Question
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Followup To
Question -
I have an African violet that hasn't been repotted in a very long time.  It has developed a very long "neck" and I'm not sure what to do- the plant flops over and I'm afraid it may break.  I haven't replanted it because of the "neck" problem, but now it seems I have no choice.  Besides that, it seems healthy and it blooms.  I water whenever it seems necessary, and I have it near a west window where it seems to do well (also on a humidity tray).  Please help so I can replant it successfully and take care of the neck problem.
Thank you.
Denise
Answer -
Denise,

 Thanks for asking a great question.  I too have "neck" problems!  Actually my favorite AV has a long neck and actually "sits" on it's curled up neck and it has made it's plastic pot tip over several times.  There are 2 ways to go about dealing with the neck.  One is to just prop it up and let the plant cope with the long neck - it doesn't hurt the plant - it will accomidate most any change in it's character - especially one self imposed.  The other option is to repot deeper - letting soil over the neck part.  When repotting remember that AV's do not do well with damaged root systems.  You may wish to make small incisions into the neck and swab a rooting horomone onto the stem to promote new root growth from the nely buried aread.  This won't hurt the plant.  I have read about cutting off the plant - detaching the crown from the roots and planting the shorter necked version, but I have tried this twice and have not had much luck.  I hope this helps!  Let me know if you'd like more info!
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Thank you for taking time to answer my question.  I was wondering if I buried the neck into the soil, wouldn't it rot?  Most plants that I have planted (outdoors) are not supposed to be planted deeper or have mulch gathered around the "trunk" so as not to encourage rotting.  Is the "neck" different?  I would have repotted the AV deeper long ago if I wasn't afraid of rotting the neck and killing the plant.  I would appreciate your input so I can give the AV what it needs.  Thanks a lot.
Denise

Answer
It shouldn't rot as long as you are watering the plant correctly.  Using the rooting horomone and the small incision method would promote new roots without a rotting neck.  Sometimes you must be bold in assisting plants with thriving.    Think of it as mending a broken bone - you can let it alone and it will be deformed, or you can fix it so that it will keep it's classic shape and stay within the normal pot range.    Don't be afraid to be bold!  Your plant will understand.