• one of the biggest stem killers is bacteria. eliminate the growth by trimming their stems every couple days and keeping the water fresh (warm is typically best.) also be sure that there is no foliage at or below the waterline as it promotes the growth of bacteria.

  • when trimming flowers, be sure to cut stems at a 45 degree angle. this exposes the greatest surface area of the stem and allows the flower to drink up as much water as it can. for woody-stemmed flowers like hydrangeas, we find that splitting the ends of the stems helps with water absorption.

  • if you're transporting flowers to a new vase, be sure the vase is rinsed clean (and free of soap) before adding the flowers. this is also a good time to trim the stems and rinse them with cool water.

  • be sure to keep flowers away from anything that emits heat such as a television or heating/cooling unit. keeping your blooms out of direct sunlight will also preserve their lifespan.

  • there is much debate about the best additives to fresh flowers. if you consider what the food is made up of and what each ingredient is responsible for, it's not quite as mysterious. fresh cut flower food typically consists of three things: sugar, biocide, and an acidifier. the sugar is added as a substitute for the sugars that would be produced naturally during photosynthesis. flowers use the sugar as energy. a biocide helps to kill microbes that would otherwise prevent the stem from being able to absorb water. the acidifier helps to increase water flow through the stem. to make the most of the time spent at 2h, our flowers are stored in a homemade solution that consists of fresh lemon juice, sugar, warm water, and a little house hold bleach. (all water tubes and vases that come with delivered flowers are filled only with fresh warm water.)
  • common household ingredients have been known to create homemade flower food. (before attempting to create your own mixture, be sure to research the proper amounts for each ingredient!)
      • biocide: vodka, clear mouthwash, household bleach (do not mix bleach with vinegar)
      • acidifier: white vinegar (do not mix vinegar with bleach), lemon juice, aspirin
      • sugar: clear soda (7-up, sprite), granulated sugar
  • wilted flowers should always be removed from an otherwise healthy arrangement as it can contaminate the other flowers while adding bacteria to the water. before tossing the offending stem consider giving it a second life... some wilted blooms continue to look beautiful as they slowly dry out. wide open peony and dahlia petals and and garden roses, for example, will still look lovely in a single bud vase. check out our blog for more ideas or add your own to our facebook or twitter page!

FLOWER CARE BY TYPE


calla lily

if provided with fresh water each day, callas should enjoy a full life. these lilies may also benefit from a stem trim every few days if the arrangement allows. (try to handle the heads of the flowers as infrequently as possible.)

cockscomb

despite its velvety texture this brain-like bloom is actually quite hardy. when properly cared for this flower can last from 1-2 weeks. the flower is non-fragrant and is known for dropping tiny black seeds.

dahlia

smaller cut dahlias will tend to last a bit longer than their large headed friends. be sure the the necks of the stems remain well supported to prevent heads from drooping or breaking. 

green trick dianthus

fantastically textured, vibrant green tricks have a great vase life.

hydrangea

if your hydrangea petals are starting to look droopy, this flower can be revived by submersing the full head of flowers in a bowl of cool water for about 20 minutes.

hypericum berries

these long lasting stems offer a beautiful accent to many arrangements. if they outlive their blossomed vasemates, consider moving the berry stems to a single bud vase or glass bottle.  

orchid (dendrobium, cymbidium)

with nearly 30,000 species there are very many variations of this gorgeous flower. along with cymbidium, dendrobium orchids are one of the most common household varieties. if properly cared for, orchids may last for 10 days or more. to refresh the blooms at any point, dendrobium orchids may be submerged for 10-15 in warm water. as with any other flower, it's important to keep the water fresh and stems trimmed every few days. 

pom-pom

poms are one of the many varieties from the chrysanthemum genus. they often come in beautiful vibrant colors and look lovely on their own or arranged with other flower types. as they are a particularly leafy bloom, be sure to keep all foliage above the water line.

ranunculus

these sometimes curvy stems should always be well supported to avoid snapping. their small vibrant heads may begin to open up during their life span.

rose

if you notice that your roses are starting to wilt, let their stems sit in cool water for a few hours. this should bring some life back to their petals. 

rose stems

rose stems require a lot of water. you will be able to keep them for months as long as the stems stay clean and hydrated. each time you rinse the stems, be sure to also clean the vase to make sure there is no bacteria left behind.

succulents

(FAQs and care tips courtesy of one of our favorite vendors thesucculentsource.com) 

Can the succulents stand the summer heat?

