February
is for lovers and sending a garden valentine is a great way of showing someone
how much you care. So a bouquet or
floral arrangement this Valentine’s Day, or any other day this month will be
the perfect gift.
If you are planning to send the
traditional red roses, the sooner you order them, the better. But be aware; the laws of supply and demand
mean they’ll be rather pricey at holiday time.
Consider some of the alternatives;
other cut flowers, flowering potted plants, or tropical houseplants. A foliage plant which can be dressed up for
the occasion with foil, ribbons, and a Valentine ornament, will last for years
in a home or office, so long as your choice doesn’t demand terribly bright
light.
If you’re less concerned with the
plant’s longevity, you may opt for one with showy flowers instead. You’ll find azaleas, begonias,
chrysanthemums, kalanchoes, Persian violets, and exotic kangaroo pays among
those expected to bloom for several weeks.
Hibiscus plants blossom indoors under bright light, then stop until
they’re put outside for the summer.
Newer African violet hybrids bloom off and on all year round.
Red roses remain a favorite gift but
there are so many other rose colors.
There are also dozens of different cut flowers available, from cheery
spring tulips, daffodils, and iris to exotic anthuriums, heliconias, and
birds-of paradise. You’ll find graceful
spider mums, stems of sweet-scented lilies, sprays of delicate orchids, and
spicy carnations. Old-fashioned mixed
bouquets have become very poplar in recent years.
If buying cut flowers, buy them just
beginning to open and they’ll generally last longest. Buy flowers or bouquets with good leaves, and
flowers without breakage or disease. Protect
from cold on the way home, and use a flower preservative in the water.
If you receive cut flowers, put in
water immediately with flower preservative.
Warm (not hot) water is taken up quicker by the stems. Replace water every three or four days, and
re-cut about a half-inch off of stems each time you change the water.
Although a sunny windowsill is an
ideal spot for sun-loving houseplants, be sure that the plants aren’t touching
the glass or they could be damaged by the cold.
Also, since heating vents are
often located underneath windows, plants
are prone to drying out quickly if you have such forced air heat.
So whatever plants or flowers you
choose to share with your loved one this Valentine’s Day, know that with proper
care and attention they will be there for you to enjoy long after February 14.
When all is said and done, remember
there’s something very romantic about one perfect rose. You needn’t spend a fortune to say, “I love
you” with flowers.
February Houseplant Tips
• Check all five growing factors if your
house plants are not growing well.
Light, temperature, nutrients, moisture, and humidity must be favorable
to provide good growth.
• Resume a fertilizer schedule for indoor
plants, but never fertilize a plant in dry soil. The fertilizer could burn roots that need
water. It’s better to water plants a
couple of hours before fertilizing.
• When placing plants around the home,
remember as a general rule, plants with thick leaves can take lower light
levels than those with thin leaves.
• House plants with large leaves and smooth
foliage (philodendron, dracaena, rubber plant, etc.) benefit if the leaves are
washed at intervals to remove dust and grime, and thus keeping the leaf pores
open.
• Good air circulation is absolutely
necessary for cacti and succulents.
Avoid placing them in hot, stuffy areas.
Be sure the indoor garden is well ventilated, yet not drafty.
