Hello! I am your African Violet. You might be concerned about my tall, stretched-out stem and the way my leaves seem to be reaching for the sky, with large gaps between them. This is what you call "leggy," but from my point of view, it is a desperate and instinctual fight for survival. I am not trying to be difficult; I am simply stretching towards what I need most: light. When the light source is too weak or too far away, my every leaf is programmed to maximize light capture. My stem elongates rapidly to close the distance, and my leaves space out to avoid shading each other. It is a clear sign that my current location does not meet my fundamental needs.
To keep me compact, lush, and blooming, I need the right balance of elements. My ideal light is bright but indirect. Think of the dappled light on a forest floor. Direct, harsh sunlight will scorch my delicate leaves, but deep shade will trigger my stretching instinct. A north or east-facing window is often perfect. If natural light is insufficient, I am very happy under a gentle grow light for about 10-12 hours a day. This consistent, gentle light tells my stems and leaves they can grow compactly and efficiently, without the panic of searching for more.
If I am already leggy, do not worry! We can fix this together. The process involves giving me a fresh start. You will need to re-pot me, but first, you must perform a operation. Carefully remove me from my pot. You will see my long, bare stem (my neck). With a clean, sharp knife, make a clean cut, removing the root ball and most of the bare stem. Leave only about an inch of stem below my beautiful crown of leaves. This might seem drastic, but it allows me to grow a new, healthy root system directly from the cut end. This operation removes the problem and gives me a new foundation.
After the operation, it is time for me to re-root. You have two excellent options. You can place my prepared crown into a small pot of fresh, lightly moistened African Violet potting mix. Alternatively, you can place my stem in a small container of water, ensuring only the very end of the stem is submerged and my leaves stay completely dry. In a warm, bright spot, I will begin the work of growing new roots. Once my new root system is established (you will feel slight resistance if you give a gentle tug), you can treat me like a mature plant again. With the correct light, I will reward you by growing into a symmetrical, compact, and flowering rosette once more.
