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Flower and Plant Care
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All about Flowers |
Flower care tip
Two of the top questions customers ask when purchasing or receiving flowers are "How do I take care of them?" and "How long will they last?" Whether it's a single flower, a small bunch or an abundant floral arrangement, a little extra care can make a big difference.
The following care instructions are designed to help your flowers last and look their best to ensure maximum pleasure from the floral gift. Most bouquets last between 4-7 days, depending on the types of flowers used and the type of care they receive. Fleurop-Interflora suggests these tips for longer-lasting, more vibrant flowers:
Mixed Bouquets and roses
- To enable you to enjoy your gift for as long as possible, some of your flowers may still be in bud. Take care when removing the wrapping. This is sometimes used as a reservoir for water to keep your bouquet fresh during delivery.
- Remove leaves that will be below the waterlinewith a sharp knife. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth. Do this underwater -- this allows the stems to draw in water instead of air -- and place the flowers in the vase solution you have prepared. Be sure to follow the directions on the package. Cut the stems at an angle about 3cm from the end. Place in deep water and stand in a cool, shady place for an hour or more.
- If you cannot get your flowers in a flower food solution right away, keep them in a cool place. Fill a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food obtained from your florist.
- Keep your flowers 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, causing flowers to dehydrate.)
- Top up regularly with water and flower food. Further supplies of flower food are available from your local Fleurop-Interflora / Interflora florist. If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely. If possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two cm with a sharp knife.
- If a rose starts to droop at the head, re-cut the stem, wrap the head in paper to support it upright. Cut the stem again and place in deep cold water for two hours.
Hand-tied
A 'hand-tied' bouquet is skilfully arranged so you can place the flowers straight into your favourite vase. The bouquet is delivered in flower wrap with a bubble of water to ensure the flowers are as fresh as possible. Release the water from the bouquet by cutting a hole in the cellophane over a sink. Remove all gift wrapping but do not untie your flowers. Follow care instructions as for mixed bouquets.
Arrangement
The flowers are carefully arranged in floral foam, which is usually contained in a tray or basket. Carefully top up the container with water every day.
Fruit and candles
Fresh fruit and/or candles are sometimes included in personalised flower arrangements for decorative purposes only. Do not remove or eat the fruit as it may have been secured with wooden or plastic fixings. To avoid the risk of fire you are advised not to light the candles. Place any candle arrangement on a safe surface if lightened.
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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. Several study results 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 like light and an even temperature. Avoid draughts, fumes and cold. Foliage plants require little water in winter. Flowering plants generally need more water. Every plant has its own specific requirements and all plants should be fertilised as required. Your Fleurop-Interflora / Interflora florist will give you instructions and be pleased to answer any queries you may have. (For example, you will need to water Azaleas and Hydrangeas daily and water St. Paulia and Cyclamen plants from the bottom and not the top.)
While they usually come with care instructions specified for the type of plant, Fleurop-Interflora offers these 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 colour 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. However, avoid over watering; do not allow plants to stand in water. Avoid wetting leaves.
- Avoid excessive heat or cold for best performance and long lasting joy. |
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