Specific Flower Care

Learn how to take care of your cut flowers, potted flowers and floral arrangements from D Garden Floratique with these tips for care of specific flowers.

 

African Violet Plant Care

A healthy African violet will bloom for nine months and then rest for three. Despite their delicate appearance, they are not difficult to care for. Keep their soil moist to dry and allow it to dry out between watering to encourage blooming. Because water can damage their leaves, always water them from the bottom by placing the container in a tray of water. Allow the plant to absorb the water for about 30 minutes.

Place your African violet in moderate to bright, indirect light, and avoid exposing them to sudden temperature changes. Pinch off wilted blossoms and leaves to encourage blooming, and fertilize monthly or when the plant is actively growing new leaves and buds.

 

Amaryllis Plant Care

The amaryllis is native to warmer climates. The showy funnel-shaped blossoms stand atop a single stalk stem. Occasionally the flowers’ weight will require some support for the stem. A simple bamboo stake and raffia tie can support the stem and be a decorative addition to the plant.

Some amaryllis are frequently given as a gift in bulb form. Place your amaryllis in a bright, warm room at first, but when buds appear and begin to color, move it to a cooler spot to prolong blooming time. Water it moderately, keeping the soil moist but not soggy, and avoid letting it sit in water.

Once it stops flowering, continue to give your amaryllis four hours of full sunlight so allow the leaves to collect solar energy to nourish the next year’s blooms. Cut off the flowers once they fade, and cut down the stems to their base when they wither. Be sure to water and care for it as long as it has leaves, then let the leaves wilt naturally (but don’t remove them). Keep the dormant bulb in its pot in a cool, dry place, and then replace the top inch or two of soil and start watering it when it begins to sprout again.

 

Azalea Plant Care

Azaleas prefer cool, well-lit spots (out of direct sunlight) with temperatures between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the soil frequently, and keep it moist but not soggy; never allow it to dry out completely.

Allow new growth to develop, and regularly remove any dead flowers. When it’s finished flowering, you can replant your azalea in a larger container or move it outdoors, as long as there’s no risk of frost. Some cultivated varieties of azaleas are designed for inside use only. Others are “hardy” varieties that can be planted in the garden in warmer climates. Be sure to ask your florist what type of azaleas they carry.

 

Calla Lily Flower Care

The picture of elegance, these unique flowers can bloom in either full or miniature sizes and also in a variety of colors. Calla lilies should be handled delicately as the blooms tend to bruise easily. Also, once the blooms are cut, they will no longer unfold; therefore, the best, most costly calla lilies are the ones cut at the peak of blossoming. When cut, the stem of the calla lily tends to curl up. To prevent air from coming into the stem, place an elastic band around each lily stem during the first hour of hydration.

 

 

Christmas Cactus Plant Care

The Christmas cactus, with flowers ranging in color from yellow, salmon, pink, fuchsia and white (or combinations of those colors), isn’t just for the holidays – it can be grown indoors throughout the year.

While it adapts to low light, it will produce more abundant blooms if you place it in a sunny spot. In the summer, you can move it outdoors, but keep it in a shady or semi-shady location, since too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves. When it’s time to bring it back indoors in the fall, do so gradually to allow it to adjust. Since it relies on shortened daylight in the fall to induce budding, help it along by placing it in a room that receives no additional evening light. Once buds begin to appear again, bring it back into the living room or kitchen.

Despite its name, the Christmas cactus isn’t a true cactus, and it’s not quite as drought tolerant as you might think, so water it thoroughly when the top half of the soil feels dry to the touch. During the summer, keep it continually moist, and when fall arrives, water it only well enough to prevent wilting. During the month of October, give it no water at all, and then cautiously resume watering in November, being careful not to let the stems get full from over watering.

