Question
HI KRISTINA!  I HAVE HAD SOME REAL "DUMB LUCK" WITH AFRICAN VIOLETS OVER THE YEARS, BUT MY MOM AND I HAVE HAD A SMALL PROBLEM THAT I WONDER IF YOU KNOW THE REASON...WE HAVE BEEN PROPOGATING(SP?) AFRICAN VIOLETS FROM LEAF CUTTINGS WITH GREAT SUCCESS.  HOWEVER, EVERY NOW AND THEN A VIOLET PLANT, REGARDLESS OF ITS AGE WILL GROW LONG STEMS ON ITS LEAVES, ALMOST 5 INCHES LONG AT TIMES!!!  AND THIS IS NOT DUE TO BEING POTBOUND, THERE IS PLENTY OF ROOM FOR ROOT GROWTH.  THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN WITH EVERY PLANT, JUST A FEW HERE AND THERE, GROWN IN EXACTLY THE SAME POTS, LOCATION AND SOIL MEDIUM, FROM THE SAME "MOTHER" PLANT.  WHAT WOULD MAKE THEM PUT OUT SUCH LONG STEMMED LEAVES?  THEY JUST LOOK SILLY, I PREFER THE COMPACT SET OF LEAVES OVER THESE, ALTHOUGH THEY FLOWER JUST THE SAME AS THE OTHERS.  HAVE YOU HAD ANY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS?  THANKS FOR YOUR TIPS.  DEBBIE COTTER  (can you e mail me directly as i might lose this site and not be able to read your reply?)

Answer
Ok this could be from several different things.  The first thing that stands out to me is pot size.  They like to be root bound.  Only use a pot that is 1/3 the size of the plant.  They bloom more and are healthier this way.  Be careful not to fertlize too much though.  Second this could be due to not enough light.  Remember African Violets are a high light plant but no direct sunlight.  It burns them up.  I reccomend putting them under a grow light or shop light with regular bulbs for no less than 10 hours a day 12 is better but no more.  THey need to be about 5 - 7 inches from the light.  Too much closer they bunch too far away they are still leggy.  If you have more questions let me know.  I hope this helps.

Kristina