Flower & Plant Care Guide
Identify Your Arrangement Type
Proper care depends on the type of floral arrangement you have:
Vase Arrangement
Flowers placed in a glass or ceramic vase with water.
Floral Foam (Oasis) Arrangement
Flowers inserted into floral foam for structure and hydration.
Different flowers require different levels of care. For example, hydrangeas need more attention than carnations, and roses may need extra trimming. Follow the guidelines below to extend the life of your flowers.
For additional support or questions, please call or text 407-765-6250.
Vase Arrangements
- Keep the vase filled to the brim with lukewarm water on the first day.
- Place flowers in a cool area—avoid heat and direct air drafts.
- Avoid direct sunlight to prevent wilting and burning.
- Flowers drink water quickly—refill the vase daily.
- If water turns cloudy or hazy, bacteria is present.
- Remove flowers, clean the vase with antibacterial soap, and refill with fresh water.
- Trim stems at a 45-degree angle every couple of days for better hydration.
- Remove decaying flowers and leaves immediately to prevent mold and rot.
- Keep arrangements away from fruit—ethylene gas from ripening fruit shortens flower life.
Floral Foam (Oasis) Arrangements
- Water daily—floral foam dries out faster than vases.
- Follow all vase arrangement care tips above.
- Foam arrangements don’t have direct access to a water source, so consistent watering is crucial.
Orchid Care
Common mistake: overwatering without drainage, leading to root rot.
- Water in the morning to allow full evaporation by nightfall.
- Remove the orchid from the pot (kept in a plastic wrap for easy handling) and:
- Run water over roots for 15 seconds (low water pressure).
- Let the orchid air dry for 15–20 minutes before placing it back.
- Alternative method: Place 1–2 ice cubes on top of the moss or mulch and allow them to melt.
- Keep in indirect sunlight—no air drafts or cold rooms.
- After blooming ends, your orchid is not dead! Place it in shaded outdoor indirect sunlight and be patient—it will bloom again.
Dish Garden Care
A dish garden is a collection of indoor plants. Common varieties include:
- Peace Lily
- Heartleaf Philodendron
- Maranta Prayer Plant
- Arrowhead Vine
- Ribbon Plant
- Parlor Palm
- Florida Beauty
General Care
- Repot when roots become tangled or overgrown.
- Each plant variety has different watering needs (see specific care below).
Specific Care
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light. Avoid direct sunlight.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Humidity: Thrives in high humidity; mist occasionally or place near a humidifier.
Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C). Keep away from drafts and cold air.
Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 6–8 weeks during the growing season.
Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Light: Thrives in low to bright, indirect light. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight.
Watering: Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Humidity: Enjoys moderate to high humidity but adapts well to average indoor conditions.
Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C). Avoid cold drafts.
Fertilizer: Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during spring and summer.
Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
Maranta Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top half-inch of soil is dry.
Humidity: Requires high humidity; mist regularly or use a humidifier.
Temperature: Keep between 65–75°F (18–24°C). Avoid cold drafts.
Fertilizer: Feed with a diluted liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks in spring and summer.
Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and humans.
Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
Light: Grows well in low to bright, indirect light. Avoid prolonged direct sun.
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Reduce watering in winter.
Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity. Mist occasionally for best growth.
Temperature: Ideal range is 60–85°F (16–29°C). Keep away from drafts.
Fertilizer: Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
Ribbon Plant (Dracaena sanderiana, also known as Lucky Bamboo)
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate lower light but may grow slower.
Watering (in soil): Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch is dry.
Watering (in water): Use distilled or filtered water. Change water every 7–10 days.
Humidity: Adapts well to average household humidity.
Temperature: Prefers 65–90°F (18–32°C). Keep away from drafts.
Fertilizer: If grown in water, use a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month. In soil, feed every 6–8 weeks.
Toxicity: Toxic to pets if ingested.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Light: Prefers low to bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.
Watering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. Water less in winter.
Humidity: Thrives in moderate to high humidity but adapts to drier air.
Temperature: Ideal range is 65–80°F (18–27°C). Protect from cold drafts.
Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 months in spring and summer.
Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and humans.
Florida Beauty (Dracaena surculosa)
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade.
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering.
Humidity: Likes moderate to high humidity; mist occasionally.
Temperature: Keep between 65–80°F (18–27°C). Avoid cold drafts.
Fertilizer: Feed every 4–6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Toxicity: Toxic to pets if ingested.
- One of the easiest plants to care for.
- Water once a week (or whenever drooping occurs).
- Thrives with a consistent watering schedule.
Succulent Gardens
Succulents require less water but can be tricky to care for.
- Overwatered succulents? Remove from the pot and let dry for 24 hours before replanting.
- Thrive best in direct sunlight, but some varieties have thin skin and may burn.
- Water only when soil is completely dry.
Tabletop & Floor Planter Care
For larger potted plants, follow similar care tips based on the plant species inside.
- Keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Place in bright, indirect sunlight.
- Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust and promote healthy growth.
Need More Help?
Call or text 407-765-6250 for any plant or flower care questions.