Care Tips for Flowers

Flowers

Handtied arrangements – these should come with a care card but always remove packaging, re-cut the stems and place in a vase with clean water and flower food. Make sure no foliage is in the water and change the water regularly to lengthen the life of your flowers.

Container arrangements – the arrangement will be in oasis which has been thoroughly soaked but will benefit from watering after a few days. All containers should be lined but as a precaution always water over a sink or on a tray in case of spillage.

General – Woody stems eg lilac, guelda rose, hydrangers all benefit from being place in hot water to ‘seer’ their stems. Hot water can also be a life saver for droopy roses. Re- cut the stems and place in hot water and they should perk up.

Plants – because there are so many varieties we have highlighted the more tricky ones:

Cyclamen – these must always be watered from the bottom by standing the pot in water to avoid water on their leaves and crown. This causes them to get too damp and go mouldy.

Orchids – not as troublesome as some may think! They like humidity and therefore need misting regularly, not too much water and always to be planted in special orchid compost. After flowering the stem should be cut just above a ‘node’ and then should re-flower.

Pointsettia – a Christmas favourite! These do not like extreme cold and should be placed in a well lit spot away from draughts and kept reasonably warm. Water thoroughly waiting until the compost is moderately dry before watering again. They do not like overwatering but do water immediately if the leaves begin to wilt. Mist the leaves frequently through the flowering season. Pointsettia’s should be discarded after flowering unless you fancy a challenge!

General – many plants enjoy a good soaking with their pots being submerged into water and waiting for all the air bubbles to dispurse.