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Flower Care Tips Plant Care Tips Frequently Asked Questions

Flower Care Tips

How to Lengthen the Life
of Your floral Arrangement
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Water, Water, Water!

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Temperature! top
Care for loose bunches or boxed flowers. top
Care for garden flowers.
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Care for corsages. top

Plant Care Tips
 

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Lighting. top
Watering. top
Feeding.
 
A good balanced plant food is essential to the overall health of the plant strong roots, healthy vigorous leaves and overall good appearance. When you see the leaves becoming smaller or the dark green color getting yellowed, this is a good indication the plant is starving. Always follow the manufacturers recommendation more is not always better. Just like you the plants need food to stay in a healthy condition. Always use fertilizer that is made for house plants. DO NOT use grass or outside plant food. These plants have different needs than house plants. Always follow the manufactures recommendations, do not overdose as this may cause burning of the root system.
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Temperature. top


FAQ Section.
 
 
Q: What is the proper care for cut flowers?
A: Proper floral care includes the following
  • Removing foliage that falls below the water level in a vase
  • Changing the water every other day, or as soon as the water becomes "cloudy"
  • Adding flower preservative to the newly changed water
  • Recutting stems, on an angle, under lukewarm water each time the water is changed
  • Keeping flowers cool and out of direct sunlight
  • Keeping flowers away from ripening fruit and vegetables - the ethylene gas  released will kill the flowers
  • Removing wilting or dead flowers and leaves as they occur.
  • Avoid cold and hot extremes
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Q: I'm using my flowers later in the day. In the meantime, should I keep them refrigerated or place them in water?
A: Floral shops keep their flowers in coolers but the most important rule is that flowers must STAY IN WATER! Keeping flowers in a cool place is beneficial to extend life, but keeping them in water is even more critical to  flowers longevity. Doing both is the best.
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Q: What is the best way to take care of a flower arrangement?
A: It depends on if flowers are in a vase or in foam. If you receive flowers in a vase, check to be sure the water is always clear and not cloudy. If the water turns cloudy, empty it and add fresh water mixed with floral preservative to prolong the life of your flowers and arrest bacterial growth. replenish the solution every 1-2 days. If you're not using preservatives, change the water, scrub the container clean and recut flower stems daily. If possible, recut the stems before placing them in the fresh water. If you receive flowers in a box or tissue, remove all of the foliage that falls below the water line, then cut the stems in a sink full of warm water (UNDER the water, this allows the stems to draw in water instead of air) and place them immediately into a vase of warm water mixed with floral preservative. Cut stems straight across or slantwise using flower cutters or a sharp knife. Do not use scissors. Cut stems under fresh, clean, warm water, (100 to 110 degrees F). Garden flowers and tropicals should be cut in warm water (80 to 100 degrees F).  If you receive flowers using floral foam, be certain the container is full of water (treated with floral preservative) every day. Using your finger, feel under the greens for a place where water can be added or pour slowly into the center of the arrangement keeping a finger in the container to gauge the water level. For all types of arrangements: Keep flowers off of televisions, appliances and heating/cooling units. Keep them away from hot or cold drafts, such as vents, and out of direct sun.
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Q: What is wrong when the water in a vase turns yellow or cloudy?
A: This is a natural sign that bacteria is growing in the water. Bacteria can clog stems and shorten the flowers life, so keep the water clear at all times to ensure longevity of your blooms. If your water starts to turn cloudy, immediately empty the vase and add fresh water, preferably mixed with floral preservative. If possible, recut the stems underwater (this allows the stems to draw in water instead of air) and replace them in the vase of fresh water.
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Q: Since flowers like sunshine, can I put my arrangement in the sun?
A: No. Growing flowers need sunshine because they require it for maturation. But cut flowers will fade much faster if exposed to heat and direct sunlight. To keep flowers fresh longer, keep them in a location away from sun and drafts.
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Q: Can I revive a wilted rose?
A: Sometimes. If a rose wilts, remove it from the arrangement and try this tip to firm it up. Fill a sink with warm water, lay the rose horizontally in the water bath and cut the stem (about 1") under the warm water (this allows the stems to draw in water instead of air). Leave the rose in the bath for about two hours and let the water cool. This can work wonders in many instances but if the rose is already past its vase life it will not revive.
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Q: How long should flowers last?
A: Each flower has a different expected life span. In a mixed flower arrangement, various flowers will die sooner than others. This does not mean that an arrangement is dead. Simply pull out the old flowers and enjoy the beautiful ones that are left. Many fresh flowers in a vase will last anywhere from 24 hours to just over a week, depending on the variety. Keep the water in the vase full and fresh. Changing water everyday is best. Once you remove the flowers from the vase to change the water and add floral preservative, you need to recut the stems underwater so that the flowers will continue to drink the new water. For best water uptake, have the water temperature between 100 and 110 degrees for both cutting and in the vase. These practices help last longer than flowers left untended.
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Q: What should I do differently with tropical than regular flowers?
A: Tropicals are easier to ruin because of the warm climates they originated in. Cold weather is fatal to tropicals. Even if the arrangement is exposed just a few seconds to cold air (even from door to car and visa versa) within a few hours, the  flowers can quickly wilt and die. Tropical flowers have this problem  starting at 50 degrees F. To avoid this, cover all the arrangement with a plastic bag,  Rule of thumb: If you can see your breath, cover it. When cutting tropicals underwater or filling the vase with new solution, the water should be 80 to 100 degrees F.

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