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If the flowers are arranged in floral
foam, which most will be, all you have to do is add water daily; the
foam acts as a preservative to prolong the life of the flowers. Place
in a cool location away from heat and drafts. Keep in a cool place
overnight.
Cut Flowers
1. Cut stems straight across or slantwise using flower cutters or
a sharp knife. Do not use scissors. Cut stems under water that is
fresh, clean and warm (100 - 110 degs. F). Garden flowers and tropicals
should be cut in tepid water (80 - 100 degs. F).
2. Transfer cut flowers to a vase or container filled with water at
the appropriate temperature. Remove all foliage that will be below
the water line.
3. If you are using special cut flower preservatives to prolong the
life of your flowers and arrest bacterial growth in the water, follow
package instructions. Add water to the container as needed and replenish
solution every 1-2 days. If you're not using preservatives, change
the water, scrub the container clean and re-cut flower stems daily.
4. Place arranged flowers in a cool location, especially at night.
Keep away from heat sources, drafts and air conditioners.
Flowering Plants
need good light, moderate temperatures, reasonable humidity, uniform
moisture in the soil, and a little fertilizer occasionally.
Light:
Flowering plants need all the sunshine that can be provided in your
home, particularly in winter.
Temperature: Most
flowering plants grow best at night temperatures of 50 - 60 degs.
F, and day temperatures of 65 - 70- degs. F. DO NOT place them over
radiators. Keep them out of drafts.
Humidity:
Keep room humidity as high as possible. Increase humidity around the
plant by placing it in a plant box or jardinier filled with moist
peat moss.
Watering: Inspect soil daily and add
water when the soil feels dry to the touch. When watering, wet the
soil all the way down.
Fertilizing: If you keep
flowering plants longer than six to eight weeks, some plant food should
be added. Follow directions on the fertilizer package.
Foliage Plants
Foliage plants grow better if you give them proper light, suitable
temperatures, adequate moisture and a little plant food.
Light:
Place foliage plants in or near a window where they receive good light
during part of the day. Most plants do not like the intensely bright
sunshine of midsummer. If you cannot place them near a window, use
artificial lights over them.
Watering: Keep the
soil moist. Examine it once a week. When the soil feels dry to the
touch, add enough water to wet the soil all the way to the bottom
of the pot. Be sure that any excess water is drained off.
Temperature:
Most foliage plants thrive best at night temperatures of 60 - 65 degs.
F and day temperatures of 70 - 80 degs. F.
Fertilizing:
Since the amount of soil and nutrients available in a small pot is
limited, small quantities of plant food are desirable at three- to
four-week intervals, used according to the directions on the package.
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