We want to ensure that you get the most enjoyment out of your flowers. Follow these easy care guidelines to make your flowers last longer:
For cut flowers in a bouquet it is suggested to cut 1-2cm from the end of the stem and place stems in an upright container (preferably glass) with fresh room temperature water and flower food. Be sure to cut the stem at an angle to allow the flowers the best chance to take up water.
Ensure no leaves or greenery is sitting below the water line in the container or vase as they can cause bacteria to form in the water which will shorten the life of the flowers.
For flowers arranged in floral foam, you should should maintain the saturation level high of the floral foam brick to ensure longevity. The floral foam has a fresh flower food added to it to assist in nurturing the flowers.
Flowers are best kept at room temperature between 18 – 22 degrees (Celsius). Flowers are also best displayed away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling and kept away from direct draughts, direct overhead ceiling fans or vents.
Do not keep flowers on top of televisions or microwaves as they radiate heat and can cause flowers to dehydrate. Some fruits can also release tiny amounts of ethylene gas which can prematurely age flowers, so it is best to keep flowers a distance away.
A cool, shaded place is best for tulips to maximise their life span in the vase.
When changing the water, ensure the container is thoroughly cleaned out and new flower food is included.
Every few days, remove the flowers from the container or vase and re-cut the stems. Remove 1-2cm from the bottom of the stem (again on a slight angle) and be sure to clean the vessel before refilling it with room temperature water and adding flower food.
As some flowers will last longer than others, carefully remove spent blooms, especially if other flowers in your display are still alive.
Keep your plants or planted arrangements out of draughts and any direct sunlight. When it comes to water it’s about finding the right balance – do regularly water but don’t over water.
If your roses start to droop after a few days, try re-cutting the stems and standing them in tepid water.
Caring For Your Terrarium
Keep your terrarium in a spot that gets plenty of indirect light, but will not be subject to direct sunlight.
Do not leave the succulents standing in a lot of water. Succulents need little water to survive, and in fact over watering can cause them to rot. We recommend watering your terrarium using a spray bottle.
It’s natural for parts of your succulents to die. Some leaves, especially near the bottom will die sometimes as new ones grow from the top. It’s important that you try to remove the dead leaves so they don’t sit around and cause bacteria or rot.
Some of our terrariums are made from cut succulents, which means they do not have roots. Cut succulents are likely to develop roots – when this happens, they can be planted in soil or a suitable potting mixture to extend their life and grow them into more mature specimens.
How Flowers are Delivered
Lilies
Lilies are commonly delivered in bud form to protect the flowers in transit as their petals are very easily bruised. By being delivered in this fresh bud form, it will also allow the bouquet or arrangement a much longer life span with the recipient being able to watch as the flowers bloom over the days after the delivery.
If it is a requirement for the buds to be in bloom, the process of opening the blooms can be sped up by placing the lilies in a warmer room environment.
Lily pollen can stain clothing and furniture, so carefully remove the anthers (the orange pollen-coated tips at the end of the stamens) as each of the heads bloom, ensuring to handle the flower heads delicately so as not to bruise the petals.
Lilies can be toxic to cats.
Roses
Roses may be delivered with the outer petals, known as ‘guard’ or ‘protective’ petals still attached. These outer petals can appear to be dark tipped or bruised, have charred edges or a wilted appearance. The petals are kept on by the farmers and florists to protect the inner rose in transportation. On arrival, remove the outer petals carefully as this will allow the inner rose to bloom.
Tulips
Tulips can continue to grow even after being cut with the stems sometimes extending as much as an extra 3-4cm. The tulip heads will also lean towards any dominant source of light which may cause a ‘drooping’ of the flower head. Due to this, carefully arranged bouquets can disassemble themselves into something quite different. The flowers head will also open wide in bright light, sometimes exaggerating the drooping effect, although they usually close again at night if the room temperature is moderate to cool.