African Violets- Why do mine grow straight up and not flat?

Your light source... Keep in a window and turn daily....but if you do use a light source make sure your violets are no farther than 6 inches otherwise they ytry to get close by going straight up

They are fine, they are growing towards the light source. Rotate them a bit every day if you remember to do so.

http://www.upfromtheroots.net/african-violet-leaves-standing-too-upright/

I know Violets like a North window. They don't do well in direct sunlight for too long.

If your plant is getting old break a leaf off & dip it into root tone. Place it in water until lots of roots grow. Then plant in a small pot of African Violet soil. Within a few months you will have a new plant sproating up. The leaf you planted will die when the new plant gets a certain size.

I think your plant might be getting old, that is why it is growing so high.

I always make sure they are in a window with morning sun......yours are "reaching" for light.