Extremely hot temperatures with direct sunlight and lack of water can all damage and or destroy your succulents.  A little shade can make all the difference.  Direct sunlight can also effect the coloring of your succulents, making some of them brighter, redder etc.  It can also fade the coloring on some. 

Is it ok to have succulents planted next to cactus?

Of course, but you need to also consider the amount and type of sunlight your cactus needs, as well as the water they need in relation to your succulents.  This being said, cactus and succulents complement each other very well and under most circumstances, they will do great together. 

What is a succulent?

Succulents are water-retaining plants adapted to arid climates or soil conditions that store water in their leaves, stems, and or roots.

What is a cactus?

A cactus is a member of the plant family Cactaceae, which are generally drought tolerant plants.

Are they the same?

No.  Cactus are succulents, but succulents are not necessarily cactus!   Does this make sense?  Kind of like… if Succulents are Clothes, and Cactus are Pants, pants are clothes, but not all clothes are pants.  Succulents are the main category, cactus are subcategories!

What kind of light do they need?

If in a home, Succulents prefer bright light, such as found on a south-facing window. Watch the leaves for indications that the light level is correct. Some species will scorch if suddenly exposed to direct sunlight. The leaves will turn brown or white as the plant bleaches out and the soft tissues are destroyed. Alternatively, an under lit succulent will begin to stretch, with an elongated stem and widely spaced leaves. This condition is known as etoliation. The solution is to provide better light and prune the plant back to its original shape. Many kinds of succulents will thrive outdoors in the summer.  It’s good thinking to contact your local Cactus & Succulent Society/Club for specific info related to your exact area.

What kind of temperatures do they need/like?

Succulents are much more cold-tolerant than many people assume. As in the desert, where there is often a marked contrast between night and day, succulents thrive in colder nights, down to even 40ºF. Ideally, succulents prefer daytime temperatures between 70ºF and about 85ºF and nighttime temperatures between 50ºF and 55ºF.  It’s always a smart idea to contact your local Cactus & Succulent Society/Club for specific information related to your specific area.

How often should I Water my succulents?

Succulents should be watered generously in the summer. The potting mix should be allowed to dry between waterings, but do not underwater. During the winter, when the plants go dormant, cut watering back to once every other month. Overwatering and ensuing plant rot is the single most common cause of plant failure. Be aware, though, that an overwatered succulent might at first plump up and look very healthy. However, the cause of death may have already set in underground, with rot spreading upward from the root system. A succulent should never be allowed to sit in water.

What is Overwatering?

Overwatered plants are soft and discolored. The leaves may be yellow or white and lose their color. A plant in this condition may be beyond repair, but you can still remove it from its pot and inspect the roots. If they are brown and rotted, cut away dead roots and repot into drier potting media, or take a cutting and propagate the parent plant.

What is Underwatering?

Succulents prefer generous water during the growing season (spring and summer). An underwatered plant will first stop growing, then begin to shed leaves. Alternatively, the plant may develop brown spots on the leaves.  It’s always a good idea to contact your local Cactus & Succulent Society/Club for specific information related to your exact area.

What kind of Potting Soils should I use?

Succulents should be potted in a fast-draining mixture that’s designed for cacti and succulents. If you don’t have access to a specialized mix, considering modifying a normal potting mix with an inorganic agent like perlite to increase aeration and drainage. These plants generally have shallow roots that form a dense mat just under the soil surface.  We also sell proper potting soil if that makes life easier.  Also, contact your local Cactus & Succulent Society/Club for specific information related to your exact area.

Should I Fertilize my succulents?

During the summer growing season, carefully fertilize as you would with other houseplants.  Caution though, you can damage or destroy your succulents by feeding them improperly.  Stop fertilizing entirely during the winter.  Again, it’s always smart to contact your local Cactus & Succulent Society/Club for specific information related to your exact area and soil conditions.