Plant Care
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.