I think you called the first one right - in the latter case, I think I would have kept it in the smaller pot (maybe replaced some of the potting mix to freshen it), removed a few of the outer leaves, and perhaps moved it to somewhere it got slightly less light, to see if that might account for any bunching/tightening that's beginning to occur. I would be concerned that, if the roots aren't utilizing the full space of a 3.5" pot, they'll have even further to go to take up the additional space in a 4". I wonder if there's something you can use to increase the health of the root structure?

Hi Elaine

Interesting, because I just repotted two AV's that I had a work. Both looked really bad. Limp leaves and seemed to be getting worse everday. They are both noid, so my first thought was to trash them, but then I took them home for a quick repot into 3 oz cups.

The first one had very little roots and what appeared to be a thick stem or neckie and very little roots. So I scraped the thick part and repotted it.

The second one had a very full pot of roots, but just wasn't growing. So I cut off most of the roots and also put it into a 3 oz cup. Because they were both in 4" pots and they were noid's I felt I had nothing to loose.

I can't wait to see if the perk up.

Cork

Just a quick update. So far both violets look good, no droopy leaves, and appear "happy" in their new pots. If this changes within the next few weeks or so, I will come back and give an update.

Subversive - Thanks so much for your input. I agree totally with your remarks about the second violet, and that was the reason for the "debate" in my mind, yet I finally chose to use the bigger pot. I think I rationalized making this decision, viewing it as an experiment, and going against the routine I usually follow. Because the outside edge foliage was growing so nicely and strongly and large, I finally decided to see if the larger pot size would allow the center leaves to expand outwards without bunching while hoping the roots would grow out as well. It sounds like a lot of wishful thinking, doesn't it? I do believe it was sitting more on the outside of the lights near the edge, after trying to remember its position, but didn't ponder that thought too much at the time. Maybe I should have! I guess I am hoping the somewhat larger pot and new mix will allow the roots to expand. If I get any hint that the violet is not growing well, be assured it will be downsized. That's a good question about using something-anything- to help strengthen the root structure. Any suggestions anyone??

Cork - It sounds as if you did the right thing in trying to correct your violets' problems. Both might just surpise you and grow very nicely. I would suggest placing them in a plastic bag because of all the "surgery" they had. This will aid in helping the violets grow new root systems in a more humid environment. Maybe this just provides comfort for me, but it has always seemed to help when any stress has occurred, both for me and maybe the violets! Anyway, its just my way of doing things. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! :) - Elaine

You didn't mention which fertilizer you are using. Maybe your nice foliage is being brought about by neglecting the roots. Maybe something with a nice last number would help. You could try several different ones.

Nancy

Hi Nancy,

Thanks for the suggestion. I use a variety of fertilizers including Volkmanns, Optimara, Peters Specialties and Fish Emulsion. I think I will look specifically for one with a high last number and use it exclusively for a time to see if that helps. Very good idea. Thank You!! - Elaine