Question
QUESTION: Some of my nine African violets have not bloomed in two years.  They did bloom for several years previously.  They've been repotted as many are quite old. They are in African violet soil and they are in the same place I've always kept my African violets.  Is it time to get rid of those?

ANSWER: Don't get rid of them. If they appear healthy, the foliage green, putting out new leaves, etc. they are still healthy. I don't like to throw out violets if the foliage is healthy. I have never seen violets go for two years without blooming. I'm thinking it has something to do with your repotting them, and the fact that they're rather old. Did you have to divide any of them? Sometimes that puts them into shock, however, two years is a long time. Perhaps they're not liking the soil you used. To be honest, most of the "African violet soil mixtures" we purchase are not adequate. They need a little perlite thrown in for good drainage. This also makes the soil lighter. I would suggest that, IF the foliage is still green and healthy, that you might gently remove one (or all) from their soil and examine the roots. Make sure the soil doesn't feel too  compact or tight. Another thing about violets is that if you use too large a pot for them they will use their energy for producing roots, and won't bloom much. If violets are kept slightly pot-bound the roots will be forced to stop growing and the plant will use its energy for blooming. That is something many people do not know. If you want to answer me back feel free.

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QUESTION: I'll take your advice.  Any further advice on dividing violets?  And several of mine are large and the stems seem to bend to one side even though I turn the pots regularly.

Answer
This happens frequently. You will find lots of information on websites and books which discuss dividing violets, however, I have never had any luck with dividing them for some reason. My violets have always died. You are supposed to take a sharp knife (yes, knife), sterilize it with alcohol, then take the plant out of the pot, gently shake the soil off the roots, then identify how many crowns you have. Then cut. That's the part that seems harsh to me, but that is the recommended way. Then, you repot each of the separate little plants. This is where I've never had a plant to flourish, for some reason. Since I'm not the best source for this particular job, why don't you visit the African Violet Society of America and click on the appropriate area. They offer lots of information, even take questions free of charge. I've outlined the method above, but am honest that it doesn't work for me. :(  Anyway, visit www.avsa.org, and I hope you will find the help you need. You might even want to check out a library book on African Violets which could lead you step by step through the process. I wish you much luck.