| Flower and Plant
Care:
Flower
Care:
A little extra care can
make a big difference for any size flower arrangement or fresh
flower bouquet. Most floral arrangements last 5-7 days or longer,
depending on the flowers used and the care they receive. The Society
of American Florists provides these tips for longer-lasting, more
vibrant flowers:
 Care For Flower Arrangements:
Keep the vase filled (or floral foam
soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by your
florist. Flower foods provide sugars, balance ph and limit bacterial
growth. It is important to follow the mixing directions on the food
packet. Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a quart
of water. Do not dilute with more water than is specified on the
packet.
Check your arrangement daily to make
sure it has plenty of clear fresh water. If possible, re-cut stems
by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife or scissors that
will not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into warm
solution or deeply and firmly back into floral foam.
Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72
degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling
vents, directly under ceiling fans, or near appliances. Heat from
appliances or hot and cold drafts cause flowers to dehydrate.
Care For Loose Bunches Or Boxed Flowers:
Keep your flowers in a cool place
until you can get them in a flower food solution. Don't forget how
important it is to follow the mixing directions on the flower food
packet. Fill a clean (washed with a detergent or antibacterial
cleaning solution), deep vase with water and add a flower food from
your florist. Remove leaves that will be below the waterline to
deter bacterial microbial growth that will limit water uptake by the
flower. Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp
knife or scissors. Place the flowers in the vase solution you've
prepared.
If you purchase loose flowers for your
own arrangements you should also consider these tips: When selecting
flowers, look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds
beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of
age. When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia
or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place them in
warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower
opening.
Green Foliage Plant
Care:
Most interior Foliage Plants will fall
in this category. Dracaena, Corn Plants, Rubber Plants, Ficus,
Pothos, Philodendron. Spathiphyllum, and many more will all benefit
from having bright indirect light and no direct sun. A moderate
amount of moisture that will require having water when the soil
feels dry to the touch. Provide good drainage as the plant sitting
in water will promote root rot and poor aeration. Fertilize with a
green plant fertilizer following the manufacturers directions.
Dish Garden Planters, which are an
assortment of Green Foliage Plants planted in a single container,
usually consist of a combination of low light level plants that have
similar growing conditions. This may vary depending on the varieties
of plants used but most will be able to tolerate low light levels
and like to be moist but not standing in water. Watering may prove
to be a bit tricky since most planters are not equipped with a
drainage hole in the bottom of the container. This will require you
to be more watchful on the water and how the soil is drying out to
the touch.
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