Question
QUESTION: Hi
I have 20 + African Violets. I love their joyful, colorful presence in my home......especially in our dreary upstate N.Y. winters.
I've had them several years and they thrive on my benign care....
Many have developed long, chubby necks and I want to repot them this next week...... but I want to be sure I do it in a proper manner.
Can you help me to accomplish this but not injure or kill them.
I thank you for any help you can give.
Sincerely, Sue

ANSWER: Dear Sue,

Sorry for the delay in replying - my laptop has been in for repair.

I bet your African violet collection is beautiful.

I expect you know that re-potting should be done in the Spring?

Do you have other plants which you have repotted?  Repot your violets in just the same way making sure that the stems and leaves are able to spread out over the side of the pot.  As you will know the stems can snap off very easily so obviously you have to take care when handling the plants.  Use a good potting compost which will contain plenty of nutrients so you should not have to feed your plants for about three months.

Diana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Diana
Thank you for the reply. It is greatly appriciated.
I still don't understand what to do with the long thick neck stems under the leaves. Can you be more specific please? Do I cut them off?....leave them long and plant them under the soil?
I will wait till spring. I had no clue about that....
Thanks for your help.
Sue

Answer
Dear Sue,

Can you possibly send me a photo of one of your plants as I don't understand what a long thick neck stem is or looks like.  I have two African violets and neither of them looks any different from the day I bought them.  Mind you mine are relative youngsters, just two years old.

Diana