When and How to Repot Large, Happy African Violets

Half-dozen 4-inch pot violets are huge (12+ inch span), blooming, roots exiting bottom. Gardener asks about repotting timing, pot type, and soil mix.

Expert Advice (Mary Hill)

• Roots out bottom: Normal, even weeks after repotting.
• Pot size: 1/3 plant width. 12-inch plant = 4-inch pot. Can go to 4.5–5 inch if needed.
• Repotting: Remove old soil gently. Strip blooms/stalks to focus energy on roots.
• Soil: Retail "African violet" soils are too heavy. Add ≥50% perlite. Ideal: 1/3 soil, 1/3 air, 1/3 water.
• Pots: Plastic preferred (clay dries faster).
• Leaching: Every 6–8 weeks, flush with plain tepid water to remove fertilizer salts.

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