It ain't bragging if ...

'Mini' Plants with Custom  Blue Tags

For years, my tag line was:

            “Nobody does what I do with plants.  They could, but they don’t!”

It always seemed like bragging, but six years of developing the ‘Mini’ plants program has proven it true.

"It ain’t bragging, if you can do it."

My ‘Mini’ plants for Miniature Gardens and your Windowsill have substance---they are full pots of unique varieties that indoor gardeners want.  Serious collectors recognize my custom blue tags when seen at one of my 30 retail outlets.

A Specialist beats a Generalists every time.

      Gary K. Hunter, Grower

   Gary’s Specialty Plants

‘Mini’ Plants for Miniature Gardens and your Windowsill !

          1610 Fern Glen Drive         

            Drumore PA 17518

   (717) 951-4507 – Cell (Voice Mail)

Gary@GarysSpecialtyPlants.com (Best way)

http://GarysSpecialtyPlants.blogspot.com/  --- Blog

Packed and Shipped

Mini Plants packed and shipped from Florida

           

           Yes, you can get Mini plants packed and shipped from Florida.  Sometimes this is what you get.

            Or, you can get them locally delivered on our truck---- Unscrambled!

Primulina 'Loki' grown and shipped by Gary's Specialty Plants

The 2015 State of the 'Mini Plant' Industry

         

Mini plant - 'Fluffy Ruffles' Fern

            The trade magazine Today’s Garden Center has a report by Steve Bailey, a retail financial advisor, for independent garden centers.  He is optimistic because sales are up.  He points out that the best categories from the best garden centers are Annuals, Shrubs, Perennials, Herbs and Veggies, Tropical plants.  Tropical plants are both indoor and outdoor and that demand for indoor houseplants has risen.  His conclusion is these traditional major categories are too important to not give them your full attention.

            It’s unclear whether my ‘Mini’ plants for Miniature Gardens are included in the ‘Tropical Plants’ grouping or if they are considered one of those new angles to garden center products.  At least there was a comment from the 2015 State of the Industry survey:  “…Mini plants are still hot…”

            My own survey from talking to vendors at Cultivate15 in Columbus, OH is that the trend is still up.  A new source in Florida is feeding the 2” foliage market and doubling sales each year.

            The IGC East trade show starts Tuesday in Baltimore.  Interestingly, not one of the 4-5 exhibitors from 2014 in the Mini plant category is returning this year.  What to make of that??

            Also from Ohio, I met a foliage distributor in the mid-west who thinks that Florida foliage growers are coming on-line with new volumes that will drive down prices of the 2” plants.

            My reaction to that is that many of the plants that I’ve selected cannot be sold for less because the input costs are too high.  The plant does matter and unique plants seek their own level.

            These are just impressions.  No one can predict what is going to happen.

            All I know for sure is that every customer of mine, who displays ‘Mini’ plants, sells some every week of the year! 

Mini plant combination

10+ Things that you should know about Primulinas & 'Mini' Plants and other Specialty Plants!

Primulina 'Loki' - Peter Shalit's hybrid that showed the potential of Asian Violets!

           

            This blog started three years ago.  And the business, Gary’s Specialty Plants, will soon start into the fifth year.  Demand for ‘Mini’ plants for Miniature Gardens has doubled each year and Primulinas are in the mix.

            Success has come from the insatiable interest in small plants by indoor gardeners.  Every Independent Garden Center that features a ‘Mini’ plant department finds that it works.

            Longwood Gardens Plant Shop, my lead customer, has proven that hundreds per week will be bought by guests who are happy to find interesting small houseplants.

            Other upscale Garden Centers like our wide assortment of ‘Mini’ plants and our ‘Unscrambled’ local delivery system.

            I’ve scaled down Streptocarpus and Sinningias and scaled up Primulinas and ‘Mini’ plants (6.5 cm pots).

