Tips on keeping fresh Flowers
So, you have just received a bouquet, but you’re not sure how to care for it? We have you covered! Below are the tips and tricks from our head florist Deborah at Flowers in the Window Florist shop in Brunswick. Online orders taken.
Basic Flower Care
When receiving a bouquet of flowers trim stems by 2cm and follow the instructions on the packet of flower food attached. Change water and retrim stems every 2 to 3 days. The quality of the water is a good indicator of when to change it; cloudy water needs to be swapped for fresh or the flowers will begin to rot. If flowers are arranged in floral foam check water daily and ensure it is topped up when needed.
For flowers to last do not place them in direct sunlight or near a heater, as they may lose too much moisture from their petals, drying out the flowers.
Flowers like tulips continue to grow towards the light their whole lives, so when trimming a bouquet including tulips you may need to alter their length considerably to ensure they stay in position. You can do this by pulling them further into the bouquet and trimming the excess of the stem. Alternatively, you can leave them be, simply trimming the stem as normal and enjoying the quirky changes of nature.
As flowers have varying lifespans, please remove wilted flowers appropriately to ensure the remainder of the flowers can soak up the water and prevent mildew. Lifespan of a spring bouquet is between 5 to 10 days. Long lasting flowers include alstroemeria, chrysanthemum, gerberas, roses, carnations, lilies and all tropical and native flowers. Native bouquets will last 2 to 3 weeks fresh and can be kept dried out for over a year. To dry your natives simply allow the water to evaporate on its own.
Basic Plant Care
Plants with fine and delicate leaves will need more water and care than plants with firmer, waxier leaves as they are able to hold more moisture. You can check both the soil at the top and bottom of the plant to determine if your plant requires more water. As the seasons change, so will your watering habits, with plants requiring less moisture during the colder seasons and much more over the warmer seasons.
During summer aim to water your plants every day to every second day depending on their leaf type. In winter aim to water your plants once or twice a fortnight depending on their leaf type. Where your plant is positioned in your home will also determine how often watering is required, this is based on how much sunlight, draught and moisture is available to the plant.
Draining your plant is important to ensure no root rot. A plant left in water will rot. If your plant suddenly develops yellow leaves and is showing signs of dying it is most likely due to over watering accompanied by lack of drainage. If you do not alter your watering habits and ensure drainage your plant will die.
Cacti and succulent plants require high light and water every second week in summer. During winter cacti may not need water at all, and succulents will need very minimal water.
Some plants will notify you when they are dehydrated, such as the peace lily plant that’s stems droop when thirsty. Cacti and succulents will pucker and begin looking wrinkled when water is needed.
Flowers, Plants and Pets
Our furry friends love the smells of spring and a good nom of some of our plants and flowers. Whilst some plants and flowers are safe, it is super important for us to know which ones could jeopardize their health.
Lilies are extremely toxic to cats and a no go for cat owners as they can cause death ridiculously quickly with minimal warning.
If your cat has been near lilies and is showing signs of nauseas, please take them to the vet immediately.
Please avoid the following flowers and plants if you have a furry friend:
- Aloe vera
- Anthuriums
- Arrowhead vine
- Azaleas
- Birds of paradise
- Cyclamen
- Carnations
- Chrysanthemums
- Daffodils
- Elephant ear
- Gypsophila (also known as baby’s breath)
- Hydrangeas
- Iris
- Ivy
- Lilies – all varieties, including the peace lily plant.
- Peonies
- Philodendron
- Snake plant (also known as mother-in-law’s tongue)
- Tulips
- ZZ plant
Safe flowers include:
- African violets
- Celosia
- Calendula
- Orchids (not all)
- Petunias
- Roses
- Snapdragons
- Sunflowers
Whilst it may seem like a lot of plants and flowers are off limits – some of these varieties will be safe in your home provided you take steps to ensure they are out of reach of your furry friends – like placing them in a room, or space your pet doesn’t have access to. Some pets are amazing and will knowingly keep away from plants and flowers that could cause them harm, (like our resident cat, Jessie) however as pet owners we must ensure we are always careful and watching them.
We hope these instructions and warnings are helpful for your future floral needs! For any clarification or further information please do not hesitate to reach out and we would be happy to help.
