In this video, we revive an African violet that needs repotting and more care. See what an African violet that needs revival looks like. How to repot the African violet into good soil so that it begins flowering and thriving.
#healthyhouseplants #africanvioletcare #houseplanttips #plantrevival #indoorplants
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Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening and the great indoors. Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link, which you’ll find in the comment section below. You’ll also see a link to my Green Gourmet Houseplant Food, which I’ll be mentioning as well.
Today, I’m going to talk about African Violet Revival.
Here we have an African violet that’s looking a little tired, with yellowing leaves and overall decline. We’re going to repot this violet and revive it. Here is a violet I repotted in a previous video—she’s looking great, with beautiful variegated flowers in purple and white. She’s very happy, and repotting was a major reason why.
The first thing to know about African violets is that they need to be repotted regularly, ideally every six months. This is much more frequent than many other houseplants, but doing so encourages them to flower almost nonstop. If you don’t repot consistently, it may take months for the plant to return to strong growth.
This violet is in a cachepot, which is helpful because African violets like to be watered from the bottom. You can fill the outer pot with water and let the plant soak it up—just remember to remove any leftover water afterward.
Before repotting any plant, water it thoroughly. This one has already been watered. I’ll begin by pruning some of the heavily yellowed leaves. Remove the outer leaves first to maintain a symmetrical, round shape. This plant also has extra exposed stem, which we’ll partially cover after repotting.
As you can see, the root system isn’t very extensive, so it’s not pot-bound. Choosing the correct pot size is important—I have a full video on selecting the right pot. You never want to jump up too many sizes, as this can cause root rot. We’re looking for a pot that maintains a two-thirds plant to one-third pot ratio.
After comparing a few pots, I’m choosing a similar-sized one. I’ll remove some of the old soil, since African violets benefit from regular soil refreshing. You don’t need to remove it all, just enough to allow the plant to settle into new soil.
In the new pot, I’ve mixed in some Green Gourmet Houseplant Food. African violets are heavy feeders, so using a liquid organic fertilizer about once a month keeps them blooming beautifully.
I’m adding fresh soil and adjusting the roots so they sit deeper in the pot, allowing me to cover some of the exposed stem. If you can’t bury much of the stem, that’s okay—you can address it at the next repotting. I’m using Pro-Mix BX, which is perfect for African violets because it’s slightly heavier, drains well, and helps retain nutrients.
Once potted, make sure the plant sits just below the rim—about an eighth of an inch. This prevents soil spillage when top-watering, even though bottom-watering is preferred.
After covering the exposed stem, the plant already looks happier. I’ll water it with lukewarm water through the bottom method. Once fully soaked, I’ll drain the cachepot and place the plant in a north-facing window, which African violets require to form buds. Once the plant is budding, you can move it anywhere you like.
After flowering, it’s a good time to repot or at least fertilize again. This violet already looks much healthier in its fresh soil.
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African Violet Revival – Frequently Asked Questions
How often should African violets be repotted?
African violets should ideally be repotted every six months. Regular repotting encourages healthy growth and continuous blooming.
Why are the leaves on my African violet turning yellow?
Yellow leaves often indicate old foliage, nutrient depletion, or a need for repotting. Removing yellow leaves and refreshing the soil can help revive the plant.
What size pot should I use when repotting an African violet?
Select a pot that maintains a two-thirds plant to one-third pot ratio. Avoid moving up too many pot sizes, as this can lead to root rot.
Do African violets need special soil?
Yes, they thrive in a light, well-draining mix such as Pro-Mix BX, which retains moisture and nutrients without becoming soggy.
What is the best way to water African violets?
African violets prefer bottom-watering. Fill a cachepot or saucer with lukewarm water and let the plant soak it up, then drain the excess.
Where should I place my African violet for best blooming?
Place the plant in a north-facing window to encourage bud formation. Once it begins blooming, you may move it to other areas of the home.
When should I fertilize my African violets?
Fertilize monthly using a gentle organic liquid fertilizer, especially after flowering or repotting.
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