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[Becka]

Hello,

I have a violet that I have managed to avoid killing for nearly two years, which is quite a miracle for me and violets! Unfortunately it now needs potting up and I seem to remember that violets need special compost? It is just coming to the end of flowering and wondered if now might be a good time to move it to larger premises? Also, it looks like it could be split into two plants so would this be a suitable time to divide it? I'm quite keen not to kill it as I'm quite proud of managing to keep it going this long! Any suggestions gratefully welcomed.

Best wishes,

Becka

[Redwing]

Hi,

 

I am guessing you have an african violet?

 

Don't be tempted to use a much larger pot for this plant as the roots can rot very easily if the pot is too big. The pot should be about a third of the diameter of the plant, a shallow pot is better if you can get your hands on one!

 

Only re pot if you have a definate 'bare' stem where there are no leaves (if you clean this bit off gently (it will have a mucky coating) when you re pot and then bury the plant over this level to where the leaves begin new roots will grow from it)

 

The soil mix can be bought ready mixed up and sold as African Violet soil mix otherwise you can make up your own.Get yourself some perlite (I have a big bag and can send some if you don't need a lot as its as light as a feather) the mix should be a third potting compost a third perlite (or vermiculite) and a third peat or peat moss (if possible)

 

If you have clear rosettes then its ok to divide the plant (perhaps putting the bulk of it back in to the original pot and the smaller part in to a new small pot)

 

When repotting and dividing try to gently work out as much old soil from between the roots as possible as African Violet soil nutrients get used up very quickly and this soil is useless to the plant

 

Any problems just ask - chicken knowledge I am very shakey on but plants I can do!

[Becka]

Thank you very much for your reply which is most helpful! I'm really quite keen to keep this plant alive and hopefully this will help prolong its chances!

Becka