Question
I have an African Violet passed down to me from my
grandmother (I'm 35, and my grandma has passed away). Today
I went to repot the plant (using the same pot but changing
the soil - it has been a year or more since I've done this),
and the violet lifted right out of the soil by the top of
the plant! The root itself is approximately 1 1/4" in
length, and has a light brown skin covering it. I removed
the skin with my fingernail, and cut off about 1/4" of the
bottom of the root (which was green when I cut back). The
leaves are green and healthy. My concern is that the root is
now so short that it doesn't properly stay potted in the
soil. What should I do, and am I looking at root rot? I
would really like to preserve my grandmother's plant. Thanks
for your help.

Answer
Liz,
This is not root rot per se, but I'm afraid you've done some damage to your plant. I have never trimmed off anything from the roots of my violets. I would feel more comfortable if you had not done so, and also whatever "skin" was covering the roots. In fact, you don't absolutely have to repot violets every year or so, even though lots of people do. I usually just top-dress them with a little fresh soil and work it into the top. All I can advise you to do is bury the roots as deeply as possible, keep them moist, and keep your plant warm and in bright light. (NOT direct sun). Root rot is actually when the roots become too moist over time, and they begin to rot, usually from a fungus infection. This of course kills the entire plant, because there is no cure for root rot. Just watch your violet very carefully and try to keep those roots in the soil so they can nourish the entire plant. I've enclosed a web site with some very basic AV care. Click or go to: http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/afrviolet/2004083814032457.html