Repotting African Violets: Handling Long Necks Correctly

Your 20+ African violets have developed long, thick "necks" (bare stems below the leaf rosette). Spring is the right time to repot. Here's the proper technique:

Step-by-Step

1. Gently remove plant from pot.
2. Scrape away loose soil from roots.
3. Do NOT cut the neck. Instead, plant deeper: set the root ball lower in the new pot so the neck is buried up to the bottom leaves.
4. Use fresh African violet mix (light, well-draining).
5. Water from bottom (saucer) to settle soil.
6. Don't fertilize for 3 months—new mix has nutrients.

If Neck Is Too Long

If burying would put leaves too low, you can cut the neck, let it callous 24 hours, then root in moist perlite—but burying is safer and preserves the plant.

Key Tip

Handle by the root ball, not the fragile leaves. Stems snap easily.