Flower & Plant Care

Perhaps the first question after receiving fresh flowers is: "How do I take care of them?"  Most floral arrangements will last from 4 to 7 days or longer depending on the type of flowers included and the level of care they receive. Whether you’re purchasing a single bud, to a small bunch or an abundant arrangement, you want to be able to enjoy the beauty as long as possible. And the good news is, just a little extra care can make a big difference!

Flower Arrangements:

1. The water in your arrangement contains flower food.  We also supply flower food packets for use when changing the water.
2. Remove any leaves that fall below the water line. Leaves in the water will promote bacterial growth, causing the flowers to fade quickly.
3. Change the water daily and every other day re-cut the stems at an angle removing 1-2 inches.
4. Keep flowers in a cool location, away from direct sunlight, away from heating or cooling vents, drafts and fans.  Avoid appliances that give off heat, such as old televisions and refrigerators. 
5. If flowers start to droop, immediately submerge entire flower in a full sink of water.  Cut 1 inch from the bottom of the stem and allow 2 hours under water to revive before returning to a vase of fresh water.
6.  If your arrangement is in floral foam, keep the foam saturated.  If it dries out it will lose the ability to absorb water.

Boxed or Loose Wrapped Flower Bunches Care:

If you can’t get your flowers into a water and flower food solution right away, keep them in a cool place. As soon as possible, fill a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food, following the directions on the package.   Cut the stems at an angle removing 1-2 inches from the bottom and place in the vase.

Plant Care:

Green and blooming plants are popular gifts for many special occasions. They bring life and sunshine into any home or office.  Plants improve the air you breathe and decrease indoor air pollution by filtering out harmful toxins and replacing them with oxygen.  Here are some tips for plant care:

How often to Water:

It depends on many variables. However, there are two ways to determine if your plant needs water. “Hefting the plant” means picking it up and feeling its weight. A dry plant is lighter than a soaked one. After doing this several times, you quickly learn the “feel” of the plant and know if it needs water. Another way is the “finger in the soil” method. Stick your finger in about one inch deep. If it feels just slightly moist or dry, it’s time to water.

How to Water:

Adding ice cubes to the plant allows the soil absorb the water without soaking the roots. If your plant has been dry for a long time we recommend using the “soaking method.” Remove the plant from its basket or saucer, and place it where the roots can be soaked and drained (i.e., a tub, sink or outdoors). After thoroughly draining, replace the plant in its container.

Light:

Every plant has different requirements, but indirect, bright light is usually best. Artificial light can also be used, as long as there is enough intensity, and enough hours each day.

Temperature:

Most blooming plants such as azaleas, chrysanthemums and begonias like to be in relatively cool places with high light. Don’t put your plant on a TV set or near other heat generating appliances. Green plants and some blooming plants, like African violets and gloxinia, like to be warm.

Succulent Care:

Succulents prefer to be dry.  Water your succulent when it has dried out completely and the soil has pulled away from the edge of the container.  Just a touch of water will keep your plant thriving.  We recommend watering with an ice cube or two.  The ice melts slowly and allows the soil to absorb the moisture and water doesn’t pool at the bottom of the container leading to root rot.  If your container doesn't have drainage holes, water down to just the top ½ inch of soil.  Succulents love direct sunlight and will do fine with six hours of sunshine a day.  If one or two of the leaves look wilted, simply prune them off.