Plant care and beauty tips

Plant care tips

• Don't underestimate the value of the right amount of light for plants. Although a plant may not show the effect of too little light right away, in time decline is unavoidable.
• Most plants, with the exception of cacti, like lots of humidity. To raise humidity around plants, put them on a tray of wet gravel. Put enough gravel in the tray so the pots won't sit directly in water.
• As flowers fade on blooming plants, clip them off to direct the plant's energy toward growth and flower production.
• Often, heat or dry conditions can cause plant foliage tips to turn brown and dry out. If this occurs, use scissors to cut off the browned tips at an angle. Remove the plant from the heat source and water as needed.
• If your plant has a pest problem, it's best ?in terms of effectiveness and safety ?to contain the pesticide. Putting plastic around your plant takes care of both concerns. After several days, remove the plastic.

Plant beauty tips

• To keep houseplants shapely, give their pots a quarter turn every time you water.
• For a curvaceous plant, prune off any wayward or misshapen stems.
• Large, smooth-leaved plants frequently collect dust. Wash or wipe away dust to keep the plant attractive ?and to keep it photosynthesizing at its best!
• Hairy-leaved plants such as African violets also collect dust. Because moistening the leaves can cause unsightly spots, remove dust with a small paintbrush or by blowing it away.
• To maximize the aesthetic appeal of your plants, try matching plant to pot. Long, lean leaves look great in a slim pot, whereas wild, untamed plants really shine in a more generous pot. Also be sure to consider plant placement before choosing a pot. Sleek textures are classy for inside, while roughly textured, sturdy choices work well outside.

• How do you feel when you arrive somewhere after a journey? In the same way as you like to take off your coat and put down your bag, your flowers want to get rid of any excess baggage. Remove the outer wrapping, but leave on the string tied around the stems - it holds the flowers in place and doesn't discomfort them in the slightest.
• While relaxation is important, you need to keep your flowers on their toes. Lay the hand-tie on its side and cut about 3 cm off the stems, ensuring you make the incision at a 45-degree angle.
• Drinks and snacks all around! Empty the sachet of plant food into a clean, wide-necked vase and fill it with water. Not ice cold water, mind you. Water is the red wine of the flower world: best served at room temperature.
• Lower the bouquet into the vase and then settle your guests somewhere they'll feel welcome - away from fruit, radiators, bright lights and drafts, and somewhere you'll enjoy their company and remember to take care of them.
• Play the perfect host by changing the water every few days. In warm or dry environments, you can also mist your bouquet every morning. Feel free to talk to your flowers, but be careful not to cause unease to other guests who may be visiting.

• How do you feel when you arrive somewhere after a journey?In the same way as you like to take off your coat and put down your bag, your flowers want to get rid of any excess baggage. Carefully peel off any of the outer guard petals that look a little rugged - these were left on to protect against potential pre-arrival stresses. Likewise, remove any leaves that will be below the waterline of the vase, and untie any bits of string that are holding the stems together.
• While relaxation is important, you need to keep your flowers on their toes. Cut about 3 cm off the stems, ensuring you make the incision at a 45-degree angle. If you can perform this task while holding each stem under water, all the better.
• Drinks and snacks all around! Empty the sachet of plant food into a clean, wide-necked vase and fill it with water. Not ice cold water, mind you. Water is the red wine of the flower world: best served at room temperature.
• Arrange the roses in the vase and then settle your guests somewhere they'll feel welcome - away from bright lights and drafts, and somewhere you'll enjoy their company and remember to take care of them.
• Play the perfect host by changing the water every few days. You can also perk up any heat-exhausted blossoms by soaking the entire flower in a sink of cold water for about an hour. Feel free to talk to your flowers

With proper care, in the form of a few simple tips, you can get lasting enjoyment out of your blooms.

• Remove the water vial from the stem of each spray
• Trim one-half inch or more from each spray
• Submerge the entire stem, including the flower head, in fresh (room temperature) water for 5-10 minutes
• Fill a vase with room temperature water and add the flower food as directed
• Remove flowers from water, shake off excess, and place in vase
• Mist flowers a few times each day
• Keep out of direct sunlight and away from hot or cold drafts
• Re-cut stems and change the water every other day
• Enjoy your orchids!