            This third blog anniversary is the time to reflect on what’s working.  I only need to quote my customer who sells at weekend events.

            “…people love these mini plants!  Crazy isn’t it!”

              Dianne, Tansy Meadows Garden Shop, Strasburg, PA

There's a whole lot of consumin' going on out there!

The Snickers Impulse

Story # 152,

            I now know of two Florida foliage growers who are each shipping over 10,000 small pots a week to wholesale customers nationally.

 Why are gardeners buying these huge quantities of small plants (under 3” pot size)?

I ask everybody who is involved with small plants what they think is happening here.  Nothing is sold unless it has a name and a use.  The ‘use’ is the unknown.

I talked with Ray Roberts and his son Matt Roberts of Central Florida Ferns, who are a major force in producing small plants.  Their impression is that affordability and cuteness is the motivation for sales.  They are used in mini gardens, terrariums and as gifts.

Matt says it’s like the ‘Snickers’ bar at the checkout.  The impulse is --- It’s not much cost and you gotta have one.

It just may be as simple as that!

How to Become the Leading Regional Supplier for 'Mini' Plants?

Peperomia prostrata - 'Mini' Plant

Story # 141,

            How does any business become the dominate player in their field?

            An amazing book, Zero to One, by Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal has insight into this question.  He advises how to escape competition. You should have some combination of several characteristics:  proprietary technology, network effects, economies of scale and branding.

            Proprietary technology applies to hardware and software, usually protected by patents.  The technology must be at least 10 times better than its closest substitute in some important dimension.

            Can this happen with plants?

            The clearest way to make a 1000 % improvement is to invent something completely new.  Or you can radically improve an existing solution.  Once you’re 10X better, you can escape competition.

            Having the best plant product is the price of admission.  A lot of growers can grow good plants.  How to be 10X better?

           

            By having New plants that no one has like Primulina, Hemizygia ‘Candy Kisses’ and upright Selaginella should help, but is it 10X better?

            With truck delivery, orders can arrive in good condition without the problems of unpacking scrambled plants with cold damage.  Is this 10X better?

            I have custom plant tags with common name, botanical name, brief description and ‘Grown by Gary’s Specialty Plants’.  Established customers will have their business name as well.

            A recent order for 300 ‘Mini’ plants had an assortment of 50 different foliage and succulent plants.

            Are all of these features enough to be 10X better and be the leading regional supplier for ‘Mini’ Plants’?

            The true test is if Garden Centers try them and they sell.  Most of my customers never leave.

10+ Reasons people buy 'Mini' plants

Pincushion spikemoss - Selaginella kraussiana 'Brownii'

Story # 138,

            There is demand for ‘Mini’ plants for Miniature Gardens.  Garden Centers that have Terrarium and Miniature Garden departments need and use a steady supply of small plants.

            What are gardeners doing with these plants?

            In spite of us wanting everybody to have a Miniature Garden in their house, the reality is that very few do.

            Here are some ideas of where this volume of ‘Mini’ plants is going:

1.   I want plants appropriate for a Miniature Garden --- the base group who need a tree, shrub, vine, flower and ground cover.

2.   I want plants appropriate for a terrarium --- smaller plants that like humidity.

3.  I need a small plant that will go into this nice pot I just bought.  People will carry the pot around to match the plant.

 4.   I need to replace a plant in my Terrarium/Miniature Garden.

 5.  I collect plants and I see a new one I like.

 6.  I need plants for a flower show display that I’m making.

 7.  I want to try a small plant of a new variety before I buy a big one.

  8. I can buy a lot of little plants because they cost less and I want to try them.

  9. I need a souvenir plant and this little one will do it.

 10.  I’m traveling and only have room for a small plant.

           11.  It’s cute!  Never underestimate the marketing value of cute.

We are never sure why people do what they do, but the more plant varieties you have, the more they buy.

The Plant Matters!

