General Flower Care

• Check your flowers daily. Add new water at room temperature mixed with fresh flower food every other day. Carefully follow the mixing directions on your flowers food packet. The mixture should not be too diluted nor cloudy.
• Remove any leaves that fall under the water line in the vase. Submerged leaves rot and create bacteria, shortening the life of your bouquet.
• Keep flowers in water at all times. Cut flowers need to maintain a balance between the water absorbed and the water evaporated. When flowers are removed from water they continue to evaporate while water absorption will cease. Evaporation can be reduced by removing as many of the lower leaves as possible.
• Place flowers in a clean container, free from bacteria and dirt. Bacteria absorbed by the stem will limit water absorption and shorten the life of the flower.
• Trim stems under water (cut diagonally with a knife rather than scissors) every few days. Trimming stems prevents air pockets that form inside the stem and block water uptake. A common myth suggests cutting the stem vertically to allow more water absorption. No scientific proof supports this myth. In fact, cutting stems vertically destroys the stems cell structure, causing bacteria growth and hindering water absorption.
• Display your flowers in a cool, shady place near 50°F — away from drafts, heat generating appliances, and sunlight. High temperatures and sunlight causes flowers to mature at a faster rate and shorten the flowers lifespan.
  

Care Tips for Specific Flowers

	Asters & Delphiniums Mix two teaspoons of sugar or lemonade to water containing asters and delphiniums.
	Calla Lilies If flower food is not available, substitute flower food with a few tablespoons of 7-Up or Sprite to the water. Citric acid is an ingredient found in both beverages and the flower food. » Shop Lilies Now
	Daffodils Be careful when adding daffodils with other flowers in the same vase. Fresh cut daffodils can cause the other flowers to wilt earlier.
	Gardenias Full strength lemon juice misted on gardenias prevents them from browning. The oil from your hands will turn the flowers brown. When arranging gardenias, always wet your hands first.
	Gladiolus & Anemones Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the water for gladiolus and anemones.
	Lilies • Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the water. • The pollen from lilies may stain clothing. Use sticky tape to remove pollen from fabric, never use water! » Shop Lilies Now
	Mums Do not remove the leaves on mums when arranging them. The leaves keep the flower fresher longer.
	Orchids Upon receiving orchids, trim one-half inch or more from each spray and submerge the entire stem, including the flower head, in fresh (room temperature) water for 5-10 minutes. Remove flowers from water, shake off excess, and place in a vase of room temperature water. Mist flowers a few times each day and keep flowers out of direct sunlight and away from hot or cold drafts. Re-cut stems and change the water every other day. » Shop Orchids Now
	Roses • Drop a pinch of salt into the water. • Roses are thirsty flowers. Check the vase daily to replenish absorbed water. • If your roses are wilting, re-cut the stems under water. Then submerge them in a tub filled with cool water. Allow them to soak for 20 to 60 minutes before replacing them in the vase. » Shop Roses Now
	Snapdragons & Violets Drop a pinch of salt into the water for snapdragons and violets.
	Tulips • Tulips continue growing after being cut and stems naturally curve. Drop a penny into a vase filled with tulips to help straighten the stems. • To keep tulips looking perfect for a bridal bouquet, let the tulips sit in a vase until the flower has opened to the look you want. Now dip the head of the tulip in egg white to prevent the flower from opening any further. » Shop Tulips Now

Plant Care Tips

• Don't underestimate the value of the right amount of light for plants. Although a plant may not show the effect of too little light right away, in time decline is unavoidable.
• Most plants, with the exception of cacti, like lots of humidity. To raise humidity around plants, put them on a tray of wet gravel. Put enough gravel in the tray so the pots won't sit directly in water.
• As flowers fade on blooming plants, clip them off to direct the plant's energy toward growth and flower production.
• Often, heat or dry conditions can cause plant foliage tips to turn brown and dry out. If this occurs, use scissors to cut off the browned tips at an angle. Remove the plant from the heat source and water as needed.
• If your plant has a pest problem, it's best — in terms of effectiveness and safety — to contain the pesticide.
  Putting plastic around your plant takes care of both concerns. After several days, remove the plastic.

Plant Beauty Tips

• To keep houseplants shapely, give their pots a quarter turn every time you water.
• For a curvaceous plant, prune off any wayward or misshapen stems.
• Large, smooth-leaved plants frequently collect dust. Wash or wipe away dust to keep the plant attractive
  and to keep it photosynthesizing at its best!
• Hairy-leaved plants such as African violets also collect dust. Because moistening the leaves can cause unsightly spots, remove dust with a small paintbrush or by blowing it away.
• To maximize the aesthetic appeal of your plants, try matching plant to pot. Long, lean leaves look great in a slim pot, whereas wild, untamed plants really shine in a more generous pot. Also be sure to consider plant placement before choosing a pot. Sleek textures are classy for inside, while roughly textured, sturdy choices work well outside.

Bonsai Care Tips

Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai
Our dwarf version of the Hawaiian Umbrella tree is one of the easiest bonsai to maintain. It does extremely well in low light environments making it perfect for the office or home. In warm weather, all indoor trees grow best outside. Never allow your indoor bonsai to freeze.

Watering
Your Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai should be watered thoroughly every two or three days. Never let a bonsai totally dry out. Water your bonsai properly by using a watering can or hose attachment that has a fine-spray end. You should thoroughly soak your bonsai's soil. Water should be running out of the drain holes. Misting foliage periodically is recommended, but should not be considered watering.

Fertilizing & General Care
Fertilizing the Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai is desirable — especially in the spring. General care is also important for maintaining a beautiful bonsai. Bonsai should be periodically trimmed to keep their miniature shape.

