COMMON NAME: AFRICAN VIOLET BOTANICAL: SAINTPAULIA ORIGIN: TANZANIA

CARE BASICS:
IMMEDIATE LONGTIME CARE:
Step 1
Place indoors and by a window in a climate controlled area (medium humidity). They like to get a bit of sunlight each day, prefer a window that faces the east. Does best in 70 to 75 degrees during the day and not below 60 degrees at night.

Step 2
Let the water sit out for 8 hours before watering.

Step 3
Do not water the leaves, this could cause dead spots. Water any time the soil becomes dry.

LONGTIME CARE:
Soil: Rich soil, there are special soil mixes designed for African Violets. When transplanting, be sure the soil is not packed too tightly. Fertilizer: There is specialty fertilizer for this plant.

COMMON NAME: CHINESE EVERGREEN, PEWTER PLANT BOTANICAL NAME: AGLAONEMA ORIGIN: PHILLIPINES, CHINA, MALAYSIA

BASIC CARE:
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE
Step 1
Keep soil slightly dry and water the plant with room temperature or warm water. Do not overwater.

Step 2
Provide the plant with moderate to low filtered light.

Step 3
Fertilize with caution. Should receive only fertilizer that is diluted to 1/4 strength. Can fertilize every two weeks from Spring through Fall with a water soluble, lime free fertilizer. Stop during the winter. Also, should use general purpose potting soil (that remains water yet drains well) will work.

Step 4
Keep in a warm temperature, preferably at least 75 degrees with a 10 degree drop at night. They are extremely sensitive to cold temperatures and below 55 degrees can severely damage.

Step 5
Remove discolored lower leaves to allow new growth to flourish. Can also remove the green blooms, either as soon as they appear or at least when they die.

Step 6
Keep in humid conditions, although it can tolerate low humidity for stretches of time. If your home has low humidity, mist the leaves with warm water to simulate humidity.

COMMON NAME: AMARYLLIS BOTANICAL NAME: HIPPEASTRUM ORIGIN: PERU

BASIC CARE:
IMMEDIATE CARE:
Step 1
Keep near a sunny window (medium humidity), and water when the soil is almost dry.

Step 2
Cut off the blooms after finished blooming. When the stem sags, cut it back about 1 to 2 inches above the bulb.

Step 3
Continue to water and feed the bulb for approximately six months. Use an all-purpose water soluble fertilizer every few weeks to fertilize.

LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Remove the bulb from the soil and clean the excess dirt from it. Place into the vegetable crisper drawer of the refrigerator for approximately six weeks or until ready to plant. Do not store the bulbs with apples because the apples will produce a chemical reaction in the bulbs that will destroy them.

Step 2
Soak bulbs in lukewarm water for several hours immediately prior to planting.

Step 3
Fill a container with rich potting soil if planting in a container. If planting outside, prepare a planting area that is rich with compost material in the soil.

Step 4
Dig a hole into the container or in the ground so that the bulb will be positioned up to the neck area in the soil. Place the bulb into the hole carefully so the roots are not damaged. Pat down the soil around the bulb firmly to finish planting the bulb.

Step 6
Place the container in a place where it will receive sun. Water the bulb lightly in the days after planting. When green shoots appear, begin to give more water. Look for blooms approximately eight weeks after planting.

Step 7
Cut off the blooms after finished blooming. When the stem sags, cut it all the way back to the bulb.

Step 8
Continue to water and feed the bulb for approximately six months. Use an all-purpose water soluble fertilizer every few weeks to fertilize. If the bulb is outside, cut back all of the growth in the autumn. Begin the blooming process again by repeating steps 1 through 10.

COMMON NAME: ARECA PALM, BUTTERFLY PALM, GOLDEN CRANE PALM, GOLDEN FEATHER PALM, YELLOW PALM, MADAGASCAR PALM BOTANICAL NAME: Chrysalidocarpus lutescens ORIGIN: MADAGASCAR

BASIC CARE:
IMMEDIATE CARE:
Step 1
Place in a room with medium to high lighting (medium humidity). Too much sun can yellow the leaves.

Step 2
Water the palm often with warm water. Make sure the soil is well-moistened, do not allow to dry out.