Blue Job's Tears - Pilea glauca - Groundcover

Story # 134,

            In the internet world, the advice/warning is ‘Content Matters!”  There is an industry of advisors preaching that ‘Content Matters!”

            What does this mean?

            I’ve come to believe that in advertising with words, that it matters what you say and how you say it.  Most advertising is ignored unless it’s something that you actually want to know about.

            The equivalent in horticulture is ‘The Plant Matters!’  The industry thrives on improving varieties and introducing new plants to gardeners.

            With my focus on ‘Mini’ plants for Miniature Gardens, the plants have been selected for use in that category.  They are houseplants that are proportional to small scenes in Miniature Gardens and Terrariums.  We are continually looking for plants that are small and have a purpose as a tree, shrub, vine, flowering or groundcover.

            All of the specialist propagators of small plants, who are trying to catch up with the demand, have their assortment.  Surprisingly there is not much overlap in varieties --- Everybody has their opinion.  I, of course, believe that my selected ‘mini’ plants are the best!

            Each plant matters.

Is it better with flowers?

Hemizygia 'Candy Kisses'

Story # 118,

            Is it better with flowers?

            We had forgotten to watch for flowers on the Hemizygia ‘Candy Kisses’.  After finding a source for the variegated plant that has every appearance of being a Plectranthus,  I’ve grown tip cuttings as a ‘Mini’ plant.

            The short days of Fall have triggered the budding on the terminals.  It has an interesting pink flower, different from other Plectranthus I’ve seen, which are white or purple.

            It could be grown in a shallow tray to create a look similar to Bonsai.  It could be shaped and branched by trimming.  Winter flowering would be a bonus.

Variegated Artillery Fern - 'Mini' plants for Miniature Gardens

Variegated Artillery Fern

Tenth in a series,

Common name:  Variegated Artillery Fern

Botanical name:  Pilea microphylla variegata

Height:  6”                         Width:  4”

Why would you want it?

            It is a colorful foliage plant, perfect for Miniature Gardens. Of course, not a Fern  --- It has a lacy top and shoots its seeds giving the name -- Artillery Fern.  The variegated form does not shoot seeds.

What is its best feature?

            The pink and white variegation on a normally green plant gives the impression that it is flowering.

How would you grow it?

            It is a house plant that needs bright to indirect light.  Water when the soil is dry to prevent wilting.  Extreme dry will kill the plant.  It grows half as fast as the green form so it stays in bounds for Miniature Gardens.

What would you do with it in a Miniature Garden?

            Variegated artillery fern is perfect for a tree-form.  It can grow with a main stem like a tree trunk and form a branching head to make a canopy.

Sinningia 'Li'l Georgie' culture

Sinningia 'Li'l Georgie'



Story # 115,

            Sinningia ‘Li’l Georgie’ is a micro mini Sinningia that is tougher than we ever though was possible.  This hybrid made by Jim Steuerlein is a breakthrough in durability beyond the obscure small species that are its parents (S. muscicola x S. concinna).

            So how to grow this little plant?

Light:

            Sinningias grow in very bright light in Brazil where all the species are found.  So ‘Li’l Georgie’ can be in a very sunny location as a houseplant ---- bright light to moderate light.  The problem with full sun as a houseplant is not the high light but the heat which can cook the plant.      

            Serious plant hobbyists grow plants on shelving under fluorescent lights so sufficient light is on longer an issue.

Temperature:

            Whatever room temperature you like to live with.

            60 F  -- 85 F  Normal

            50 F – 95 F  Extreme

Water:

            Water when the soil surface is dry.  Constantly wet or setting in water will rot the tuber.  Extremely dry will cause the top to shrivel up and damage growth.

Tuber:

Sinningias grow a tuber for survival when conditions are not ideal.  If the top of your plant dies back, do not throw it away.  The tuber will resprout.  Water sparingly until you see new growth.  Give bright light to keep the shoot compact and grow to reflower.  The plant tends to grow off the tuber which has shallow roots.

