How to Successfully Repot an African Violet

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Today, I’m going to talk to you about repotting African violets. Unlike many houseplants that don’t need frequent repotting, African violets ideally should be repotted every six months, or at the very least once a year. Regular repotting will result in more flowers, while neglecting this can lead to fewer blooms and yellowing leaves.

In this video, I will demonstrate repotting one of my African violets. First, let’s discuss how to determine if a plant needs repotting. If you can’t remember the last time you repotted it, look for signs such as yellowing leaves. For example, on this plant, the leaves are greener in the center and yellow around the edges, indicating nutrient deficiency. Even though this plant recently flowered, it is showing signs that it needs repotting. Once repotted, it will start flowering more profusely.

When choosing a new pot, it is generally better to go slightly smaller. The pot should be about two-thirds the size of the plant. A pot that is too large can lead to excessive wet soil, which may cause root rot or other issues. I will decide the final pot size once I take the plant out of its current pot. If it appears root-bound, I may need a larger pot, but if it isn’t, I will opt for a slightly smaller one.

Before repotting, I will prune the plant by removing any unhealthy or yellowing leaves. This will help the plant focus its energy on new growth. The removed leaves can be used to propagate new plants.

To repot the plant, squeeze the pot and gently turn it over to remove the plant. As expected, this plant doesn’t have many roots, so I will use a smaller pot. I use drywall tape as a substitute for screen to prevent soil from washing out through the drainage holes.

For the soil, I prefer using a high-quality organic mix like ProMix BX. This soil retains moisture well but is not too barky, which can lead to quick drying and nutrient loss. Before adding the soil, I wet it so it is moist but not soggy. This ensures that when the plant is repotted, the soil won’t shrink excessively.

After removing excess soil and replacing it with fresh soil, make sure to fill any air pockets to ensure consistent moisture. It is crucial to avoid large air pockets as they can dry out the roots.

Once repotted, water the plant thoroughly with lukewarm to tepid water. Make sure the water drains from the holes and continues to water until the soil is moist but not soggy. Monitor the plant and water again as needed, ensuring the soil stays evenly moist.

I use plastic pots for my African violets as they are easy to change as the plant grows. The repotted plant is then placed into a decorative outer pot for a more attractive presentation.

Once the plant has acclimated to its new pot, you should see new growth and possibly more flowers. Begin fertilizing about once a month with a liquid fertilizer to encourage continued growth and blooming.

Thank you for stopping by. Please leave comments about any indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see, and remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should African violets be repotted?

African violets should ideally be repotted every six months, or at the very least once a year. Regular repotting encourages more flowers and prevents issues such as yellowing leaves.

How can I tell if my African violet needs repotting?

Signs that your African violet needs repotting include yellowing leaves and a general decline in plant health. If the leaves are greener in the center and yellow around the edges, it may indicate nutrient deficiency and a need for repotting.

What size pot should I use for repotting African violets?

When repotting African violets, choose a pot that is about two-thirds the size of the plant. A pot that is too large can lead to excessive wet soil, which may cause root rot or other issues.

What should I do before repotting African violets?

Before repotting, prune the plant by removing any unhealthy or yellowing leaves. This helps the plant focus on new growth. The removed leaves can be used to propagate new plants.

How do I prepare the soil for repotting African violets?

Use a high-quality organic mix like ProMix BX, which retains moisture well without being too barky. Wet the soil so it is moist but not soggy before adding it to the pot. This helps prevent the soil from shrinking excessively after watering.

What should I do after repotting African violets?

After repotting, water the plant thoroughly with lukewarm to tepid water. Ensure the water drains from the holes and that the soil remains moist but not soggy. Monitor the plant and water again as needed to keep the soil evenly moist.

Why use plastic pots for African violets?

Plastic pots are preferred for African violets because they are easy to change as the plant grows. They are also practical for adjusting pot sizes as needed. After repotting, place the plastic pot into a decorative outer pot for a more attractive presentation.

How often should I fertilize African violets?

Fertilize African violets about once a month with a liquid fertilizer. This will support continued growth and encourage blooming.

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Promix BX potting soil is what I use: https://amzn.to/3iVIrjE

Happy Frog potting soil is also good: https://amzn.to/2TA6OKN