Thank you! I've only been seriously growing for about a year too and still find myself a bit intimidated at times. :)

I would repot - make a lighter soil mix - scrape a rootball on sides, top and bottom with a fork, remove lower yellowing leaves and get them in a pot size that leaves diameter requires - 1/3 of a leaf span. If there is a neck - you can take a sharp knife and slice some off the bottom of the rootball. 4" is probably plenty enough.

If the main part of the rootball is not disturbed- they will do just right.

They appreciate to be repotted often.

Just what Irina said. Violets like being repotted twice or three times per year--it all depends on growth rates and environment.

I don't know what soil you currently have, but 40% soil and 60% perlite always works well for mine. I also rarely see stress-related wilting from mine--in August when I repotted everyone, it only happened to one adult plant out of all 27. Put it in a ziploc overnight and it was fine. :o)

Thanks everyone! I've been using Miracle Gro AV mix and perlite 50-50. I didn't realize they needed repotted so often so I'm sure my three oldest plants will really appreciate it as they've never been repotted.

I did go to the shed and found one of the PVC light stands I made several years ago when I was starting a lot of seeds. I think my husband robbed a few fittings last year so hoping to pick up the missing pieces and a a couple of light fixtures tomorrow so I can get everything set up and ready.

Why is perlite recommended over vermiculite?

Different purpose. Perlite is to increase the air content, vermiculite - to hold water. Miracle Grow holds the water well - whatever they put there - but the air content is not high enough. It has a tendency of settling and choking the roots someway. 25-50% of perlite - better medium than small to dust grade - improves the results.