Fertilizer:

            Any dilute houseplant fertilizer used once a month will help healthy growth.  Too much fertilizer will burn the roots and kill the plant.  Too little fertilizer will prevent green leaves and reduce flowering.

Success:

            One of my original ‘Li’l Georgie’ has flowered nonstop for 2 ½ years in a North window.  The plant is no longer attractive but it proves that continuous flowering is possible.  It is on wick watering, so I don’t have to pay much attention to it.  It has never had fertilizer.  The plants in the greenhouse have very bright light and weekly fertilizer to give dark green growth and flowering.

            ‘Li’l Georgie’ will not seed itself so you need to manage the tuber for regrowth.  Even though it appears to be no mandatory dormancy period, if the top goes bad, it can regrow. 

            ‘Li’l Georgie’ can be maintained for years to give you continuous little purple flowers.

Nematanthus 'Dibley's Gold' - 'Mini' Plants for Miniature Gardens

Nematanthus 'Dibley's Gold'

 Eighth in a series,


Common name:  Variegated Goldfish Plant

Botanical name:  Nematanthus gregarius ‘Dibley’s Gold’

Height: 5”  Width:  4”  Form:  Trailing

  Why would you want it?


      It is very classy.  Nematanthus ‘Dibley’s Gold’ is a mutation from the plain green species, gregarius.  Seldom seen in commercial horticultural because of its long production time.


What is its best feature?


      N. Dibley’s Gold’ has shiny leaves and variegated green and yellow foliage.


How would you grow it? 


      It can be grown in very bright light as a hanging basket but could maintain itself in lower light as a houseplant.


What would you do with it in a Miniature Garden?
      Category:  Shrub/bush


      ‘Dibley’s Gold’ could represent a decorative shrub when grown as multiple tip cuttings.  An older plant with more length would be arching.  Because it is slow growing, it will hold its place for a long time.

Peperomia prostrata - 'Mini' Plants for Miniature Gardens

Peperomia prostrata

Ninth in a series,


Common name:  Creeping Peperomia

Botanical name:  Peperomia prostrata

Height: 1”  Width:  4”  Form:  Trailing

  Why would you want it?


      Peperomia prostrate has interesting markings on fleshy green leaves.  It is rare but a durable plant.


What is its best feature?


      It is very slow growing so will not over take any nearby plants.


How would you grow it?


      As a houseplant, Peperomia prostrata can grow in very high light down to shade.  It can survive being dry without harm.


What would you do with it in a Miniature Garden?

      Category:  Ground cover


      Could be an interesting ground cover used near the edge of your container so it will trail out over the sides.

'Fluffy Ruffle' Fern - 'Mini' Plants for Miniature Gardens

'Fluffy Ruffle' Fern

Seventh in a series,


Common name:  ‘Fluffy Ruffle’ Fern

Botanical name:  Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Fluffy Ruffle’
Height: 5”  Width:  4”
  Why would you want it?


      ‘Fluffy Ruffle’ Fern is the best bushy compact Fern.


What is its best feature?


      The best small Fern.  A standard in the trade with the Boston Fern look.


How would you grow it?


      From high light to low light.  Should not be in a desert scene but can be durable.


What would you do with it in a Miniature Garden?


      It could be the bushy filler plant with some height.

Lemon Button Fern - 'Mini' plants for Miniature Gardens

Lemon Button Fern

Sixth in a series,

Common name:  Lemon Button Fern

Botanical name:  Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’

Height: 5”  Width:  4”

  Why would you want it?


      Lemon Buttons Fern is one of the best small clumping Ferns.  It smells of lemon when brushed.


What is its best feature?


      A thrifty Fern with small upright fronds.  Durability.


How would you grow it?


      It works in a terrarium but does not need the humidity.  It can take bright light but does well in lower light, too.  You can trim individual fronds to height if needed.


What would you do with it in a Miniature Garden?


