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Best in Show Winner, Thousand Oaks African Violet Society - Blue Scoundrel - hybridized by P. Sorano/Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses |
Ah, Those Adorable Minis...
They are often the hit of the show, drawing the most "oohs and ahs" from growers, showers, and the public. But they can also be utterly frustrating, causing some to give up on growing them altogether!
Yes, those miniature African violets can be very challenging, especially if you feel as if you're "all thumbs" when it comes to handling the tiny plants in their early stages. But with a bit of tweaking to your growing routine, you can overcome the challenge and actually enjoy the mini experience!
Tricks and Tools
When we think of miniatures, it helps to think small beginning with the tools. The large pots, spoons, trimmers, and other objects we use on standards or even semi-miniatures aren't as helpful as much smaller versions of them. Cocktail spoons, manicure scissors, blunt tweezers, (which you can possibly repurpose from your own household!) and other everyday implements can come in very handy (pardon the pun!). So do small - very small -
pots. Many
commercial vendors listed on the AVSA website
carry thumb-pots perfect for minis.
Because they are so small when they're just starting out, miniature violets can be tricky to handle and water. Again, think small when repotting, fertilizing, and
grooming
them - Small steps, small amounts (of fertilizer), and small motions. Don't move a mini up directly from a thumb-pot to a 2-inch pot. Let it grow gradually from pot size to pot size so that its root system can become well-established. Reduce the amount and frequency of fertilizer you apply to miniatures, especially when they are young. Trim and clean minis gently and slowly, being careful to encourage the same good symmetry and perfection that you do for all of your violets - only in smaller motions!
Enjoy!
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| 2014 Inductee to AVSA's Honor Roll of African Violets -- Rob's Chilly Willy miniature hybridized by Ralph Robinson/ The Violet Barn |
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If you're tense and worried when working with your miniature violets, you might be more likely to err - breaking a leaf, marring the center, or fumbling the entire plant. But if you remember to slow down and enjoy your minis, you might find that you'll be more relaxed about it - and reap the benefits by seeing a miniature grow up not too big, not too small, but just right!
For More Information...
The African Violet Society of America website
FAQ area
has many useful tips about caring for African violets, including miniatures. Back issues of the African Violet Magazine with information on growing
miniatures
are available for
purchase
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