What can I do to help my baby plants begin blooming? Thank you!
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Jeani,
This has tips for blooming: https://empressofdirt.net/african-violets-bloom/
Lots of things to consider.
Jen says
How do you water from your rec pots? Top? Fill the saucer?
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Jen, Here are a few ways to water:
1) Sit flower pot in bowl of water for 30 minutes, allowing time for potting mix to take up the moisture via bottom drainage holes. Filling a saucer may not provide enough water.
2) Water soil using a watering can with long, narrow spout so you can aim water right where you need it–into the potting mix, not on the plant. Rotate the pot as you go to reach all areas and work slowly.
3) Wick watering is another option. You can read more here: https://empressofdirt.net/houseplants-vacation/#wicking
Donna Rittner says
I have had my African violet for many years and it was growing and blooming and looked beautiful. Then one day I noticed the leaves curling under. It had stopped blooming and I was told that it probably had had too much water, even though it was in a self watering clay pot. Most of the leaves had died and I repotted it in the same pot but watered in from the top and didn’t use the self watering part. It got a few new leaves but they are very small and the plant does not seem to be thriving. I think at this point, after reading all your information I want to repot in a smaller pot. I would really like to kno why the leaves were curling under and died.
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Donna, Sorry for your plant problem. If the plant is already stressed, I would not repot. While it could be any number of problems, spider mites is one possibility for the curling leaves. Good luck and I hope you get it sorted.
Felicia says
At last, complete, detailed instructions for repotting! Thank you!! I’ve searched all over for directions on how to repot. Additionally, detailed dialog on why plants refuse to bloom is found here! Thank you!
Melissa J. Will says
Thank you, Felicia. Glad you found the information helpful!
Richard says
Instructions are fabulous and it all makes sense.
Two yrs ago, I was given a 25 yo plant which was getting knarley. The stem was about 12mm in length but was told not to cut it donw unless I had an atrium to place it in.
So I repotted it and its doing well, though its made several trips to So UT from OR. I suppose its time to repot – still blooming. , large leaves but new ones are small. Fairly symmetrical, however.
Will let you know how it goes.
Sue Graves says
I enjoy your expertise on hydrangeas holiday cactus and African violets. And everything else. I’m a big outdoor veggie and flower gardener here in Northern Minnesota Lots of big hydrangeas in my yard. Thank you.
Melissa J. Will says
Thank you, Sue. And cheers to a great new gardening year ahead.
Gay Harlander says
I do enjoy and learn from every one of your newsletters!
Thanks so much for sharing.
Gay Harlander
Melissa J. Will says
Thank you, Gay. Happy new year!
Laurie batters says
Very informative. I now took one leaf off to propagate into a plant. There was another plant starting in mother plant, so then removed. Going to replant mother into larger pot.
Linda says
My plants have gotten huge and are blooming profusely. However one of them has low gaming leaves and the other is developing another crown. My question is should I try to wait until they are not blooming to repot.
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Linda,
Either way is fine – do it now or wait until blooming is done. I’m a do it now person. I would snip off the blooms, repot as needed, and carry on. It could rebloom in just 6-8 weeks.
The only reason to wait is to enjoy the current blooms now. The plant won’t mind either way.
Beth L. Fischer says
I have 4 plants that have been ignored. I adopted these after death in family. I have 5 miniatures and 1 reg one. They haven’t bloomed in 7 months. I love them..going to replant and clean up. Wish me luck. Thank you for information. God bless.
Sarah T Northam says
i’ve been growing African violets for years but i am having difficulty when they get older and the necks needs to be trimmed. For me bagging the plant leads straight to rot so i’m having difficulty providing enough humidity for them. I have a lighted stand and they are on 12-14 hours a day. I wick water with spring water. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks Sarah
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Sarah,
I’m not sure from what you said if the leggy necks are the issue or the low humidity or both?
First, I would get a humidity reader to confirm the room’s humidity level on a daily basis (hoping for 40-50%). The only cure I know of for chronically low-levels is to add a humidifier.
Also, is your light too weak or too far away and the plant is stretching to reach it?
Carol Edwards says
I’ve had this question for years.. I use violet pots, small pot sitting inside a larger pot with water. The ? Is where do you put the fertilizer? Because I can’t imagine it getting through the clay, I carefully put a little in the top, (very diluted) trying to stay away from stem. I have no problems with bugs or flowering. I occasionally lose a bunch of leaves if I put too much water in the bowl. It seems the plant wants to dry out a little between infusions. It’s to the side of a north window, gets morning light. And it’s a dry room. I think it gets humidity from the hole in the bowl. 😁 I’m happy, just curious if food seeps through the pot. Thoughts?
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Carol,
It’s a great question and I have not found an answer. Here I’m thinking out loud: There are a lot of discussions about how violet pots can be unreliable, either moving too little or too much water, and some also say the clay gets ‘clogged’ with various salts / minerals and stop working (a vinegar soaking may or may not resolve this). It could well be that some of those salts come from the fertilizers dissolved in water indicating that not all of them reach the potting mix (or they do and excess collects in the pot).
In your situation, if the plant is growing well year after year, it must be getting what it needs either from the fertilizer or by refreshing the potting mix (which may provide nutrients) every year or so.
So, no answer but thank you for the interesting question.
Connie allen says
What is the rubbing alcohol used for? I didn’t know I could cut off roots. Good tips. I love reading your newsletters.
Melissa J. Will says
The rubbing alcohol is used to clean any cutting tools before and after use to prevent any spread of plant disease.
Steve says
Before repotting this past May, I removed lots of leaves and scraped the stem. There were less than 10 leaves. I kept it inside for a few days and eventually moved it outside on the porch. It took off. Lots of new growth. It’s almost tripled. I’ve only watered it a few times. Twice with miracle grow added.
The problem is no blooms. Too soon? Too hot? (I live in South Florida)
Thanks for any input.
Melissa J. Will says
There are lots of possibilities. Could be too much fertilizer. I have troubleshooting tips here: https://empressofdirt.net/african-violets-bloom/ Compare those to what you’ve been doing and see if anything stands out. 🙂
KristinL says
Hi. Thanks so much for sharing all of this wonderful information and tips! I’m confused on one point though. When you say to trim the stem of the African violet down to 1-2″, are you saying to cut off the roots?
Melissa J. Will says
Yes, it will grow new roots.