We want your flowers and plants to last as long as possible. Please follow these tips on handling and caring for your fresh cut flowers and plants.

Roses – types and Care
Fresh Cut Flower Care
European Dish Garden Care
Orchid Care
Bamboo Plants Care
Bonsai Plant Care
Frequently Asked Questions

Roses Types & Care

Roses are the most popular and most recognized cut flower, and are available in many different colours and sizes, year-round. Often associated with romance and elegance, roses are versatile flowers and make beautiful vase arrangements and single-stem gifts.

The three most popular types are sweetheart roses, spray roses and tea roses.

Sweetheart Roses

These are single stem roses with dainty heads and medium length stems (approximately 40 cm). Most popular colours are red, champagne, pink, yellow, white and peach.
They are sold individually, by the dozen, wrapped, or designed in a vase or basket.

Spray Roses

A single stem of spray roses has 3-5 blooms and/or buds. These roses are generally smaller and have a similar shape to a garden florabunda rose. Spray roses are generally integrated into basket or vase designs.

Tea Roses

Tea roses are single bloom stemmed flowers with larger heads sizes. The price varies according to the length of the stem - short (40cm), medium (50cm) or long (60cm).

Most popular colours are red, white/cream, pink and yellow; though more exotic colours are available.

The larger head size makes them perfect for personalizing with messages for Birthday, Anniversary, etc.

Long stemmed roses can be purchased individually; by the dozen or in any numeric combination to suit the occasion celebrated, and can be wrapped or designed in a vase or basket.

With special care, roses can last between 6 - 12 days depending on the cultivator, care and handling quality.

Preservative Solution

Mix the contents of a flower preservative packet with tap water or distilled water according to the directions on the packet. Do not use water from a home or commercial water softener. Use this solution to fill your vase or to water your arrangement.

Roses in a Vase or Other Container

Check the vase or container daily to see that it is full of water. Add your preservative solution whenever the water level has gone down. Place your arrangement in a cool location, keeping it out of direct sunlight and drafts and away from heat sources.

Roses out of Water (in a box or wrapped in cellophane)

Have your vase or container ready and filled with your preservative solution. If you are using floral foam, saturate it in the solution before placing it in the container. Give the rose stems a fresh cut and remove all leaves that will be beneath the water level. To cut the stem, hold it under water in a sink or under running water (to prevent premature wilting) and cut about an inch off the end with a sharp knife or shears. Place the stem immediately into your vase or container. Place your arrangement in a cool location, keeping it out of direct sunlight and drafts and away from heat sources. Check the vase or container daily to see that it is full of water. Add your preservative solution whenever the water level has gone down.

Premature Wilting

Premature wilting of the rose flower (within a day or two of receiving or arranging the roses) may indicate air trapped in the stem, preventing the preservative solution from moving up the flower. It is also caused by a cut or scrape on the stem above the water level. To revive the rose, re-cut the stem an inch or so from the bottom or above any damaged area of the stem, then submerge the entire rose in a basin or shallow pan of warm water. Be sure the stem is straight and that its end stays submerged. The rose will usually revive within an hour, and it can be put back in the arrangement.

Fresh Cut Flowers Care

Preservative Solution

Mix the contents of a flower preservative packet with tap water or distilled water according to the directions on the packet. Do not use water from a home or commercial water softener. Use this solution to fill your vase or to add water to your arrangement.

Care for Floral Arrangements

Check the water level of the vase or container daily. Add your preservative solution whenever the water level has gone down. Place your arrangement in a cool location, out of direct sunlight. Avoid excessively hot or cold locations.

Care for Fresh Cut Flowers

When you get your flowers home, give the stems a fresh diagonal cut and remove all leaves that will be beneath the water level. Place the flowers in a vase that has your preservative solution. Display them in a cool location, out of direct sunlight. Avoid excessively hot or cold locations. For best results, re-cut the stems and change the preservative solution daily.

