African Violets and Gesneriads: I went all-out at VioletBarn.com, 1 by jmp24

jmp24 wrote:
I use condiment cups, you can get them at a restuarant supply place. I use 1 oz for small leaves and tiny plants, and 2 oz for the bigger leaves and then solo cups when they outgrow the others. The condiment cups do not exactly make a style statement, though!

I agree that yours look pretty, and I think you should keep them in there for a while, they should do ok short term as long as you are careful not to overwater. The thing about violets is that nothing is permanent, I repot at least once a year anyway, especially with baby or growing plants. In your case, I would wait and see how they do, this method may work well for you with the smaller plants, you never know! If they start looking bad, you will know that it isn't working, and can deal with it then - if you are too late, OH WELL!! Losing plants is part of the process. I have lost 2 that had been doing great in the past month, so there is no perfect or right way to do it.

It is harder to find small decorative pots, and sometimes they are very expensive. If I were going to order online, I would look for the basic terracotta colored plastic pots. I also use votive cander holders as cache pots. I have alot of them around, all different types, and the condiment or solo cups fit right inside them, then I don't have to look at the ugly plastic...Some people spray paint the solo cups for this reason.

Here is Ma's Winter Moon in a stained glass votive candle holder. Also, votive holders come in all different styles, colors, so you can always find something that works. This one was kinda pricey, I have them in several different colors, but you can find nice candle holders in dollar stores, walmarts, etc...and for the little mini's, expresso coffee cups make nice cache pots. You can even buy a whole set of the cups so they all match, and some they make with no handles. THis way, you can have some style, but the plant is still in its plastic pot with drainage holes.

This message was edited Sep 9, 2009 10:37 AM