Miniature potted carnations as a house plant are fairly new to the market. They are available in a wide selection of colors, including pale yellow, white, salmon, pink and purple. Several of them are quite fragrant. These new minis range in height at flowering time from 6 to 8 inches. The leaves are regular size, but the stems are very short and the flowers smaller than even the florists miniature carnations which are sold as cut flowers. Currently the two most often available cultivars appear to be the Monarch and the Mini Spice types. Most are sold via common floral outlets for under $5.
January 29th is National Carnation Day in the US. The carnation is also the flower for the month of January. Long life as a cut flower and good fragrance have made them a favorite with florists. Potted plants of carnations have just started to appear on the market. These are true florists type carnations, rather than Dianthus sp.
Miniature Carnations are a temporary flowering houseplant which cannot easily be coaxed back into bloom once they have bloomed out. They prefer bright but indirect sunlight and cool day and night temperatures.
Miniature carnations, like their larger cousins, prefer soil to be well drained, not constantly moist. They don't like water on the leaves so it is best to soak the pot in water when the soil is dry to the touch. Don't leave them sitting in a saucer of water as they will easily develop root rot.
Miniature potted carnations rarely have pests as a house plant. Problems are usually caused by over watering or temperatures which are too high, causing the flowers to blast or stop in the bud stage.
While your miniature carnations are flowering make sure they are in moist but not wet soil, in a bright spot in indirect light, with cool temperatures if possible. Remove spent flowers. These mini potted carnations may flower for several months if conditions are right. They do not need fertilizer, the bud growth is light controlled, so your little plant will likely stop flowering after the buds set in the green house have all opened. These plants need specific temperatures and day lengths to set buds.