European Dish Garden Care

Please place your garden in a highly lit area and avoid direct sunlight. There is no drainage in the garden so please be careful not to over water. Be sure to keep the soil moderately moist. An easy way to check the moisture level of the garden is to insert your index finger 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, water thoroughly but avoid saturation.

Orchid Plant Care

Light Requirements

Medium to very bright, but no direct sunlight; insufficient light is the main cause of slow reblooming. Plants must stay indoors while both in and out of bloom. Direct sun can cause sunburn, blistering and discoloration of leaves, and could cause bloom and bud drop.

Watering

Remove grow pot from decorative container and water thoroughly, allowing plant to drain well before replacing in container. It's best to avoid wetting the crown of the plant so that it can be thoroughly dry before the cool of evening. Water once a week, but if weather is very warm and dry, water twice a week. Never allow plants to stand in water.

Temperature

Orchids thrive in day temperatures of 65-80 degrees F and night temperatures of 60-70 degrees F. Good air movement helps prevent fungus, but avoid heater or air conditioner drafts that could damage buds or blooms. Overly warm, dry conditions may shorten the life of your flowers.

Feeding

Use Spoonit Orchid or Miracid 30-10-10 once per week while not in bloom. It_ s best to use your fertilizer ¼ strength every time you water. After 4-6 months, you may switch to Bloomit Orchid 6-30-30 to encourage rebloom.

Repotting

Repot only after blooming if needed. Orchids prefer to be root bound. If bark has become soft and felty or mossy and very small, then repotting is suggested.

Bamboo Plants Care

General Information

It is said that if you give living Bamboo to someone that this will bring them good fortune. (Helps align Feng Shuei, which means to improve the flow of energy in the room)

3 stalks mean Happiness
5 stalks mean Health
7 stalks mean Wealth
8 stalks mean Prosperity

Watering

Keep the bamboo in about 1 to 2 inches of water and change water every 2 weeks.

Light

Prefers low to moderate light. Indoor plant.

Bonsai Plant Care

Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia)

General Care/Information

Chinese Elm is a fast growing evergreen bonsai. It forms a graceful upright rounded canopy with shiny, dark green leathery leaves. The trunks of these plants thicken very rapidly. Most shaping can be done by pruning the Elm. Chinese Elm transplant very well and a have a heavy root growth. Very few pests attract to this plant.

Feeding/Fertilizing

To retain and produce small leaves, do not feed high nitrogen fast-acting fertilizers. Feeding three times a year is sufficient to maintain good color and healthy growth without enlarging the size of the leaves.

Light

Chinese Elms are versatile plants. They can be kept in a position of shade to full sun, but make sure that the plant receives some shade during the hotter months and does not dry out. They are tolerant to low light (1000 lux).

Watering

Water moderately year round, but keep the plant moist at all times. Keep in mind to water the plant well during the spring and early summer.

Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola)

General Care/Information

Schefflera is a fast growing evergreen with dark green, glossy and densely covering leaves. Schefflera also has green stems that gently fan out into a rounded crown. They can handle moderate salt tolerance. Pinching the stems can encourage branching.

Feeding/Fertilizing

General-purpose fertilizer.

Light

Schefflera can tolerate part shade or part sun.

Watering

These bonsai require an average amount of water. You should water them regularly but not over water them. Keep them moist.

Fig (Ficus)

General Care/Information

There are over 600 species of Ficus. These bonsai are an excellent tree for beginners. Most species of Ficus are fast growers, tolerant of most soil and light conditions, make fine indoor bonsai, and perhaps most importantly, are remarkably forgiving of those just learning bonsai watering techniques. Most ficus grow “banyan” roots naturally; this feature is often showcased by styling Ficus in dramatic air-root and root-over rock styles.

Feeding/Fertilizing

Every two weeks during growth, every 4-6 in winter, using a half-strength plant food or a bonsai fertilizer.

