You might be someone growing African violet plants for the first time. The provision of ultimate African violet care will make your houseplant live for 50years. Repotting African violets is one of the care routines that can be tricky for beginners.
Many successful African violet growers recommend repotting with fresh and well-draining potting soil twice a year. But you can repot the plant whenever it outgrows the current pot to the extent of the roots growing out.
As simple as repotting an African violet plant may sound, you might need to know a thing or two about African violet repotting shock. Even though restoring an African violet is inexpensive, the entire process could be tricky. Let us find that out together.
When to Repot African Violet Plant
Most houseplants need repotting at some point by either increasing the pot size or refreshing the potting soil. African violet plants are not an exemption despite living for a long time.
We recommend repotting African violet plants with the fresh potting mix at least once or twice a year. But you can repot your African violet whenever it outgrows the current pot and roots begin to appear through the drainage holes.
It is tricky knowing when to transplant African violets at some point. We recommend inspecting your houseplant growth habit and its root ball. Stunted growth and root-bound issues spell the need for transplant.
Timing is crucial since it will help avoid African violet repotting shock. It is wise to repot your African violet plant when it is not actively growing and producing flowers.
How to Repot African Violet (Step-By-Step)
Many successful African violet growers have different schools of thought on the right way to repot. Let us now discuss the steps on African violet repotting:
Step 1: Preparation
It is the most crucial step for repotting the African violet plant. The plant owner needs to prepare the tools and space by disinfecting for the transplant process.
You may either return your African violet to the same container or transfer it to a different-sized pot. It helps solve the prevailing problem.
If your houseplant experiences a root-bound issue, transfer to a slightly bigger pot. And if it is struggling to bloom or the soil is retaining much water, size down the container.
Step 2: Extract Your African Violet
African violet plants can either be grown in porous or non-porous containers. These pots have different extraction techniques.
If your houseplant lives in a porous pot, soak it with water first. But this technique will make your plant swell to increase the risk of repotting injuries.
With a non-porous container, tilt it sideways or upside down and tap the bottom to extract your plant. We recommend holding off the plant until it is fully extracted.
Step 3: Tend to the Roots
The step helps examine the root systems for any signs of black, brown, or mushy sections. Cut the affected parts and apply a root rot treatment to combat the decay.
Use a soft toothbrush or hands to remove soil around the root ball. Thorough cleaning will make the root systems clear for easy inspection.
Step 4: Prune Damaged or Dying Leaves
Pruning away damaged or dying plant leaves will help free up energy to re-root. The technique helps to avoid diverting energy to uneven leaves and satellite suckers.
Use a sterilized garden pruner to trim dying leaves and satellite suckers. It is usually the beginning of healthy leaves and suckers.
Step 5: Transplant Your African Violet
Put a thin layer of potting mix in the container and set the root ball on top. Cover up to the base of the leaves and pat down to stabilize the plant.
Ensure the pot has drainage holes to drain excess water. Besides that, use fertile and well-draining potting soil to avoid overwatering.
Step 6: Provide Ultimate Aftercare
Place the repotted houseplant in a plastic bag for a week to boost humidity and give the plant extra oxygen gas. Remember to note the date on the pot so you can know when to repot your African violet next.
How Often Should You Repot an African Violet
There are several schools of thought about repotting African violet plants. Timing isn’t crucial since African violets are indoor plants.
So, how often should you repot an African violet? Most successful growers recommend repotting at least once or twice a year. The process help replenish the potting soil.
Most collectors recommend this transplant process when the plant is not experiencing active growth and producing flowers.
If you regularly fertilize your African violets, they will need fresh soil from time to time. Repotting will help replenish the depleted nutrients and balance soil chemistry.
The golden rule is to monitor your houseplant growing habit and appearance. If you notice roots sneaking through the drainage holes, repot it to resolve the issue.
Can You Repot African Violet When They Are Blooming?
The transplanting process tends to be stressful for most houseplants. The African violet repotting shock may slow down its growth rate. But restoring an African violet plant after repotting is a no-brainer.
So, can you repot African violet when they are blooming? You may repot your violet if it is tightly root-bound or about to topple over. But we recommend waiting for a lull in flowering before transplanting.
Some successful growers recommend removing the bloom to give the African violet plant more energy and nutrients to recover. Do not panic since the plant will bounce back after some weeks.
Conclusion
If you have read up to this point in the article, it is safe to assume that you now know when to repot the African violet plant. African violet repotting shock is inevitable, and there is no need to panic.
Provide ultimate care until the plant recovers from the transplant shock. The African violet will take a week or two to grow back after the repotting. But learning how to repot African violets with long necks can be a daunting experience for beginners.
We hope this article will make you become a successful African violet collector. Feel free to share your African violet repotting experience in the comment section. You can also share this information with your friends or family.
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