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Flower & Plant Care
Flower Care
How
to Lengthen the Life of Your Arrangement

Whether
it's a single bud, a small bunch, or an abundant arrangement, a little
extra care can make a big difference! One of the top questions Americans
ask when purchasing flowers "how long will they last?". Most floral
arrangements last between 4-7 days, depending on the types of flowers
used and the type of care they receive. Another question is "How do I
take care of them?". Our
friends at the
Society
of American Florists suggests the following tips for longer-lasting,
more vibrant flowers:
Care for Floral Arrangements
Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower
food provided by your florist. If the flower food solution becomes cloudy,
replace it entirely. If possible, recut stems by removing one to two inches
with a sharp knife. Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit),
away from direct sunlight and heating/cooling vents and
ceiling fans. Do not place on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances
like televisions give off heat, causing flowers to dehydrate.)
Care for Loose Bunches or Boxed Flowers
If you purchase loose flowers for your own arrangements, 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 from your own yard (such as quince, forsythia or lilac),
cut the stem with sharp pruning shears.
Fill
a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food obtained
from your florist. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.
Remove leaves that will be below the waterline, as leaves in water will
promote bacterial growth. Recut stems underwater with a sharp knife
(this allows the stems to draw in water instead of air) and place the
flowers in the vase solution you've prepared.
Plant Care

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. While they usually come with care instructions specified
for the type of plant, the
Society
of American Florists offers these
general guidelines
to keep most green houseplants thriving:
Keep
Plants in Medium-Light Locations
Natural light is best, however, some plants also can 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.
Keep
Soil Moist at All Times
Plants should not be allowed to dry out or wilt. However, avoid overwatering;
do not allow plants to stand in water. Avoid wetting leaves.
Avoid
Excessive Heat or Cold
Plants should be maintained between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit for best
performance.
Specialty Care Instructions