I'd guess just normal lower leaf-drop...when enough bare stem (neck) at the base is visable then it's time to lift out of the pot, scrap the stem a bit and re-bury...new roots will form on the buried portion of the neck. If it's small enough of a plant you can get away with repotting the entire plant the way described or on a larger plant remove all the leaves except the newest 3 leaves, shorten the now bare neck to about 2" and re-root. Keep in a enclosed ziplock until rooted, refreshing the air every other day or so.

Vera

Here's a couple of web sites to help; the first is Rachel's Reflections at www.rachelsreflections.com She has lots of cultural info, with pix.

The second is Doctor Optimara, a diagnosing tool that can help you find out exactly what's happening.

Good luck and have fun.

Korina

Here is a link that might be useful: Doctor Optimara

Pat,

I personally don't like the fertilizer stakes because they might burn the root area where they are pushed in.

Most growers of African violets feel them little but often, meaning 1/4 teaspoon fertilizer in a gallon of WARM water. This fertilized water is given approximately every 7-10 days. Every month or so, water with clear warm water to drain out the fertilizer salts.

Fish emulsion is also a good fertilizer.

Nancy

Gah, I hadn't noticed the stakes. Definitely take them out, and don't use MiracleGro soil; you can't control how much fert your plants get, and it's much too heavy.

Korina