Though the weather might be cold and grey outside, one easy way to put some colour back into your life is by decorating your home with bright plants and flowers. Over the festive period vibrant poinsettias, Christmas cacti and amaryllis are three of the most popular flowers for people to use to make floral arrangements using their floristry supplies- such as floral foam.
However, if you don’t look after your flowers properly you will be lucky if they haven’t wilted or died by the end of Boxing Day. If you want to make sure your flower arrangement lasts well into the New Year read on for our handy hints and tips.
Poinsettias: The demand for these tropical shrubs peak at this time of year, as they have become symbolic of the spirit of Christmas, They are available in red, white or pink and are originally from Central America.
To make sure your poinsettias thrive, place your flowers in a spot where there is a source of indirect light. They also need to be kept away from drafts, so try to avoid putting them near windows, radiators or doorways. You should also ensure that the flowers are not sitting in water as this can cause the roots to rot.
The Christmas cactus: These attention grabbing plants are characterised by their brightly coloured pink and red spears. They flourish in well lit rooms, and away from any drafts from windows or doors.
You need to be careful not to overwater this type of plant- once an inch of the topsoil is dry you know that it is in need of watering. If the plant begins to wilt, you will need to re-pot it into a larger pot. This type of plant also requires a specialist type of soil to thrive.
Amaryllis: These plants grow into tall stalks, with floppy leaves and flowers that are shaped like trumpets. At this time of year the red, white and pink versions are especially popular.
When the flowers have died, remove the dried blooms and stalks but keep the leaves. Then continue to water the plant throughout the year, making sure you also feed it plant food at regular intervals.
When autumn arrives, stop watering it and leave the leaves to die. Put the plant in a cool dark place for two months. Once this time has passed take it back out, and continue watering it. It should flower again in time for when Christmas arrives again.
If you would like to find out more information on making the most of your Christmas blooms, you can by visiting Ray’s Florist. They have an extensive range of florist supplies such as training aids and reading materials which can help you to develop your green fingers over the course of the next year.
Editor’s Note
Ray’s Florist is represented by Apple Jupp Media. Please direct press queries to Rebecca Appleton. Tel: 0800 094 9001 opt 6 or email Rebecca@applejupp.com
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