Flower Care and Meaning

Flower Care Tips - For more information, check our Links page or our About Flowers page.

Most floral arrangements last between 4-9 days, depending on the types of flowers used and the type of care they receive. The Society of American Florists suggests 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. If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely. If possible, recut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife.

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, causing flowers to dehydrate.)

For loose bunches or boxed flowers If you can't get your flowers in a flower food solution right away, keep them in a cool place. Fill a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food obtained from your florist. Be sure to follow the directions on the package. Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth.

Recut stems with a sharp knife. Do this underwater -- this allows the stems to draw in water instead of air -- and 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 in warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening.

Plant Care Tips
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.

While they usually come with care instructions specified for the type of plant, the Society of American Florists offers these general guidelines to keep most green houseplants thriving:

Keep plants in medium-light locations. Natural light is best, however, some plants also can 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. However, avoid overwatering; do not allow plants to stand in water. Avoid wetting leaves.

Avoid excessive heat or cold. Plants should be maintained between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit for best performance.

Meanings of Rose Colors:
Roses can be enjoyed just because you love the color and the scent. But often roses can send a special meaning. Here are the traditional meanings of certain roses.

Red Rose Love; I Love You; Respect; Courage
Pink Rose Perfect happiness; Gentility; Grace; Please Believe Me
Deep Pink Rose Thank You
Light Pink Rose Admiration
Yellow Rose Friendship: Joy & Happiness; Jealousy; Try To Care
White Rose Innocence; Purity; Heavenly; Secrecy & Silence;
Peach, Coral, or Orange Rose Enthusiasm; Desire
White & Red Roses Together Unity
A Single Rose Simplicity; In Full Bloom Means "I Love You"
Long Stemmed Rose I Will Remember You Always
Short Stemmed Rose Sweetheart; Girlhood
Assorted Color Roses Together? You're Everything To Me

For longest enjoyment, remember to cut rose stems daily and place deep in clean warm water. You can revive a wilted rose by cutting the stem and submerging the entire rose in hot water. To reduce stem blockage from air bubbles, always cut stems under water.