Walter's A Floral Shop and More
 
 
  
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Flower and plant care tips

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Arrangements
Cut or Loose Flowers
Flowering Plants
Foliage Plants
Planters
Corsages
Gardening

  

Arrangements

  • Most floral arrangements last between 4-7 days, depending on the types of flowers used and the type of care they receive.
  • Keep flowers in a cool (65 to 70°) draft-free location, away from temperature changes, direct sunlight, televisions, or radiators.
  • Refill daily with warm water containing a flower food obtained from your florist.
  • If your flowers are arranged in floral foam, make sure the foam stays saturated.
  • Replace the water totally after a few days or when the water becomes cloudy and re-cut stems by removing one or two inches with a sharp knife (do not use scissors) while stem is submerged in warm water.
  • Occasionally you can mist your arrangement.
  • Display your arrangement away from direct sunlight and away from direct heat or cold temperatures below 40°. Store flowers in cool 40° to 45° location at night.
  • Never store or display flowers near fruit.
  • When you're down to you last few blooms it may be more presentable to use a smaller vase.
  • If your roses begin to wilt, re-cut the stems immediately and submerge entire flower and stem in cold water in a tub for a couple of hours.  Store your arrangement in a cool location at night.
  • Lily stamens are known to stain clothing permanently. Remove the stamens using a paper towel, or keep the lilies in a place where they will not come in contact with any material.

Cut or Loose Flowers

  • Select flowers with upright firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age.
  • If you can't 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. Follow the directions on the package.
  • Remove any leaves that will be below the waterline.
  • Re-cut stems at a 45° angle with a sharp knife (do not use scissors) while the end is submerged in clean warm water (100°; Garden and tropical flowers should be cut in tepid water of 80°).  Allow the stem to soak up water for a few seconds and then place the flower in the vase. When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears then smash the cut ends with a hammer and place directly into vase. 
  • Arrange as you like and follow directions above for care of your  arrangement.

Flowering Plants

  • Flowering plants need good light, moderate temperatures, reasonable humidity, uniform moisture in the soil, and an occasional fertilizing.
  • Light: Flowering plants need abundant sunshine, particularly in winter. Place them near an east or south window.
  • Watering: Water when the soil feels dry to the touch. Wet the soil thoroughly.  Do not allow plants to stand in water.
  • Temperature: Most flowering plants grow best with night temperatures of 55 - 60° and day temperatures of 65-70°. Keep them out of drafts and away from radiators.
  • Humidity: Most flowering plants enjoy relatively high humidity. You may consider increasing the humidity around the plant by placing it in a plant box or on a pebble tray containing water.
  • Fertilizing: If you keep flowering plants longer than six to eight weeks, some plant food should be added. This may be obtained from you local home and garden center.  Follow the directions on the package carefully.

Foliage Plants

  • All plants grow better if you give them proper light, suitable temperatures, adequate moisture and an occasional fertilizing.
  • Light: Place foliage plants in or near a window where they receive good light during the day; however, avoid the intensely bright direct sunshine of midsummer. They thrive near a south or east window during the fall, winter and spring months. If you cannot place them near a window, use artificial lights.
  • Watering: Water when the soil feels dry to the touch. Wet the soil thoroughly.  Do not allow plants to stand in water.
  • Temperature: Most foliage plants grow best with night temperatures of 60 - 65 degrees and day temperatures of 70-75°. Keep them out of drafts and away from radiators.
  • Fertilizing: Fertilize at three to four week intervals.  Fertilizer may be obtained from your local home and garden center.  Follow the directions on the package carefully.

Planters

  • Watering: Do not soak the soil as planters have very low drainage.
  • Follow the directions above.

Corsages

  • Wear your corsage in the direction the flower grows: blossom up, stem down. 
  • Guard your flowers carefully against sudden changes in temperature. In very cold weather, carry your corsage in a box. Put it on after you arrive at our destination.
  • To keep your corsage fresh and bright for a second day, cover it with wet cotton and refrigerate it in the florist's box. For orchids, unwrap the stem and place the orchid stem in water while keeping it in a cool place, out of drafts, but not in the refrigerator.
  • Be creative; corsages can be worn almost anywhere: on your wrist or in your hair, on your clothes or on your purse.

Gardening

  • Dipping fresh-cut roses into Listerine® antiseptic mouthwash will prolong their life up to 30%.  See http://markw.com

  
  
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