Step 3
Use a water soluble fertilizer and fertilize a few times a year to keep the soil rich in nutrients. A general purpose potting soil that is well aerated will work.

COMMON NAME: AZALEA, ROSE BAY BOTANICAL NAME: RHODODENDRON ORIGIN: HIMALAYAS

BASIC CARE:
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
If came with a decorative foil or plastic wrapper around the pot, remove it.

Step 2
Make sure the container is the proper size. Take the plant out of the pot and examine the root ball. If there are lots of roots on the outside, it is time to replant.

Step 3
If re-potting, the pot should be about one size larger than the present pot. They do best in clay pots. Trim sides off if the root ball is compact. Soil should be lime free and one that retains water, but still drains well.

Step 5
Place in an area with lots of bright sunlight. Keep the soil wet and water with warm water.

Step 6
Fertilize the potted azalea about every two weeks.

COMMON NAME: BONSAI ORIGIN: CHINA

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Need to water often, but in small amounts to keep it moist. It is good to try and imitate rainfall when water. In the winter, it will require less water than in the summer.

Step 2
Eventually, it will need to be re-potted. It is very important that you use only special bonsai compost or potting soil.

Step 3
They can be trained by using special bonsai wire to shape and form the branches and will remain in place for 9 months to a year. The training needs to be performed in the spring time or early summer.

Step 4
For the plants that flower and bear fruit, the leaf buds should be nipped after the plant has bloomed and any unwanted twigs removed. For pine and other cone bearing trees, they should only be pruned in the spring when the buds appear. They need to be pruned back to just behind the new growth.

COMMON NAME: BOSTON FERN BOTANICAL NAME: NEPHROLEPIS EXALTATA ‘BOSTONIENSIS’ ORIGIN: TROPICS

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Need diffused light, so place your ferns near a east or western facing window.

Step 2
Grow best with cooler temperatures, typically between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and slightly cooler in the evening.

Step 3
Water when the soil has dried out visibly, but not completely dried. Distilled water is best.

Step 4
In spring and summer, fertilize once a month with a good rich water soluble fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen. Do no fertilize in cooler months.

COMMON NAME: BROMELIAD, PAINTED FEATHER, LOBSTER CLAW BOTANICAL NAME: VRIESEA ORIGIN: CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Keep it near a window, as they don't do as well in the shade.

Step 2
Water weekly, or once the soil is completely dry. Pour a small amount of water into the plant's funnel (about ½ cup), and another ½ cup in the soil around the plant.

Step 3
Ensure that your plant has adequate drainage.

Step 4
Use fertilizer sparingly in the summer months when there is the most light. Do not fertilize in the winter months at all. Use 1/3 of the recommended dosage of general-purpose fertilizer every two months.

COMMON NAME: CACTI (PRICKLY PEAR) AND SUCCULENTS BOTANICAL NAME: CACTI (CEREUS, NOTOCACTUS, OPUNTIA, ECHINOCACTUS AND ECHINOPSIS) & SUCCULENTS (CHRYSANTHEMUM MORIFOLIUM) ORIGIN: DRIER REGIONS & CANARY ISLANDS, CHINA SUCCULENT CATEGORIES: LEAF, STEM, CAUDICIFORM, ROOT

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Water sparingly. Be sure to water thoroughly until it runs out of the bottom of the pot.

Step 2
Place a layer of pea gravel on top of the soil in your pot.

Step 3
They like bright, indirect light, not the hot direct sun of a south-facing windowsill.

Step 4
Fertilize with a low nitrogen liquid fertilizer (for example, 5-10-10). Apply fertilizer at one-quarter the manufacturer's recommended rate.

Step 6
Give succulents enough air movement, but keep them away from cold winter drafts.

Step 7
Give succulents a rest during the lower light levels of winter. Reduce watering to once a month or less, depending on the needs of your plant. If it looks wilted or if the soil is very dry, water more often.

COMMON NAME: CALLA LILY BOTANICAL NAME: ZANTEDESCHIA AETHIOPICA ORIGIN: SOUTH AFRICA

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Place in a spot that is just shy of full sunlight, with a temperature around 70 degrees F. You can place outside in a sunny location if the temperatures are warmer than 60 degrees F at night.

