CUT FLOWER BOUQUETS
The best tip we can give you to get your flowers lasting as long as they can is that they do best in clean water. If the water is getting low or dirty, change it out with fresh, cold water. We provide fresh cut flower food sachets with our bouquets to help keep your vase water clean and give your cut flowers a nutrients boost. Just add 1 sachet to you vase with clean, cold water and trim your flower stems (about 1cm off the bottom will do it) and that's it.
ARRANGEMENTS
Our arrangements are either in floral foam or water, which helps keep the flowers hydrated. For arrangements in foam, add 1/2 cup of water every other day as needed. For arrangements in water, check the water level with your finger. If the water is getting low, top it up.
SUCCULENTS
For potted succulents, water them until the soil is moist, and then leave them be until the soil is dry. Succulents are little water "succers," so even when the soil is dry, they'll be drinking water stored in their leaves.
Although succulents love to be in the sun, they can still thrive in the shadows. The main thing is to avoid over-watering. Pools of water can cause rot to settle in. The general rule is about 1/4 cup of water once a week, but if you forget or lose track, let them dry. Drying your succulents out serves you better than drowning them because it kills them slower and at Poetry we do not condone the pre-meditated murder of plants or flowers.
PLANTED TERRARIUMS
Terrariums are like tiny universes. There's something fascinating and beautiful about them. Terrarium care might seem daunting, but there's no reason to be worried - with a few easy steps, you'll get your terrarium happy.
Small plant babies are going to eventually outgrow their terrarium enclosure, so keep in mind that you'll eventually need to transplant. Most terrarium plants like medium-bright filtered light but they will burn if they get too much direct sun. Allow the top inch or so of the soil to go dry between waterings, and water at the base of each plant using your watering can or spray bottle. Between waterings, feel free to give your terrarium a quick spray with your mister to promote a humid environment.
Crispy brown or wilted leaves? It's time to water. Mushy stems or lots of yellow? You're watering too much.
SUCCULENT TERRARIUMS
Succulents are an easy choice for terrariums because succulents are typically comfortable not receiving too much water, and don't need much root space to thrive, making them perfect for small enclosures. Plus, many species stay small and compact, allowing them to live for years in a terrarium without transplanting.
To keep your succulents thriving position them in partial-to-full sunlight, check the soil with your finger to see if there is any moisture. If it's dry, add 1/2 cup of water to the centre; if it's moist, leave it be. If you're noticing pools of water forming, you're over-watering! We don't want our mini gardens to drown, so let the terrarium dry out completely before watering again.
BOTTLE GARDENS
The garden will thrive best in partial-to-full light but not direct sunlight so near a window with morning sun and light all day is perfect..
-The lid traps moisture, so only water when the plants look withered or droopy. Closed bottles can go months without needing more water!!
-If you spot gnats, there’s too much moisture. Remove the lid and let the soil air out for a couple of days. If they return, mix 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap with 1 cup of water and spritz some of it on the soil. Leave the lid off over night and replace it in the morning.
PHALAENOPSIS ORCHIDS
Phalaenopsis or 'Moth Orchids' are the most common orchid due to its ease of production and the availability of blooming plants year-round. Phals are easily grown in the home and stay in bloom for a very long time.
You do however need to find a great location in your home for your phal plant to ensure it thrives. A moderately bright window sill is best with about 1/2 a cup of water once a week (although this can change depending on their environment), and then let the roots dry out almost completely between waterings. Phals like to stay generally moist but not sopping wet and must always be kept in a pot with good drainage.
COMMON HOUSE PLANTS
We love indoor plants! Apart from their aesthetically pleasing looks they actually absorb some of the volatile organic compounds in the air around your home. Recent studies by Professor Margaret Burchett of the University of Technology Sydney suggest adding a few indoor plants to your home or office filters out toxins from the air that are given off from carpet, furniture, paint and even cosmetics. They discovered indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air and just one plant per room can help purify the air. This is why we feel more relaxed when surrounded by plants — they help us breathe better air.
Most people make the mistake of over-watering indoor plants. They don't let the plant have dry time in between waterings. In winter, most indoor plants hardly need any water but, in spring and summer, water a little more frequently. Use your finger to tell whether the soil is moist or dry.
The sunlight your plant will require really depends on the variety, but as a general rule a moderate amount of filtered light works for most.
I hope these tips help you next time you receive or order a flower delivery to Canberra.
- Skye x