      It can give you some height as an upright Fern that could be a bush-form surrounding a house in a scene.

Tricolor Sedum - 'Mini' Plants for Miniature Gardens

Sedum spurium 'Tricolor'

Fifth in a series,


Common name:  Tricolor Sedum
Botanical name:  Sedum spurium ‘Tricolor’

Height: 2”  Width:  Spreading
  Why would you want it?


      Sedums are hardy plants and tricolor is bright and colorful.


What is its best feature?


      Durability.  Sedums can stand drying out and various light levels.


How would you grow it?


      Sedums are low spreading plants that can be in small pots or combination planters.  Tricolor will have more intense colors with high light to full sun.


What would you do with it in a Miniature Garden?


      Tricolor Sedum could be planted as groundcover or used to fill a foreground area in a tiered scene.  It could be mixed with the many other Sedums with various forms and colors.

Pin-cushion Spikemoss - 'Mini' Plants for Miniature Gardens

Pin-cushion Spikemoss - Selaginella kraussiana 'Brownii'

Fourth in a series,


Common name:  Pin-cushion Spikemoss

Botanical name:  Selaginella kraussiana ‘Brownii’



  Why would you want it?

      It’s cute.


What is its best feature?


      It is a mounding clump of green moss with dark green leaves.  It has a structured form.


How would you grow it?


      They make a cute little potted plant.  It does well in a terrarium or combination planter.  It should not dry out or it will get brown edges.


What would you do with it in a Miniature Garden?


      ‘Brownii” can be a specimen plant which acts as a shrub.

Job's Tears - 'Mini' Plants for Miniature Gardens

Job's Tears - Pilea depressa

Third in a series,


Common name:  Job’s Tears

Botanical name:  Pilea depressa

  Why would you want it?

       Job’s Tears is a self-branching creeper with light green leaves.  Millions have been sold because it lives.


What is its best feature?


      Job’s Tears is a tough plant that can withstand drying out.  It is far superior to Baby Tears, which dies if too dry.


How would you grow it?


      It can grow in small pots or small hanging baskets since it creeps sideways and will trail out over pots.


What would you do with it in a Miniature Garden?


      Job’s Tears can be used as groundcover or as small clumps of greenery.  It will not be as flat as Baby Tears or Blue Job’s Tears.

Blue Job's Tears - 'Mini' Plants for Miniature Gardens

Blue Job's Tears - Pilea glauca

Second in a series,


Common name:  Blue Job’s Tears

Botanical name:  Pilea glauca



  Why would you want it?

      Blue Job’s tears is a popular plant for mixed planters, terrariums and Miniature Gardens.  The blue leaves give interesting contrast to other green foliage.


What is its best feature?


     It is a fast growing spreading plant with decorative blue green leaves.  It self-branches.


How would you grow it? 


      It will trail out over a pot and survives some drying out between waterings.  It can take full sun but does well in less light as a house plant.


What would you do with it in a Miniature Garden?    

     Blue Job’s tears is one of the best groundcover plants.  It will fill in an area and spill over the edge of your container.  Trim to shape as necessary.

Baby Tears - 'Mini' Plants for Miniature Gardens

Baby Tears - Helixine soleirolii

First in a series,

Common name:  Baby Tears

Botanical name:  Helxine soleirolii



  Why would you want it?

      Baby tears is an heirloom plant.  It is an old time houseplant that my Mother grew on the windowsill.  If yours died out you could get a start from your neighbor.


  What is its best feature?


      It is a fast growing green foliage plant with cute tiny leaves—giving the name—Baby tears.



How would you grow it?


      Grow in a small pot as a houseplant somewhere that you see it regularly so that you can avoid extreme drought which kills it.  However, if any green survives, it will grow back quickly.  Having the pot sit in water is equally deadly.


What would you do with it in a Miniature Garden?


      Baby tears can be used as groundcover in your Miniature Garden.  It is dense and green so it could represent a grassy area.