M. -

it is called haloing. Some varieties develop theis haloing on older leaves. For some reason it needs more nitrogen.

If you didn't repot it for more than a year - I would repot it in a fresh soil mix - light soil is preferrable - like 1:1:1 - peat-perlite-vermiculite - and keep it on regular fertilizer- like 1/4 of a teaspoon per gallon of water of AV fertilizer with every watering.

The leaves that developed halo - will stay this way. When repotting - I would remove them, and pot deeper to cover the stem. The new leaves will look normal.

Good luck
irina

Here is a link that might be useful: pics of problems

Thanks, irina, for the good advice and the fabulous link to AV leaf problems. I've bookmarked it for future reference.

Those violets haven't been repotted since I've had them. I've been loath to re-pot them because I usually cause more damage than I'd care to admit. Consequently, there are now at least two plants growing in each pot. If you've got another good link on how to re-pot African Violets, I'd be grateful for that, too.

Maydl -

do not be afraid - and let them dry a bit before repotting - they will become less brittle. Even if you break a leaf or 2 - they will recover.

Light soil is the clue!

I.

Here is a link that might be useful: this is the one!!

Irina--Thanks so much for your help; that is a fantastic Web site. I'm sure I'll find the info there that I need to tackle the repotting. I know African Violets are forgiving; a couple of years back, one of mine died down to one leaf, a sad knobbly little trunk, and NO roots. I just covered the bare trunk with some soil and waited, and it came back and is now blooming like mad. So I'll forge ahead with it, too. Thanks again!