Emma's Flowers
Big Island of Hawaii
(808) 329-4603
For All Tropical Flowers and Foliage:
Unpack carefully and immediately.
Trim ½ to 1 inch off of the stems with a sharp knife or scissors. Every 3-4 days re-trim stems, clean the vase, and replace the water with fresh. Occasionally mist flowers (except orchids sprays).
Anthuriums:Submerge whole flowers in cool water 10-15 minutes.
Keep the flowers away from heat sources and drafts.
Flowers Dendrobium and Oncidium Orchid sprays:
Submerge flowers sprays in cool water 10-15 minutes.
Re-cut stems once or twice a week and change water daily. Keep the flowers away from heat sources and avoid temperatures below 45°F.
Tropicals (Bird of Paradise, Heliconias, Gingers...):
For Ginger: Soak the entire flower and stem in cool water for 10-15 minutes.
For Bird of Paradise: To bring out extra flowers, insert your thumb inside the sheath through the slit on the upper side and gently lift up a new flower. Keep flowers away from heat sources, air conditioning drafts, and direct sunlight.
Foliage:For Foliage: Trim ½ inch off the stem and immerse immediately in fresh water at room temperature for 15 minutes. Lei Care Instructions Keep fresh leis away from heat sources and avoid temperatures below 45 F. Store them on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. (A vegetable bin lined with newspaper works very well). Set your refrigerator on its warmest setting. Mist the leis with fresh water and put them back in the box (or keep wrapped in the plastic covered with newspaper). Store them on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. Set your refrigerator on its warmest setting. Mist the leis with fresh water lightly if they look dry, and put them back in the box, but not in the plastic. Store them on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. Set your refrigerator on its warmest setting.
Set the leis out in the form you would like them to dry in - flat, curved, or hanging. Mist the leis with fresh water and put them back in the box, but not in the plastic. Store them on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. Set your refrigerator on its warmest setting.
Later, the lei may be dried out and hung up, or the leaves may be used to scent clothing. Do not mist the leis. Place leis back in the box (or keep wrapped in the plastic covered with newspaper). Store them on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. Set your refrigerator on its warmest setting.
Later, the Kika Flower Lei may be dried out and displayed - it will keep most of its color. Mist the leis with fresh water and put them back in the box. Store them on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. Set your refrigerator on its warmest setting.
Later, the Many-colored Haku Lei may be dried out and displayed - it will keep most of its color. The Hawaiian custom is to tie a haku lei to a hat, like hat band, and wear the dried lei that way for many years.
Unpack carefully and immediately.
Dendrobium Orchid Leis and Loose Orchids:
Ti-leaf, Song-of-India, Song with Red Ginger Leis:
Tuberose & Orchid Leis, and Kika Flower Leis:
Maile Leis:
Haku Leis:
Spring Flowers: Roses, Lilies, Carnations, etc.
Care for Flower Arrangements: Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by your florist. Flower foods provide sugars, balance ph and limit bacterial growth. It is important to follow the mixing directions on the food packet. Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a quart of water. Do not dilute with more water than is specified on the packet.
Check your arrangement daily to make sure it has plenty of clear fresh water. If possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife or scissors that will not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into warm solution or deeply and firmly back into floral foam.
Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or near appliances. Heat from appliances or hot and cold drafts cause flowers to dehydrate.
Care for Loose Bunches or Boxed Flowers: Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them in a flower food solution. Don't forget how important it is to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet. Fill a clean (washed with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution), deep vase with water and add a flower food from your florist. Remove leaves that will be below the waterline to deter bacterial microbial growth that will limit water uptake by the flower. Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife or scissors. Place the flowers in the vase solution you've prepared.
If you purchase loose flowers for your own arrangements you should also consider these tips: When selecting flowers, look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age. When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place them in warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening.
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Making your flowers last longer |
Each cut flower variety has a different life expectancy. When buying flowers, be sure to ask your florist how long you should expect your arrangement to last. Whatever variety you choose, a little TLC will go a long way to keep your blooms looking fresh longer. Here are a few handy tips that can help add days to their beauty! |
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Floral food and why you should use it |
Floral food is a combination of additives that help to nourish the flowers and discourage bacteria from growing in the water. It is one of the best -- and easiest -- ways to extend the life of your flowers. It is very important to follow the directions on the package correctly. Improperly mixed floral food can do more harm than good. |
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When your flowers arrive in wet foam |
Keep the floral foam soaked in water. The floral food added at the time of design by your florist will stay active. |
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When your flowers have woody stems and branches (such as Quince, Forsythia, or Lilac) |
Cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place in warm water containing fresh floral food to promote flower opening. |
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WARNING...regarding cats and lilies |
According to the National Animal Poison Control Center, certain types of lilies can cause renal failure in cats that have ingested any part of the lily. We strongly suggest keeping lilies out of the reach of cats. For more information, contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at www.aspca.org/apcc or call 888-426-4435. It is important to note that lilies do not pose a problem for other pets or humans. |
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