You may notice I am not my vibrant self. My growth has slowed to a crawl, and my newest leaves seem smaller and less vigorous than the older ones. Perhaps I am wilting more frequently, requiring water every other day, because my dense root ball can no longer hold moisture. You might even see my roots peeking out of the drainage holes or circling the surface of the soil, a clear sign of confinement. In severe cases, my pot might even crack from the pressure of my expanding root system. This isn't me being difficult; this is my way of communicating that my home is now too small, and I am root-bound.
Please, do not repot me on a whim. I prefer this procedure in the spring or early summer when the longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures provide the ideal energy for me to recover from the shock and establish myself in my new space. Choose a new pot for me that is only about one-third larger than my current one. A pot that is too large will hold excess soil and water, leading to soggy conditions that will rot my delicate, fuzzy crown and vulnerable roots. The perfect pot must have excellent drainage holes. For my soil, I require a specific, lightweight, and fast-draining African violet mix. Regular garden soil is far too dense and will suffocate me.
Water me lightly a day before the move to make the transition less stressful, but I should not be sopping wet. Gently tap and squeeze my old pot to loosen the bond. Cradle my base and tip me sideways, carefully supporting my body as you ease me out. You will likely see a tight mass of roots. Very gently, tease apart the outer roots to encourage them to grow outward into the new soil. If the roots are extremely matted, you can carefully trim away the very bottom and sides of the root ball, but please be conservative. Place a layer of fresh potting mix in the new pot and set me on top, adjusting the soil level so that my crown—the central growing point where all leaves emerge—is just level with the pot's rim, never buried.
After settling me into my new home with fresh soil filled in around the sides, do not water me from the top immediately. This can disturb my positioning and risk getting water on my leaves and crown, which can cause spots and rot. Instead, place my new pot in a shallow saucer of water and allow me to absorb moisture from the bottom for about 30 minutes. After this, let me drain thoroughly. Place me in my usual spot with bright, indirect light, but shield me from harsh, direct sun for a week or two as I am feeling a bit vulnerable. Hold off on fertilizing me for at least 3-4 weeks to allow my roots to heal and settle without the risk of chemical burn.
