In response to a reader’s question, Barbara takes the mystery out of repotting an African Violet.

Two weeks later, sadly I have to report that the poor wee African Violet hasn’t fared so well under my tender care. Here’s what it looked like yesterday when I sent an SOS message to Barbara asking if I had killed it, thereby failing my first test as an indoor gardener.

Here’s Barbara’s reply:
Yes, it is on its way to its next life. You have not failed, but learned a valuable lesson - incorrect watering kills quite completely and very quickly! It looks like a fungal rot. No doubt it wasn’t treated all that well at the store - that’s why we start out with nice healthy plants. Both my grandmas would very quickly go to the grocery store and pick out a nice new one with lovely big flowers on it. My #1 advice is always start with the best plant you can afford.