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Caring
for your flowers
A little extra care
can make a big difference for any size flower arrangement or fresh
flower bouquet.
Most floral arrangements last
4-7 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:
For floral arrangements:
- Keep the vase filled (or
floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower
food provided by your florist. Flower foods make
flowers last longer but it is important to follow the
mixing directions on the flower food packet. Most
packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a quart
of water. Flower foods should not be diluted with more
water than is specified on the packet.
- If the flower food solution
becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with properly
mixed flower food solution. If possible, re-cut stems
by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Be
sure to use a sharp knife or clippers that will not
crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into
solution.
- Keep flowers in a cool spot
(65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct
sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under
ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators.
(Appliances like televisions give off heat, which
causes flowers to dehydrate.) Most flowers will last
longer under cool conditions.
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. Leaves in water will promote
bacterial microbial growth that may limit water uptake
by the flower.
- Re-cut stems by removing one
to two inches with a sharp knife. 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.
Plant Care Tips: "Green Thumb Not Required"
Not only are green and
flowering plants a great enhancement to any home or
office decor, they are also beneficial to your health.
The results of a study by the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA) show that common houseplants
are powerful, natural air cleaners - all the more reason
why you want to keep your plants healthy with the proper
care.
Most plants come with care
instructions specified for the type of plant. The
Society of American Florists provides these additional
general guidelines to keep most green houseplants
thriving:
Keep plants in
medium-light locations - out of direct sunlight
Natural light is best, but some plants can also thrive
in office fluorescent light. Most flowering potted
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.
Plant soil should be kept
moist at all times
Plants should not be allowed to dry out or wilt. Be
careful to avoid overwatering - do not allow plants to
stand in water. Avoid wetting plant leaves.
Avoid excessive heat or
cold
Plants should be kept in a cool spot (between 65 to 72
degrees Fahrenheit) for best performance. They should be
kept away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling
vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of
televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions
give off heat, which causes plants to dehydrate.)
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