Step 2
Need moist soil at all times. Be sure to allow excess water to drain from the bottom of the flowerpot.

Step 3
Adding mulch helps the soil retain moisture without becoming saturated.

Step 4
Feed with mild solution of balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks while they are flowering. Feed once a month if the plant is showing signs of active growth but not flowering. If your Calla lily plant has dark tips on its leaves, this might indicate you are using too much fertilizer.

Step 5
Will need to be repotted once a year to provide them with fresh soil. Once your plant's bloom has withered, prune the dead leaves and the stem. Remove the bulb from the soil and allow it to dry out for 3 to 4 weeks. Once bulb has hardened, repot the bulb in fertilized soil, that is well aerated, that is 2 to 4 inches deep. Repeat the steps listed above.

COMMON NAME: CHRISTMAS CACTUS BOTANICAL NAME: SCHLUMBERGERA X BUCKLEYI ORIGIN: BOLIVIA

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
STEP 1
Keep the plant in a well-lit location away from direct sunlight, drafts, heat vents, fireplaces or other sources of hot air. Keep temperature range at 65 to 80 degrees F, 18 to 27 degrees C.

Step 2
Medium humidity so provide a source of humidity if you live in a dry environment.

Step 3
If the soil gets too dry, the flowers buds will drop, and the plant will wilt.

Step 4
Add fertilizer to assist plant growth 2-4 times a year. Plants that are actively growing should be given a blooming houseplant-type fertilizer. Follow the label directions for how much and how often to feed. Stop feeding about a month before the buds appear (this usually means stopping by the end of October).

Step 5
During the fall, should be placed in a spot where it receives indoor indirect, bright light during the daylight hours but total darkness at night (absolutely no artificial light). From September and October, the Christmas Cactus should be kept in a cool room where temperatures will remain around 50 degrees, give or take a few degrees. Reduce the watering slightly. Prune the Christmas cactus about a month after blooming.

The best time for repotting is between February and April, about once every three years. Soil should be one that's well-drained with good aeration.

COMMON NAME: MUM, CHRYSANTHEMUM, BOTANICAL NAME: CHRYSANTHEMUM MORIFOLIUM ORIGIN: CHINA

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
STEP 1
Place the flower in front of or in a sunny window.

Step 2 Water when the soil begins to dry. Mums requires the soil to stay moist. Most will last 7 to 12 days.

COMMON NAME: SOW BREAD, CYCLAMEN BOTANICAL NAME: CYCLAMEN PERSICUM ORIGIN: SOUTHERN EUROPE, GREECE, SYRIA

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Place in medium light, but not direct sunlight.

Step 2
Keep a cool temperature, preferably down to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool temperatures will prolong the time the plant blooms.

Step 3
Mist plants at least several times a week to give them the humidity they need and water the plant from a tray underneath the plant.

Step 4
Cut dead flower stalks off as soon as they become unattractive.

Step 5
Throw the plant away when all signs of blooms or buds are gone. The plant does not bloom again.

COMMON NAME: DAFFODIL, TRUMPET NARCISSUS BOTANICAL NAME: NARCISSUS PSEUDONARCISSUS OR NARCISSUS CYCLAMINEUS ‘SUNDIAL’ ORIGIN: PORTUGAL

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
They last from 5 to 12 days. So every 2 to 3 days, re-cut their stems and change their water. When the stems are cut, they release a sap. To extend the life, place the stems in a bucket of water for at least 12 hours on their own before mixing them with other flowers.

Step 2
The water should only fill the vase up half way. You can leave the husks on or gently remove them.

COMMON NAME: DUMB CANE, LEOPARDS LILY, SPOTTED DUMB CRANE, DIEFFENBACHIA BOTANICAL NAME: DIEFFENBACHIA ORIGIN: COLUMBIA, COSTA RICA, BRAZIL

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Need consistent light levels throughout the year. They prefer the bright light with any direct sunlight .

Step 2
Place in a warm temperature, ranging between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as increased humidity.

Step 3
Water when you cannot feel moisture by sticking your finger into the soil.

Step 4
Cut stems back to about 6 inches tall if you do not like the look of the plant after it drops its lower leaves.

