I'd vote for repotting, or chopping off the crown and rooting it. But then, I've lost more AV's to rot lately than I care to admit...

How often can a plant be re-potted? Hmmmm...There is no definitive answer to this. Plants generally do best with as little root disturbance as possible. However, because we bring plants inside, shove their roots into pots with artificial soil, they must be tended to. Theoretically, you could re-pot every day if you were careful.

Re-potting is done to refresh soil and/or move to a different pot. In violets it is recommended to do this every six months or so because the mix most of us use breaks down in about that amount of time.

When you re-pot, figure out what you are going for as regarding pot size and soil mix. Then do it and be done.

One of the mistakes that newbies make is to be at their plants all the time. Part of this comes from the enthusiasm of the beginner and the joy of discovering something new.

But, to grow successfully, all you need do is provide the proper growing environment and the step back and let the plant grow. They don't need to be picked at and prodded. Don't remove leaves from the crown or dis-bud (unless you are showing. Violets are perfectly capable of blooming and growing at the same time. They've been doing it for eons without human intervention). You don't need to strip leaves, trim roots, etc.
Plants do not need human help to grow!

Linda

This post was edited by whitelacey on Thu, May 1, 14 at 13:48

Karin
I repotted and yes, the plant looked perfectly healthy but it had root rot clear up to the soil line. I will do the job the first time next time because if I had done the job properly weeks ago when I rescued the plant, it would be in better shape today.
Linda
Yes! Decide what needs to be done, plan ahead and then do it. Do it right, then leave them alone.
I am not touching these domed and isolated plants except to water and not touching my rooting leaves except to remove any rotted ones for at least a month.
I am the worst "violet pest" in the house.

I hope your plant will recover!!
just dug up one because I thought it may have root rot, but it doesn't. Leaves are limp and the soil didn't feel very dry yet. Huh. I'll just have to water it and see what happens.
Funny really, when a bit of rot scares you into watering less and then you panick because the symptoms are the same.... Losing those few plants just really messed with my confidence - I'll have to work on that.

Karin
You gave me the confidence to dig mine up and deal with it. I knew it was rotting. It never dried out, not since I bought it and that means sour soil and Rot.
I just didn't have the confidence to do it, dithering until you posted to Do It, get it done and over with! Thanks
The plant is doing fine now. It will slow it down but I think it will survive and thrive
Linda, other than Rot or Watering, I am not touching my plants. You gave very gentle, kind advice and I appreciate it. A true diplomat!

Lucky,

Thanks for the kind words. I've been diplomatically (hopefully!) giving plant care advice for many, many years. It's very nice when that advice is taken!

Linda