SHOWING MINIATURES AND SEMI-MINIATURES

By Nancy Robitaille

Some growers have a fascination for minis and semis and seem to have a knack for raising them to perfection for show.

Not having a special ability for this I would like to learn how this is done and am on the quest for acquiring this ability.

Hybridizers today that specialize in the smaller plants have given us plants which have almost perfect foliage, which is very important when choosing a show plant.

We have a large selection of excellent minis and semis to choose from and some of the oldies are still excellent plants.

Just what is it that we should look for when choosing a “good” mini or semi for show?

Look to the foliage first. Is the foliage flat yet sturdy? Does it give a rounded appearance?

You have only to check the Best Varieties list to see which are winning recognition. These will undoubtedly be an excellent choice as show plants for you.

Next, is the plant floriferous with more than one flower to a stem? Some varieties have large flowers which seem to flop over onto the foliage. Do you prefer Large flowers or small flowers with the smaller foliage?

Once a choice is made of the extensive variety of small plants, we should study how to make them perform as some growers have done—those which win so often.

What is it that makes these varieties win? Are they any easier to raise than any normal mini or semi?