Reviving African Violets with Exposed Stems

When African violets lose lower leaves over time, the central stem becomes bare and woody. To rejuvenate, repot every 6 months: remove the plant, shake off loose soil, trim the bottom ½ inch of the root ball, then replant deeper so soil covers the bare stem up to the lowest leaves. The buried stem will root, creating a fresh, compact plant. Use a light, porous African violet mix and water from below to avoid crown rot.