 

Chrysanthemum Plant Care

Affectionately known as “mums,” chrysanthemums take many forms, including daisy-like, pompon and button. Blossoming in a wide array of colors and sizes, these flowers are popular for their long lifespan and beautiful texture. Chrysanthemums make a lovely addition to a mixed arrangement or an eye-catching floral bouquet on their own.

Chrysanthemums like bright light. Place them near an open window to encourage their buds to open (but avoid allowing them to be exposed to direct sunlight once in bloom, as that can burn their flowers). While they’re in-bloom, water them every two days or so – even at the risk of over watering, since wilting will shorten their life. When not in bloom, keep their soil moderately moist, watering thoroughly only when the soil surface feels dry to the touch.

 

Cyclamen Plant Care

Characterized by heart-shaped leaves and blossoms that fly over the leaves like miniature colorful birds, cyclamen plants are sensitive to over watering and under watering. Keeping the soil moist (not wet) to the touch is the trick to having them last long in a home or office setting. Allowing the plant to dry out will prevent unopened buds from opening and maturing. Spent blossoms should be removed immediately to make space for new buds to open and unfurl. Cyclamens prefer cooler temperatures 55 to 65 degrees F and diffused bright light.

 

 

Daffodil Plant Care

As trumpets of spring, pots of daffodils like moist soil and cool temperatures with high light sources. Placing the plants in low light once they are blooming can cause “stem topple” where the stems that emerge from the bulbs become askew instead of being parallel in the container. Using a series of bamboo stakes and some twine or raffia – the stems and foliage can be corralled within the dimensions of the pot. Depending on their stage of openness, daffodils can last from 5 to 12 days.

 

 

Easter Lily Plant Care

Easter lilies prefer moist soil and diffused light. As the blossoms open, you may want to remove the yellow anthers with a tissue to prevent the white blossom from discoloring and the pollen from damaging clothing or home surfaces. As flowers pass their prime, they can be removed to keep the plant looking healthy and to make room for new buds to open.

Display your ficus in a bright spot with indirect light, away from drafts and large windows that change temperature throughout the day. Use plant fertilizer monthly throughout the growing season, but not during the winter months.

 

Gardenia Plant Care

Kept indoors, gardenia plants like well-ventilated spots that get at least five hours of sunlight a day, but if you move your plant outdoors in the summer, be sure to keep it in a shady area. To keep its soil moist but not soggy, soak it thoroughly until you see water running out of the drainage holes, but don’t allow the container to stand in water.

 

 

 

Gerbera Daisy Flower Care

Available in a bright variety of hues, these beautiful and cheerfully colored flowers are known to drink in lots of water, so be sure to check them daily. They are also sensitive to fluoride, so you may want to use distilled water. Your Gerbera daisies may arrive with a protective sleeve or “cap” on the bloom and a straw around each stem. These are used by growers to protect the flowers during transportation. Carefully remove the caps, but for added support leave the straws on the stems for the first 4-5 hours, during initial hydration. Gerbera daisies love fresh water, so re-cut their stems every few days.

 

 

Gladiolus Flower Care

Named for the gladiator’s sword because of its size and shape, this breathtaking member of the lily family is beloved for its dramatic height, wide range of colors and longevity. Gladiolus stems are usually delivered with one to three buds open near the base of the stalk; the rest will open in succession over the lifespan of the floral bouquet. Remove older gladiola blooms after they wilt to improve the overall appearance of your arrangement.

 

 

Hyacinth

Hyacinths thrive in bright locations, and do best when their soil is kept moist but not soggy. Water yours thoroughly and then place it in a sink (or outside if the weather is mild) to allow the water to drain completely. The stems of these bulb flowers can be supported with decorative bamboo stakes and raffia ties to prevent the weight of the flower from causing the stems to topple in the pots.

When your hyacinth is finished blooming, you can replant the “forced” bulbs in your garden in the fall. They will take a few years to fully recycle and bloom abundantly.

