Question: I was considering putting miniature violets in my 12″x20″ terrarium. But I notice your instructions say never put them in a pot larger than 2 1/2″. Does this mean they won’t grow well in a terrarium?
Answer: Mini violets can be grown in a terrarium with some precautions. A terrarium, particularly if enclosed, poses two problems for growing African violets. First, is the problem of proper drainage of water from the soil. In most cases, there is none. Since violets don’t like to be kept constantly soggy, and moisture evaporates (very) slowly from a terrarium, watering must be done very carefully and only when necessary. Using a light soil helps, though additives, like perlite, often look unsightly when the soil is visible throught the glass. A second, related, problem is the high humidity and lack of air circulation inside a terrarium. This makes diligent pruning and cleaning of your violet very important. Spent blooms need to be removed the moment they begin to fade, lest they rot. Mildew, fungus, and other disease or pests can quickly spread in such an environment if plants aren’t kept healthy and neat. That said, if the proper precautions are taken, there is no reason that violets can’t do well grown in them