Flower & plant care
A little thoughtful aftercare helps fresh flowers, plants and real Christmas trees look their best for longer. These are the simple routines we recommend at Gardenia.
How to care for fresh cut flowers
- Start with a clean vase. Wash it thoroughly before adding fresh, cool water.
- Remove any leaves below the waterline. Foliage sitting in water breaks down quickly and encourages bacteria.
- Re-cut the stems. Use clean, sharp scissors or secateurs to trim around 2-3 cm from the base of each stem before placing the flowers in water.
- Add flower food if you have it. Follow the instructions on the sachet rather than adding extra.
- Keep them somewhere cool. Avoid strong direct sunlight, radiators, fires and ripening fruit.
- Refresh the water every two to four days. Clean the vase, re-cut a little from the stems and remove any fading flowers or foliage at the same time.
Different varieties naturally have different vase lives, and some stems will open or fade before others. Removing finished flowers lets the rest of the arrangement continue to shine.
If you are arranging loose stems yourself, our guide to arranging flowers in a vase has a few simple florist techniques to help.
How to care for a Phalaenopsis orchid
Light and temperature
Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, enjoy bright, filtered light but should be kept out of strong direct summer sun. A bright windowsill away from a radiator is usually a good home. Keep them warm and away from cold draughts - ideally above 16°C.
Watering
Water roughly once a week during the growing season, reducing slightly in winter. The bark should be allowed to approach dryness between waterings, but the roots should not be left completely dry for long periods.
The easiest method is to water thoroughly, then let the pot drain completely. Never leave the orchid standing in water, and try to keep water out of the centre of the leaves.
Feeding
Use a specialist orchid fertiliser lightly during active growth, following the manufacturer's instructions. Overfeeding can damage the roots, so more is not better.
After flowering and re-potting
Phalaenopsis orchids can flower at different times of year and their blooms can last for several months. Once flowering has finished, the old flower stem can be cut back to a lower node to encourage another flowering shoot, or removed at the base if it has turned brown and dry.
Re-pot about every two years, or when the bark has broken down or the plant has outgrown its pot. Use a bark-based orchid compost and avoid moving into an unnecessarily large container. Aerial roots above the compost are normal and do not need to be buried.
How to care for a real Christmas tree
A well-watered tree kept away from direct heat will stay fresher, greener and more fragrant for longer.
- Give the trunk a fresh cut. If it has not been freshly cut for you, saw around 1-2 cm from the base before putting the tree into its stand.
- Get it into water promptly. Use a sturdy stand with a water reservoir and keep the base of the trunk submerged.
- Check the water every day. Real trees can drink a surprising amount, particularly when first brought indoors.
- Keep it away from heat. Radiators, fires and strong direct sunlight will dry the tree more quickly.
- Use plain fresh water. There is no need to add sugar, fizzy drinks or tree food.
Need a hand?
Plant care varies by variety, so if you have bought a plant from Gardenia and are unsure what it needs, send us a photograph or pop into the shop and we will happily point you in the right direction.