Yes, you need to repot. You also need more perlite than a 1-1-1 mix. I use twice the perlite as Metro Mix. (see earlier post). My trailers, Streps and Chirita are in Oyama Planters; only my columnea aren't.

Linda

By all means you should repot.
Fred in NJ

Well, spit.

Thanks, Linda and Fred. No vermiculite in the mix?

Yes, you do want vermiculite. I use Metro Mix 360 which already has vermiculite in it.

Linda

Okay, I mixed a ton of perlite into the AV soil/vermiculite mix and repotted the violet. Good thing, too - it was sopping wet. I laid the roots of the plant out on some paper towels while I was mixing in the perlite so some of the water could be absorbed.

HOWEVER, I notice today that all the water has been slurped out of the bottom pot. I assume all that perlite I added is what soaked the water up.

The instructions say to refill with water after the first addition of water has been absorbed. My thinking is not to do this since the rootball was so wet. What do y'all think?

The stress is wearing me out! :)

Cynthia

Good job! and you are developing good instincts.

I.

Thanks, Irina. :) And thanks in general to everyone for their instructions and patience. I promise I'm doing my homework but reading and actually doing something can be worlds apart. And books and FAQs don't offer much reassurance.

I hope I know enough someday to be able to help newbies.

Cynthia