Flower & Plant care
We hope these care tips will educate, inform and inspire you. By following our simple instructions, you will gain extra life and pleasure from your flowers. Please call us with any questions about flower care and we'll be happy to help you.
Please note a Pearsons Flower Care Guide and sachet of Flower Food are delivered with every order.
Rose Care Guide
Winter must-haves - Cymbidium Orchids
It’s the florist’s must-have flower in winter. Perfectly suited to cooler weather, cut stems can last well over a month in the right conditions. Originally hybridised from wild varieties from the mountain regions of India and South East Asia it has been enjoyed by the western world for over 100 years.
Cymbidium orchids are available in a wide range of colours from earthy browns and burgundies, fresh green to golden hues and all the shades of pink. They are a stunning addition to almost any arrangement and can be mixed with most flowers but look most elegant on their own with twigs and foliage.
Easy to care for - make sure the water in the vase is clean and fresh and keep the flowers away from heaters or strong draughts.
Tranquility Winter Elegance
Tulip Care
At Pearsons we are always very happy when tulips are in season. As soon as the weather starts to cool down these lovely flowers are available from our flower market from March till September.
To ensure you gain maximum pleasure from your tulips we have included a few tips:
- Always buy tulips when the buds are closed and green. This means they are fresh from the markets. To ensure your recipient always reaps the longest life from their tulips we send them out closed and green, within 24 hours they will start to show colour and over the next days will bloom gloriously.
- Tulips continue to grow after cutting, seeking out and stretching towards any light source.
- Add water regularly - tulips are very thirsty!
Bellow is a picture of very fresh Tempting Tulips! We like to send your tulips out closed and green so that they can last as long as possible for your recipient.
Caring for cut flowers:
- Fill a deep vase with lukewarm water and add the flower food we have provided. Ensure the vase is clean, as bacteria harms flowers.
- If you run out of the Pearsons Flower Food you can substitute with a teaspoon of lemon juice, sugar, aspirin, or bleach (anything that inhibits the growth of bacteria and feeds the flowers).
- Take approximately 2cm off all stems, making a slanted cut with a sharp knife or very sharp scissors and remove leaves that will fall below the waterline.
- Avoid direct sunlight, heat or draughts which can shorten flowers' lives and keep flowers away from fruit.
- Top up the water regularly, add flower food in proportion and remove faded flowers as they occur.
Caring for arrangements:
- Mix the Pearsons Flower Food with water and pour into the vase or bowl supplied with the flowers.
- Remember to protect your furniture by placing something under the arrangement.
- Never let the oasis (green foam) dry out. Simply add water to the oasis daily and enjoy.
Speciality flower care:
for roses:
- Scald the bottom of the stem of the roses in boiling water for approximately 30 seconds before placing them in a clean vase of fresh water to which you have added the Flower Food.
- Refresh the vase and water daily. If roses begin to wilt, re-cut the stems.
- If you have received your roses while at the office, they can be left in the box with the water vials until you arrive home.
for tropical flowers: (blooms include: Heliconia, Orchids, Anthuriums)
- A regular misting with a fine spray and a wipe over with a damp cloth will ensure your tropical flowers retain their glossy foliage.
for lilums:
- To prevent pollen stains, remove stamens by gently pulling them up out of the flower with a tissue.
- Pollen stains can be brushed off or capture the pollen with cellotape & remove. If pollen gets into the fabric, treat as you would an-oil based stain.
for tulips:
- Tulips continue to grow after they are cut, stretching towards a light source.
- Turn your vase occasionally to ensure an even growth of your tulips.
- Never mix tulips and daffodils as daffodils emit sap which can contaminate the water.
- Add water regularly - tulips are a thirsty lot!
Ten Tips for healthier plants:
- When deciding on a location for the plant, consider its preferred light & heat levels. For example, plants that like high humidity (eg: maiden hair ferns) will flourish in a bathroom.
- Position plants away from strong heat or cold draughts.
- Water most plants from below and provide good drainage.
- Most plants prefer to dry out a little between thorough waterings.
- Feed plants regularly with the appropriate food.
- Give broad glossy leaves an occasional wipe with a damp cloth.
- Pruning plants can encourage new growth.
- Flowering plants kept slightly pot bound will produce more flowers
- Check your plants regularly for signs of stress, pests or disease & treat accordingly.
- Remove dead leaves and flowers as they occur.
Specialist Plant Care:
Caring for orchid plants:
- Orchids enjoy bright but not direct light
- Don't overwater! Watering is best done from above using either a watering can or hose, or you can soak the pot in water for a minute or so.
- Ensure the plant has good drainage.
- Pruning - when flowers finish, cut the stem approximately 3cm from base & a new stem will shoot in the following season.
- Feeding - use commercial orchid fertiliser, as directed
Caring for bonsai:
- It is very important to keep your bonsai evenly moist and never let it completely dry out.
- It is best to water your bonsai from above using a watering can or a hose pipe. You can also soak your bonsai in water for at least a minute to give it a good drink.
Caring for cyclamen plants:
- Keep soil moist and do not over-water.
- Never let your cyclamen sit in water.
- Position for morning light and avoid draughts.