Flowers and plants care

Bouquets

• Fill a clean vase with clean water, and dilute the flower food in accordance with the indicated dosage.
• Preferably, do not use de-calcified water, salt can shorten the life of a flower.
• If possible, cut the stems diagonally from 1 to 2 cm, preferably with a sharp knife or sharp pruning shears. This increases the absorption of water.
• Fill your vase regularly with fresh water (lukewarm) and add flower food, cut the stems diagonally again.
• Remove any leaves that hang under water.
• Put the flowers deep in the water.
• Check the water level daily.
• Avoid drafts.
• Keep flowers away from fruit. Ripening fruits such as apples, release ethylene which causes a faster growth of your flowers and flowering plants.
• Do not place your flowers in direct sunlight, put them away from any heat or cooling source (TV set, heating).
• Roses like to have vases full of water and Gerbera prefer little water..

Myths

The following tips are myths and you better do not follow them ! The effects can be harmful to the life of your flowers :

• Placing a copper coin into the water.
• Putting gin, salt or sugar in the water.
• Break, make a cross-shaped incision, flatten or scratch the stem.
• Cook or burn the stalks or put stems in hot water (except for the woody stems: lilac, mimosa).

Flower arrangements

• Most flowers are arranged into foam, full of water. Preferably,carefully add water every day, but make sure it does not rot.

Plants in general

Plants need special care. Generally you will find these explanations on a small card which is attached to the plant. We give you some general advice.

• Flowering plants grow best in a space with lots of light.
• Green plants require less light.
• Flowering plants require more water than green plants.
• The soil in the pot must be kept moist, but be careful, avoid too much water.
• Most plants like to have a uniform temperature, so best to avoid heat or cold.

"Green" tips for house-plants

The growth conditions can significantly differ from one plant to another. Furthermore, most plants require a different treatment in summer and winter. But there are a few tips you can take into account for all plants.

Leaves: a sign

• Dried leaves can be caused by low humidity.
• Yellow leaves can indicate decay in the root ball (too wet) and a lack of light.
• In a place where it is too warm, the leaves start to curl.
• Mould is often a sign of a place where it is too cold.

Needs: light, temperature, water and soil

• By lack of light, the leaves turn yellow.
• Most plants do not like direct sunlight.
• Avoid temperature fluctuations.
• In winter many plants require a cool place and need less water.
• Provide water at room temperature in winter.
• Many plants like to be sprayed but not on the flowers!
• Too much water causes oxygen deficiency.
• Ensure good drainage at the bottom of the pot.
• Choose quality potting soil.
• In the course of the growing season (March-September) you need to give food for plants weekly.