Finishing Touch Flowers
How to Care for Your
Floral Arrangements

Care of Flowers
"Green thumb not required!"

PLANT CARE

Not only are green and flowering plants a great enhancement to any home or office decor, they are also beneficial to your health. The results of a study 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 come with care instructions specified for the type of plant. The Society of American Florists provides these additional general guidelines to keep most green houseplants thriving:

Keep plants in medium-light locations - out of direct sunlight
Natural light is best, but some plants can also thrive in office fluorescent light. Most flowering potted plants should be placed in areas with the most light in order to maintain good flower color 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. Be careful to avoid overwatering - do not allow plants to stand in water. Avoid wetting plant leaves.

Avoid excessive heat or cold
Plants should be kept in a cool spot (between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit) for best performance. They should be kept 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, which causes plants to dehydrate.)

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR ROSES
Make Today's Roses Last Like There's No Tomorrow

If your roses arrived in plastic water tubes, remove them before arranging.

Cutting:
Remove any leaves that will be under water, taking care not to cut through or scrape the green bark. Recut stems by removing 1-2 inches with a sharp knife. Immediately after cutting, place roses in a clean, deep vase of water containing a flower food provided by your florist.

Floral preservative has already been added to the water. Immediately upon arrival, fill the container to the top with water if needed (100 degrees F/ 38 degrees C). Mix preservative according to instructions on packet into a container of water to be added daily to keep water level high. It should not be necessary to change the water in the vase for about 3 days. If they are not wilting and are opening, leave them alone!

If a rose wilts or refuses to open, immediately submerge entire flower and stem in a tub or tray of warm water and straighten. Cut 2” from the stem, preferably under water. Allow the rose about 2 hours under water to revive.

On about the third day, remove all materials from the vase, laying them in a tub or tray of water while you wash the vase and add the fresh water and preservative. If there are any leaves below the water level, remove them. Cut roses with a sharp knife, being careful not to crush the stems. Plunge cut stem into water within 3 seconds of cutting it. Roses can get air bubbles in the stem blocking the uptake of water into their stems. They can be up to their necks in water but not drinking it!

Display your roses in a cool location out of sun and drafts…… not on top of your TV or computer, or anything that produces heat!

If you are unsure of following these guidelines or have further questions, please do not hesitate to call us. Fast action in case of a problem can mean the difference between enjoying your roses for several days or failure and disappointment for both of us.

We take great pride in our South American Roses and are very careful to process them according to the scientifically-tested methods. They are living organisms and many factors can affect their longevity. When cared for properly, you should enjoy them for several days.

HOW TO LENGTHEN THE LIFE OF YOUR
FRESH FLOWER BOUQUET

A little extra care can make a big difference for any size flower arrangement or fresh flower bouquet.

Most floral arrangements last 4-7 days or longer, depending on the flowers used and the care they receive. The Society of American Florists provides these tips for longer-lasting, more vibrant flowers:

For Floral Arrangements:

Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by your florist. Flower foods make flowers last longer but it is important to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet. Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a quart of water. Flower foods should not be diluted with more water than is specified on the packet.

If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with properly mixed flower food solution. If possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Be sure to use a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into solution.

Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), 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, which causes flowers to dehydrate.) Most flowers will last longer under cool conditions.

For Loose Bunches or Boxed Flowers:

Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them in a flower food solution. Don't forget how important it is to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet.

Fill a clean (washed with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution), deep vase with water and add a flower food from your florist. Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial microbial growth that may limit water uptake by the flower. Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Place the flowers in the vase solution you've prepared.

If you purchase loose flowers for your own arrangements you should also consider these tips:

When selecting flowers, look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age.

When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place them in warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening.

Call Us Locally 474-8736
Toll-Free 1-800-657-7008

Finishing Touch Flowers and Gifts
is Located at 108 E. Bonita

Delivery To All Surrounding Areas And Worldwide

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