• How to Lengthen the Life of Your floral Arrangement
• Water, Water, Water!
• Temperature!
• Care for loose bunches or boxed flowers.
• Care for garden flowers.
• Care for corsages.

• Lighting.
• Watering.
• Feeding.
• Temperature.

• What is the proper care for cut flowers?
• I'm using my flowers later in the day. In the meantime, should I keep them refrigerated or place them in water?
• What is the best way to take care of a flower arrangement?
• What is wrong when the water in a vase turns yellow or cloudy?
• Since flowers like sunshine, can I put my arrangement in the sun?
• Can I revive a wilted rose?
• How long should flowers last?
• What should I do differently with tropical than regular flowers?

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

• Keep the vase filled or baskets floral foam soaked with water which contains a flower preservative. Roses are thirsty flowers. It is most important to check to see that the vase is full and add preservative solution often. If the flower preservative solution in a vase becomes cloudy, replace it entirely. If possible, recut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife, not scissors while under warm water (this allows the stems to draw in water instead of air). Immediately after the stems are cut, place roses in a deep vase of warm preservative solution (about 100 degrees F.). Do not use a stronger solution than the manufacturer's recommendation or water will be sucked out of the flowers and shorten longevity. Avoid using water from a water softener. Remove leaves that may decay under water. When removing leaves and thorns, do not cut through the green bark. Air can enter the water conducting passages through the injuries and restrict water uptake. Do not let the newly cut end dry off before transferring it to the arrangement or other container.

• Premature wilting is not necessarily a sign that the rose is old. It usually indicates that air is trapped in the stem and the preservative solution cannot flow properly up the stem. The end of the stem may be blocked. Look for a cut or scrape in the bark above the water level. Recut the stem above the injured section under water and then submerge the entire rose in a basin or shallow pan of warm water (about 100 degrees F.). Be sure to keep the stem and head straight. A rose will usually revive within an hour and can be placed within the arrangement.

• One of the quickest and surest ways to kill your new arrangement is exposure to temperature extremes found outside room temperature.
• Cold weather is fatal. Even at 40 degrees F. with  mild wind chill added can easily reach below 32 degrees F.  causing small ice crystals to form in thin flower petals within seconds. The result, cell membranes rupture and leak fluids, within a few hours, the  flowers quickly wilts and dies. 99% of most complaints during the cold months are due to this problem. Tropical flowers have the same problem but starting at 50 degrees F. To avoid this, cover all the arrangement with a plastic bag, even if the arrangement is exposed just a few seconds to the cold (even from door to car and visa versa). Rule of thumb: If you can see your breath, cover it.
• Hot weather, such as transporting in cars, can  shorten an arrangements life. Flowers can quickly lose water and if not careful, wilt. Like a pet or child, do not leave arrangements in a hot car  in direct sunlight  which can reach up to 150 degrees F. Even hot room temperatures (75 degrees F. and up) can shave a few days off an arrangements life. Remember, a cut flower's favorite temperature is between 35 and 40 degrees F.

• To ensure longevity in your floral arrangement, keep your flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees F.)  away from  heat and direct sunlight. You should not place flowers near open windows, drafts, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, on top of televisions, radiators or doors that has a lot of traffic (these give off heat or drafts, causing flowers to dehydrate). Keeping flowers away from ripening fruit and vegetables - the ethylene gas  released will kill the flowers

• If you can't get your flowers in a flower preservative solution right away, keep them in a cool place. If possible, leave the flowers in a cool, dark room or refrigerator to "condition" for two-three hours before arranging.

• Fill a clean, deep vase with warm water and add the flower preservative, obtained from your florist. Be sure to follow the directions on the package. Place flowers in the water containing fresh flower preservative. Warm water promotes flower opening.

• Remove any leaves that will be underwater when inserted in the vase. Leaves underwater will promote bacterial growth and shorten longevity.

• Recut stems with a sharp knife, not scissors. Do this underwater (this allows the stems to draw in water instead of air) and place the flowers in the vase solution you've prepared. Water in which a good floral preservative has been added is the best solution in which to arrange fresh cut roses and flowers. Florists can provide small packages of floral preservative. Use it as recommended to provide additional days of vase life. Do not use a stronger solution than the manufacturer's recommendation or water will be sucked out of the flowers and shorten longevity. Avoid using water from a water softener.

• Always cut garden flowers early in the morning and condition them for best results and lasting ability. Remove all leaves that would be below the water level in your vase. Cut the stem on a sharp angle with a knife, not scissors. Do this underwater (this allows the stems to draw in water instead of air). Place in warm water with floral preservative, put in a cool dark place to harden. After several hours the flowers are ready to be arranged. Always cut your flowers before they are fully open they will last longer and you will be able to enjoy them opening. Some good varieties for cut flowers are Zinnias, asters, roses, lilies, snapdragon, mums, and dahlias.

• Wearing flowers for daytime or evening occasions is both fashionable and fun. Corsages can be worn on the wrist or in the hair. Wear them on a collar, on the waist, shoulder or purse. Please remember, wear flowers the way 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 event location. Remember, frequent 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 under water. Keep in a cool place, out of drafts, but not in the refrigerator.)

Plant Care Tips
 

• Green and flowering plants are a great enhancement to any home or office decor, they are also beneficial to your health. A study by NASA shows that many houseplants are effective, natural air cleaners that can remove many in door hydrocarbon based pollutants.

• Keep plants in medium light locations. Natural light is best, yet most plants also can thrive in good  fluorescent light. Most flowering plants should be placed in areas with the most light in order to maintain good flower color and promote the maximum number of flowers to open. Foliage plants will do well under lower light levels and can be placed in areas providing reduced light. Care should be taken during the summer months not to leave plants close to windows that get strong mid-day sun because this can burn the leaves.

 

All plants have different care instructions on each arrangement:

• Blooming Plants
• Blooming plants like to receive sun, especially in the winter. They do not like to receive reflective sun or direct sun. Most plants like to have eastern or southern exposure. Blooming plants like to have evenly moist soil and room temperatures of around 65-70 degrees
• Green Plants
• Green plants have similar care instructions to blooming plants. They enjoy the sun for most of the day, especially variegated plants and darker green plants. The soil should be evenly moist and the temperature should not exceed 65-70 degrees. Southern and eastern windows are their favorites.

Plant soil should be kept moist at all times. Plants should not be allowed to dry out or wilt. However, avoid over watering; do not allow plants to stand in water (root rot). Avoid wetting leaves. Keep room at high humidity as much as possible. Increase humidity around the plant by placing it in a plant box filled with moistened peat moss. over watering can cause roots to rot and can lead to the demise of the plant. The other extreme could lead to the drying up of the roots, however, this causes the leaves to become limp which is a good sign that the plant needs water. Many plants will adjust to low light, however they will all grow better with bright filtered day light.

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.

Avoid excessive heat or cold. Plants should be maintained between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit for best performance. Most flowering plants grow best an night temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees F, and day temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees F. Do not place them over radiators. Keep them out of drafts.

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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