African violets, with their abundance of flowers in many shades of pink, blue, purple and white are easy to grow. But it is also easy to let them grow too much, resulting in a loss of vigor and a reduction in flowering. When the old crown of the plant becomes woody and tough, and extends above the soil line more than an inch or so, it is time to rejuvenate this plant.

Begin by knocking the plant out of the pot. Remove all the flowers and flower buds, and all but the three center leaves. Next, cut off the roots and old crown, leaving approximately a one-inch segment of the crown attached to the remaining leaves.

With a sharp knife, scrape away the outside layer of the crown tissue [1]. Dip the scraped stub into a rooting hormone such as rotone, being careful to get just a light coating of the powder on the newly cut surface. In a pot with new loose moist potting soil, make a hole and insert the rotone coated crown. Water well from the bottom, draining any excess water and place the pot in a plastic bag out of direct sun. After several weeks, test for rooting by gently tugging on the plant. When rooted, remove the bag and care for the plant as usual.

In no time at all, your newly rejuvenated plant will be loaded with flowers [2] to enjoy for many months to come.