Flower and Plant Care

Flower and Plant Care Tips



Cut Flowers



Cut flowers require minimal care from your part to prolong their life.

• We recommend that you cut stems slant-wise using flower cutters or a sharp knife. Do not use scissors. It is preferable to cut the stems under water that is fresh, clean and warm (38° to 45°C or 100° to 110° F). Garden flowers and tropicals should be cut in tepid water (27° to 38°C or 80° to 100° F).


• Then, transfer cut flowers to a vase or container filled with water at the appropriate temperature. Remove all foliage that will be below the water line.


• Change the water, scrub the container clean and re-cut flower stems every two days. If you are using special cut flower preservatives to prolong the life of your flowers and arrest bacterial growth in the water, follow package instructions. Add water to the container as needed and replenish solution every 2 days.


• Place arranged flowers in a cool location, especially at night. Keep away from heat sources, drafts and air conditioners. In winter, guard your flowers carefully against sudden exposures to cold air.

Fresh Cut Bouquets and Floral Arrangements



If the flowers are arranged in floral foam (Oasis), which most will be, all you have to do is add water daily; the foam acts as a preservative to prolong the life of the flowers. Place in a cool location away from heat and drafts. Keep in a cool place overnight.



Body Flowers (Corsages)



Body flowers (corsages) can be worn on the wrist or in the hair. Wear them on a collar, on the waist , on the shoulder or on a purse. But remember, always wear them the way the flowers grow: blossoms up, stems down.



Guard your flowers carefully against sudden exposures to cold air. In very cold weather, carry your body flowers in the box. Put them on after you arrive for the festivities. And remember, too much handling bruises delicate petals and stems.



To keep your body flowers fresh and bright for a second day, cover with wet cotton or a thin wet cloth; refrigerate in the florist's box. (Orchids are the exception. Unwind the stem wrapping and place the orchid stem in water. Keep in a cool place, out of drafts, but not in the refrigerator.)



Foliage Plants



Foliage plants grow better if you give them proper light, suitable temperatures, adequate moisture and a little plant food.

Light: Place foliage plants in or near a window where they receive good light during part of the day. Most plants do not like the intensely bright sunshine of midsummer. They thrive near a south or east window during the fall, winter, and spring months. If you cannot place them near a window, use artificial lights over them.

Watering: Keep the soil moist. Examine it once a week. When the soil feels dry to the touch, add enough water to wet the soil all the way to the bottom of the pot. Be sure that any excess water is drained off.

Temperature: Most foliage plants thrive best at night temperatures of 60° to 65° F, and day temperatures of 70° to 80° F.

Fertilizing: Since the amount of soil and nutrients available in a small pot is limited, small quantities of plant food are desirable at three- to four-week intervals, used according to the directions on the package.





Flowering Plants



Flowering plants need good light, moderate temperatures, reasonable humidity, uniform moisture in the soil, and a little fertilizer occasionally.

Light: Flowering plants need all the sunshine that can be provided in your home, particularly in winter. Place them near an east or south window.

Temperature: Most flowering plants grow best at night temperatures of 50° to 60° F, and day temperatures of 65° to 70° F. Do not place them over radiators. Keep them out of drafts.

Humidity: Keep room humidity as high as possible. Increase humidity around the plant by placing it in a plant box or jardiniere filled with moist peat moss.

Fertilizing: If you keep flowering plants longer than six to eight weeks, some plant food should be added. Follow directions on the fertilizer package.