While peeling back the leaves I note
this plant has flower buds forming, they are about 1" long.
They should be removed also.
.2
Keep peeling back leaves until you have the crown and two rows of
leaves. This should balance the top of the plant with the cut back
root ball which is critical to give the plant a healthy start.
Leaving too many leaves can only set the plant back, as the roots
will not be able to supply the nourishment the new growth will need.
You will be quite surprised how quickly the plant will respond when you
pay attention to this "rule"
3.
The pot on the right is 3" and you have now cut the root ball
back enough to fit into the smaller 2-1/2" pot on the left.
4.
Scrape the scaly sides with
a sharp knife much as you would a carrot.
5.
Dust the scraped stem with a
rooting powder. We scraped the stem for two reasons, to enable
it to keep the rooting powder AND more importantly to allow new roots to
grow out from that area.
6.
Turn the plant and make sure you dust the powder all around
the stem.
7.
Prepare your pot with a wick and paper towel, then set the
plant right to the bottom of the pot.
8.
Now fill up with soil. I know this is a no,
no with other house plants, but african violets thrive on having soil
added to the top of their previous soil level. They put new roots
into the fresh soil and perk right up with a new lease on life.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could do that?
9.
Water your plant, and I would not fertilize
for a few weeks until you see the plant has made it's new pot a home.
Clean it up and treat as
normal. In just a short while you will see that your plant will be
growing like mad and blooming it's head off for you.