Insects & Diseases
Insects and diseases can attack your Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai, so it's a good idea to inspect your bonsai regularly. A brisk spraying of the trunk and foliage periodically helps keep your tree clean. If any problems appear, most garden centers have products available for treatment.

Golden Gate Ficus Bonsai
Our Golden Gate Ficus comes directly from Northern China. Because they're tropical plants, they thrive in sunny areas. For best results, place your indoor bonsai near windows facing southeast or west. If you don't have a place where your tree can get proper sunlight, using a grow light for 10 to 12 hours daily is highly recommended. In warm weather, all indoor trees grow best outside. Never allow your indoor bonsai to freeze.

Watering
Your Golden Gate Ficus should be watered thoroughly every two or three days. Never let a bonsai totally dry out. Water your bonsai properly by using a watering can or hose attachment that has a fine-spray end. You should thoroughly soak your bonsai's soil. Water should be running out of the drain holes. Misting foliage periodically is recommended, but shouldn't be considered watering.

Fertilizing & General Care
Fertilizing your Golden Gate Ficus is desirable — especially in springtime. General care is also important for beautiful bonsai maintenance. In order to keep their miniature shape, bonsai should be trimmed periodically.

Insects & Diseases
Insects and diseases can attack your Golden Gate Ficus Bonsai, so it's a good idea to inspect your bonsai regularly. A brisk spraying of the trunk and foliage periodically helps keep your tree clean. If any problems appear, most garden centers have products available for treatment.

Dwarf Jade Bonsai
The word bonsai means "little trees in pots." The small leaf and compact foliage make the dwarf jade one of the most desirable indoor bonsai. The jade does well in both high and low light environments making it well suited for the bonsai beginner. If possible, this indoor bonsai should be in a sunny window facing SE or SW. In warm weather, you can place bonsai outside, but never allow your indoor bonsai to freeze.

Watering
The Dwarf Jade Bonsai doesn't tolerate over watering; thoroughly water your Dwarf Jade Bonsai once to twice weekly. Water your bonsai using a watering can with a fine spray end. Water should be running out of the drain holes. Misting foliage periodically is recommended, but should not be considered watering.

Fertilizing & General Care
During the spring, fertilizing your Dwarf Jade Bonsai is highly desirable. General care is also important for beautiful bonsai maintenance. In order to keep their miniature shape, bonsai should be trimmed periodically.

Insects & Diseases
Insects and diseases can attack your Dwarf Jade Bonsai, so it's a good idea to inspect your bonsai regularly. A brisk spraying of the trunk and foliage periodically helps keep your tree clean. If any problems appear, most garden centers have products available for treatment.

» Shop Bonsai Plants Now

Bamboo Care Tips

Lucky Bamboo
The Lucky Bamboo is a distinctive and beautiful tropical plant that has naked branches ending in tufts of sword-shaped leaves. Its stalk won't grow any taller once cut, as it's the leaves of the plant that grow and slowly develop into stalks themselves. Once a leaf has developed into a stalk, it can be clipped at its base — where it was sprouted — and placed in distilled water to start more bamboo.

Long-Lived Bamboo
The "parent" stalk in turn produces more little leaf sprouts. If a piece of Lucky Bamboo starts turning yellow, clip below the infected area or above, as it may start from the bottom. Then simply discard that portion of the yellow stalk. Because it is relatively long-lived and easy to care for, the Lucky Bamboo is a great low-maintenance, high-value gift idea!

Lucky Bamboo Facts

• Botanical name is Dracaena
• Symbolizes health, love, and luck
• Tropical plant of the lily family
• Originates in Southeast Asia
• Leaves grow about one inch per month

Lucky Bamboo Tips

• Grows best in low-light conditions
• Enjoys an indoor environment
• Dislikes direct sunlight
• Doesn't need soil or fertilizer
• Prefers distilled or purified water

» Shop Bamboo Plants Now

Future Uses for Flowers

Preserving Flowers
The different methods of preserving flowers follow the same basic principle, to remove moisture slowly while maintaining as much of the original shape and texture as possible.

Air Drying Flowers
Begin air drying your flowers by hanging them upside down in a dark, dry and warm place. Drying flowers may take one to three weeks to complete. Dried flowers can be used to create your own potpourri by gently removing dried petals and adding a few drops of scented oils. Or create your own wall art. Dry the entire flower bouquet and add a ribbon to the dried bouquet and you have a beautiful wall hanging.

Pressing Flowers
Place several sheets of absorbent paper such as newspaper on top of a sheet of cardboard. Next, place desired flowers on top of the newspaper stack allowing for some space between each flower. Place several more sheets of absorbent paper on top of the flowers and end with another sheet of cardboard. Press the entire stack of cardboard, flowers and paper down with a heavy object. The drying process should last between 10 days and 4 weeks.

7 Ways to Get Creative with Fallen Rose Petals

1. Surprise your sweetie by adding rose petals in a packed lunch.
2. Prepare a romantic dinner for two and as a final touch, decorate the table with scattered rose petals.
3. Use rose petals to create a unique and easy centerpiece. Fill a shallow bowl with water and floating candles. Add a few rose petals to the top of the water. Then light candles.
4. Enclose rose petals in an envelope with a handwritten note.
5. Add rose petals and water in a crock pot to release the beautiful rose scent.
6. Add a touch of romance with scattered rose petals on the bed.
7. Relax and unwind with a sensual bath. Once the bath is drawn, sprinkle rose petals on top of the bath water.
   

» Shop Roses Now