Light

Ficus will grow decently in low light, but thrive in high light conditions. Most species of Ficus need only 1000 Lux, although it adapts to both higher and lower light levels.

Watering

Moderate watering required, increasing in summer and decreasing in winter. Daily misting is optional.

Jade (Portulacaria Afra)

General Care/Information

Portulacaria afra, is relatively new in bonsai but one that almost anyone can grow. It can withstand long periods without water making them excellent plants for beginners. The bark is green when young, becomes red-brown to slate gray and smooth with conspicuous leaf scars. Flowers are small and star shaped. Since it is tropical it must be protected from cold temperatures. Spring is the best time to repot this plant.

Feeding/Fertilizing

Regular “Bonsai food”can be beneficial for rich growth.

Light

This bonsai can be grown outdoors in full sun or indoors with sufficient light.

Watering

Always allow the soil to approach dryness before watering. Although it is a succulent bonsai, Portulacaria is not as particular about overwatering as most other succulents.

Juniper (Juniperus)

General Care/Information

Junipers are one of the most popular evergreen bonsai. Juniper has a low, spreading habit that makes it ideal for cascade and semi-cascade styles. Junipers are perfect for beginners because they require very little care. They are also “strong” plants and are very forgiving.

Feeding/Fertilizing

It is recommended to feed junipers from early spring to autumn every 20-30 days using a slow-acting organic fertilizer. You may wish to alternate with an acidic fertilizer such as Mir acid. You should not fertilize during the hottest part of the summer (July-mid August in the northern hemisphere).

Light

Junipers are outdoor plants however if they must be placed indoors the plant must be kept in cool temperatures.

Watering

Spray the foliage with water daily during the growing season. Water when the soil is moderately dry (to a depth of ½ to 1 inch) but do not let the soil dry out completely. In the wintertime, reduce watering and try to avoid feeding.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best way to take care of a flower arrangement?

It depends on how they are packaged:

• If you receive flowers in a container with floral foam, be certain the container is full of water every day. The water should be treated with the floral food provided by your florist. Using your finger, feel under the greens for a place where water can be added. Or you can pour water slowly into the center of the arrangement, keeping a finger in the container to gauge the water level.

• If you receive flowers in a vase, check to be sure the water is always clear. If the water turns cloudy, empty it and add fresh water mixed with the floral food provided by your florist. If possible, re-cut the stems with a sharp knife before placing them in the fresh water.

• If you receive flowers in a box or tissue, remove all of the foliage that falls below the water line, then cut the stems with a sharp knife in a sink full of warm water. Be sure to cut the stems under the water and place them immediately into a vase of warm water mixed with the floral food provided by your florist.

No matter what type of arrangement you have, it is important to keep your flowers off of televisions, appliances and heating/cooling units. You should also keep them away from hot or cold drafts and out of direct sunlight.

What is wrong with the water in a vase when it turns yellow and cloudy?

This is a natural sign that bacteria are growing in the water. Bacteria can clog stems and shorten the vase life of flowers; so keep the water clear at all times to ensure the longevity of your blooms. If your water starts to turn cloudy, immediately empty the vase and add fresh water, preferably mixed with the floral food provided by your florist. Re-cut the stems with a sharp knife under warm water before placing them in the vase of fresh water.

Since flowers like sunshine, should I put my arrangement in the sun when I get it?

No. Growing flowers require sunshine for maturation, but cut flowers will fade much faster if exposed to heat and direct sunlight. To keep flowers fresh longer, place them in a location away from sun and drafts.

Is it possible to revive a wilted rose?

Sometimes. If a rose wilts prematurely, remove it from the arrangement and try the following easy tip to perk it up. Fill a sink with warm water. Lay the rose horizontally in the water bath and cut the stem (about 1") with a sharp knife under the warm water. Leave the rose in the bath for about two hours and let the water cool. This process can work wonders, but if the rose is already past its vase life, it will not revive.