African Violet with Long Stem (What to Do)
Have you grown an African violet that gets a long, crooked stem? This is very common. If this has happened to your plant, it’s possible to replant the African violet, so the crooked stem is below the soil. Watch how to replant.
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Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about indoor gardening. Today, I’ll be discussing a common issue with African violets — when they get “stemmy,” meaning the stem becomes visible above the soil line. Sometimes these plants may also start curving to one side of the pot, which doesn’t look great.
For instance, this African violet has a stem that is visibly growing out of the soil and curving. This plant also needs repotting. African violets generally require repotting every 3-6 months, and this one is a little yellow, indicating it could use fresh soil and nutrients.
This video was inspired by a question from a viewer, PixieSmile, who asked what to do when the stem grows out like this. As I told her, you can replant the violet to bury the stem, which we’ll do in this video.
I’ll first check the plant’s root system and choose an appropriate pot size. You want the plant to fit in the pot with about two-thirds of the soil surrounding the roots to prevent root rot. African violets thrive in nutrient-rich, water-retentive soil that also drains well, so I’ve added pumice, worm compost, and pre-moistened soil to aid in drainage and nutrition.
When repotting, ensure that the plant is centered, and gradually fill in the sides to prevent it from tilting. Cover the stem but avoid burying the crown, where new growth emerges. Once repotted, water the plant thoroughly but let the top half-inch of soil dry before watering again.
Repotting African violets refreshes their growth, often leading to blooms within a month or so. This plant is now centered and looks much healthier. Thanks for stopping by, and please like, comment, and subscribe to our channel!
FAQ
How do I fix a stemmy African violet?
You can fix a stemmy African violet by repotting it and burying the stem in soil. This helps stabilize the plant and improves its appearance. Make sure the plant is centered in the pot when repotting.
How often should I repot my African violet?
Repot your African violet every 3-6 months to refresh the soil and provide new nutrients. This helps keep the plant healthy and can encourage blooming.
What kind of soil is best for African violets?
African violets prefer nutrient-rich, water-retentive soil that also drains well. Adding pumice and worm compost can improve drainage and soil health.
Should I water the African violet right after repotting?
Yes, water the plant thoroughly after repotting, ideally until water comes out of the pot’s drainage holes. Then wait until the top half-inch of soil has dried before watering again.
Will repotting my African violet encourage it to bloom?
Yes, repotting with fresh soil often encourages African violets to bloom within a month or so, as they receive new nutrients and better growing conditions.
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