Simple Tips to Care for Indoor Flowers and Plants

It's nice to have flowers and plants around the house. It keeps things fresh and promotes good health.

If you live in a place like New York City or Brooklyn, having a floweriest nearby can act as the catalyst to calmness in a busy city. Flower orders can often be made via a flower delivery service and once they're in-hand, you'll want to keep them fresh.

Flowers are perishables and as such come with a limited shelf life, which is around 4-7 days depending on degree of care. Here are some tips to help keep your flowers and plants fresh for as long as possible.

Formal Floral Arrangements:

• Store the flower arrangement in a pot or vase that's filled with a food-based water (the solution). Quantity of plant food required is dependent on the size of the pot or vase. Follow the instructions on the food packet.
• The solution should remain clear. If it becomes cloudy, replace it with fresh solution. To optimize flower absorption, use a sharp knife to cut the stems of the flowers at an angle at about 1-2 inches.
• To maximize the lifespan of your flowers, store them in a cool environment.
  

Casual Loose Flowers:

• Remove leaves or small branches that exist below the waterline of a pot or vase to help maximize the efficiency of water absorption.
  
• Place them in a pot or vase with a food solution.
• Store arrangements in a cool place.

Early-Age Single Stems:

• Look for pre-blossoms.
• Avoid anything with droop, spots, or yellowing as these are sings of aging.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the stems of the flowers at an angle at about 1-2 inches.
• Place them in a pot or vase containing a food solution.

There are many benefits to having plants in your house. According to a study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, interaction with indoor plants can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Other benefits include: better concentration, quicker illness recovery, boosted productivity, and improved air quality. Since interaction with indoor plants comes with so many benefits, here are some ways to keep them healthy so you can enjoy them for longer.

• Plants need some amount of light but keep them out of exposure to direct sunlight. Natural light is best but some plants can also exist in an office environment with fluorescent lights.

• Plants should be placed in areas with optimal light exposure. Window sills are excellent locations but near-window tables are fine too. The idea here is light exposure without direct sunlight exposure. Foliage plants, leave-based i.e., trees, don't require as much sunlight and will thrive in environments with reduced lights. This is why natural Christmas trees can last much longer than 7 days.

• Keep potted soil moist into perpetuity by watering it routinely but be careful not to drown your plant.

• Water only the soil, not the plant leaves and avoid excessive heat or cold to prevent freezing or drying, both of which will compromise the integrity of your plant.

It's important here to note that food solution quantities vary by flower and plant and pot/vase size. Be sure to follow the instructions on the food solution packet to ensure the proper amount is used. Flowers and plants should be stored in cooled environments between 60-70 degrees F at night and 75-80 degrees F during the day. Finally, keep them away from direct sunlight and internal household vents and fans.

Wanna add a fresh appeal to your indoor living space? To view our fine selection of quaint and fashionable indoor flower decor, click here.