How to repot an African violet

How to repot an African violet

1. 01

   When to repot

   Repot when the small pot is full of roots or after about two to three years. If the plant is stable, let a root check decide rather than the calendar.

   Repot African violets in spring, when active growth helps the plant settle into fresh mix. Do not wait for spring to fix waterlogged or damaged roots.

2. 02

   Choosing the next pot

   Use a slightly larger, shallow pot rather than a deep or oversized one. A pot of about 10 cm (4 in) suits most plants, and up to 12 cm (5 in) suits large ones. Match the pot to the root mass rather than a set size.

3. 03

   How to repot

   Use a well-drained African-violet mix, for example two parts John Innes No. 2 to one part coir, and keep the crown at the same level as before rather than burying the center.

4. 04

   After repotting

   Put the repotted plant back in bright indirect light and water evenly with free drainage. Keep water off the crown and do not leave the shallow pot standing in water. Check the mix before each watering rather than following a fixed schedule.