Question
I have a violet that I started from a little piece when I was working, it has grown so very well but has outgrown the pot I have it in. I would like to put it in another larger one,I am afraid when I do it will die. I water it on the same day every week and have it sitting on my kitchen counter next to the window, the leaves are real green and it does bloom about once or twice a year. I do not use fertilizer, but if I repot it can I use potting soil? Hope you can help me!!
Thanks
Brenda in Alabama


Answer
Brenda,
There are two schools of thought on repotting violets.  I adhere to the one who says "Don't repot often".  The beauty of violets is their foliage and the blooms, which happen about twice a year.  Violets will only bloom when they are slightly pot-bound.  If their roots are in a large pot their energy will be used to produce more roots and therefore just more foliage.  They will be healthy, but not bloom.  Instead of repotting, I choose to "top dress" my violets about once a year by adding new potting mixture to the top of the pot, and working it in gently.  If your violet really needs repotting you can do so using a mixture which contains part peat moss, or just purchase an African Violet mixture from the garden center.
GOod luck.