 

Hydrangea Flower Care

Hydrangeas are beloved for their beautiful, cloud-like blooms, and they look lovely both in mixed bouquets and on their own. They are quite emotional though, and need constant hydration as the blooms will wilt immediately without a water supply. They are usually delivered with a water pack around the bottom of the stems to help with hydration during shipping, but they will need to be thoroughly hydrated as soon as they arrive.

 

 

Hydrangea Plant Care

Place your hydrangea in a sunny, bright spot that receives indirect light, and keep its soil moist by watering it thoroughly and allowing excess water to drain. In the fall, allow it to rest and lose its leaves by placing it in a cool, dark location (a basement or cellar) without water. In January, bring it out again to a spot with plenty of light, and it should bloom in time for spring.

 

 

 

Iris Flower Care

Irises come in many forms, shapes, colors and sizes, though the most popular color is deep purple tinged with yellow. Irises usually arrive in bud stage, but after 1-2 days, the blooms will unfurl and open gracefully, creating a grand bouquet fit for royalty.

 

 

 

 

Kalanchoe Plant Care

Known for their bright small flowers in abundant clusters atop waxy leaves, kalanchoe plants are among the longest lasting blooming plants you can have in your home or office. Keep the soil moist, but not overly saturated. Do not allow the pot to sit in a pool of water. Pinch off blooms as they pass their prime. These plants could last 3 to 4 weeks depending on the room’s temperature. Sensitive to cold temperatures, storage below 40 degrees F could cause foliage to become soft and damaged.

 

 

Lily Flower Care

There are three main types of lilies: Asiatic, Oriental and LA Hybrid. Asiatic lilies tend to have smaller blooms, but come in a vast array of colors. Oriental lilies have large blooms, a stronger fragrance and tend to last longer than other varieties. LA hybrid lilies have medium-sized blooms and tend to outlast Asiatic lilies. As blooms unfold, be careful not to touch the pollen on the flowers’ anthers because it can stain upholstery and clothing. To prevent this from happening, some people choose to remove the pollen by carefully wiping it off with a tissue, or they clip off and discard the anthers altogether. If pollen does get on fabric, let it dry in the sun then try lifting it with cellophane tape, a cotton swab or a soft cloth. You can also try a household fabric stain remover or dry cleaning. Never wipe it with water as that will set the stain.

 

Orchid Flower Care

Orchids are the most complex, advanced and successful family of flowers on the planet, with approximately 25,000 species occurring naturally throughout the world. Orchids are sensitive to sun, heat and drafts, so be sure and display your orchid arrangement away from direct sunlight, heat-generating appliances and fans. Since orchids drink in water not only from their stems but also directly through their blooms, you should also mist them with cool water, especially upon arrival.

 

 

Orchid Plant Care

Despite their elegant, graceful appearance, orchids aren’t difficult to care for, and by following a few simple guidelines, many varieties will bloom for you again next year.

Keep your orchid in a well-ventilated spot with partial shade, away from radiators, air conditioning, and strong drafts. To help maintain the right level of humidity, set the planter in a tray of pebbles and water so that the pot sits out of the water. This prevents the roots from rotting, and allows the moisture to circulate.

Orchids gain their water from the relative humidity in the atmosphere, they do not absorb water in a traditional way from the roots and soil. For stability, orchids are often potted with the roots in a growing media that should not be overly wet. Orchids require a period of dormancy during the winter in order to bloom again in the spring, so allow it to rest in a sunny spot, and don’t water it at all during this time. When its blooms are gone, cut the spike an inch above the foliage, leaving the old canes in place.

 

Oriental Lily Plant Care

Display your Oriental Lily in well-ventilated spot with bright, indirect sunlight, taking care to keep it away from air conditioners, heaters, and strong drafts. While in bloom, water it whenever the soil feels dry to the touch, and feed it with a water-soluble fertilizer. When it’s done blooming, you can replant it outdoors in mild climates. Since pollen can stain clothing and furniture, carefully remove the anthers (the orange coated tips at the end of the stamens) with a tissue.

 

 

Paper Whites Plant Care

Your fragrant, pre-sprouted paperwhite narcissus will bloom within about 2-3 weeks if kept in bright, diffused light. Water them thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, but don’t allow the plant to stand in water. Cool-weather plants at heart, your paperwhites will bloom longer if kept away from heat.

 

 

 

Peruvian Lily Flower Care

Peruvian lilies, also known as alstroemeria, add lush, vibrant color to a mixed bouquet and look just as magnificent on their own. They are known for their long-lasting blooms, but they tend to dehydrate easily. If your Peruvian lilies are wilting, add room temperature water mixed with flower food (provided with your bouquet) and they should perk up within the next 8-12 hours.

 

 

 

Poinsettia

Even though we associate poinsettias with the mid-winter holidays, they’re actually a tropical plant and need to be kept away from drafts and cold. Too chilly temperatures can cause their colorful leaves (called bracts) to drop.

Keep the soil of your poinsettia moist and allow it to dry out only slightly in between watering. Encourage new blooms by pinching off spent blossoms and adding plant fertilizer when it’s actively growing new buds or leaves. Poinsettias can also be cut from the plant and used as cut flowers. When you cut a stem, a milky-white sap flows from the cut end. Place the stem in water immediately to allow it to hydrate before mixing it with other flowers.

 

Philodendron

Native to the jungles of tropical America, your philodendron prefers medium, indirect light and it will do best in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. (If its new leaves develop smaller and farther apart, it’s a sign that it’s receiving too little light.) Many types exist including large split-leaf varieties, and the distinctive ruffled-edge philodendron xanadu. Keep its soil evenly moist, but allow it to dry out in between watering. In the winter months, when growth slows, keep it slightly drier. Over watering will cause the leaves to turn yellow, while under watering will cause them to turn brown and fall off.

Philodendrons tolerate the natural levels of humidity found in most homes, but because of their tropical origin, they respond particularly well to high humidity, so mist them regularly to promote lush growth and shiny foliage. Dust their leaves with a damp cloth and feed them houseplant fertilizer in the spring and mid summer.

 

Rose Flower Care

Roses are possibly the most beloved of all flowers. Your roses from D Garden may arrive with guard petals surrounding the outside of the blooms. These petals are left on to protect the blooms during shipment and should be removed to increase the beauty of your rose bouquet. Roses are thirsty flowers, so check them daily to make sure they have enough water. If a rose wilts and becomes limp, remove it from the bouquet and re-cut the stem under running water. Re-hydrate the flower in room temperature water mixed with flower food (provided with your bouquet) until the rose bloom becomes firm. The rose can then be returned to the bouquet.

 

 

Miniature Rose Bush

Kept indoors, rose plants will do well in bright, indirect light. Keep their soil moist, allowing it to dry out a bit in between watering. Remove any leaves that have yellowed while indoors, and pinch off spent blossoms to encourage new blooms.

 

 

 

 

Sunflower Care

As the name implies, these blooms are like a bright burst of sunshine whether displayed on their own or as part of a mixed bouquet. Sunflowers tend to be thirsty flowers, so be extra vigilant about checking the water level in the vase to ensure a longer life for your bouquet.

 

 

Tropical Flower Care

Dramatic but delicate tropical flowers such as birds of paradise and anthurium will last the longest in moderate room temperatures. Many tropical flowers drink in water not only from their stems but also directly through their blooms. Therefore, in addition to keeping them properly hydrated, you should also mist them with cool water, especially upon arrival.

 

 

 

Tulip Flower Care

Tulips are one of the most popular flowers of all time and come in a variety of colors, heights and shapes. Be aware that tulips can grow almost an inch daily, even when cut. Tulips also naturally bend toward the light, so carefully consider placement to avoid a lopsided bouquet. When your tulips first arrive, it is best to keep them in the protective wrap while hydrating for the first 4-5 hours to help straighten and support the stems.