COMMON NAME: EASTER LILY, WHITE TRUMPET LILY BOTANICAL NAME: LILIUM LONGIFLORUM ‘NELLIE WHITE’ ORIGIN: JAPAN

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE CARE:
STEP 1
Place in bright, but indirect sunlight, away from drafts and heat sources with medium humidity. Cool daytime temperatures in the 60 to 65 degrees will prolong the life of the blooms.

STEP 2
Remove the yellow anthers from the flower centers.

STEP 3
Water only when the soil becomes dry to the touch and don’t leave it dry for an extended period of time. If the Lily is in a decorative foil wrapper, be sure water is not accumulating under the pot.

STEP 4
Remove flowers as they fade and wither.

LONGTERM CARE (TRANSPLANT):
STEP 1
Wait until all the flowers have withered and been removed and danger of frost has passed. Place in a sunny well-drained spot. Plant the lily bulb to the same depth as it was in the pot. Add an additional 2 inch layer of organic mulch. Lilies like sunshine, but cool soil.

STEP 2
When original leaves and stem starts to turn brown, cut it down to the green. Let it grow foliage the first year. The new growth will turn yellow in the fall and then it can be cut back to soil level. Apply a few more inches of soil to insulate through the winter. Remove the mulch as the weather warms. It may take a couple of years for the plant to build up strength.

COMMON NAME: FIG BOTANICAL NAME: FICUS ORIGIN: TROPICAL AFRICA, TROPICAL ASIA

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Place in the area where it will get the most hours of light a day.

Step 2
The more light, the more water. If the plant is receiving less light (as in winter months), water less frequently--about once a week, just enough to moisten soil.

Step 3
If outgrowing the pot, you may see some leaves yellowing or dropping. Replant into a larger pot to allow the roots to grow.
Step 4
Prune in spring if it appears to be growing too wildly.

COMMON NAME: GARDENIA, CAPE JASMINE BOTANICAL NAME: GARDENIA AUGUSTA ORIGIN: SOUTH AFRICA, CHINA

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Place in a sunny window, well away from drafts with daytime temperatures between 68 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit with a low of 60 degrees at night.

Step 2
Keep your gardenia's soil moist, but not wet.

Step 3
Encourage bud growth by pruning the old growth, by pruning in early spring, before flowering begins.

Fertilize monthly from April through November with an acid-loving, flower-friendly mix. Also, use water-soluble acidic fertilizers every two to three weeks during flowering season.

COMMON NAME: HYACINTH BOTANICAL NAME: HYACINTHUS ORIENTALIS HYBRIDS ORIGIN: MEDITERRANEAN

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Water your hyacinths well either in the morning or late afternoon.

Step 2
Cut away the flower stalks after bloom in the spring. Let the leaves remain on the plant and die on their own. Remove dead leaves by either cutting them at their base or twisting the leaves while you gently pull them.

Step 3
Apply compost once every year.

Step 4
Allow your hyacinths to grow in an area with plenty of sunshine.

COMMON NAME: HYDRANGEA BOTANICAL NAME: HYDRANGEA MACROPHYLLA ORIGIN: AMERICA TEMPERATE ZONES

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Give morning exposure to the sun. Allow for shade in the afternoon or keep them in the sun all day as long as you water them frequently.

Step 2
Fertilize your hydrangeas once or twice a year. For best results, use a slow-releasing fertilizer.

Step 3
Prune your hydrangeas in the spring, but avoid the plant's new growth.

Step 4
Protect your hydrangeas in inclement weather by covering when the temperature is going to drop below 25 degrees F.

COMMON NAME: IVY BOTANICAL NAME: HEDERA ORIGIN: AZORES

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Water consistently with tepid water to keep the roots moist. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.

Step 2
Keep indoor ivy plants in rooms with the consistent, moderate temperatures of about 50 to 70 degrees. Keep them away from hot or cold drafts.

Step 3
Mist them daily with water in winter to keep them moist.

Step 4
Give plenty of light, but avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight

Step 5
Encourage full growth by pruning straggly stems. You can also fertilize in the spring with a houseplant fertilizer at half strength.

Step 6
Remove dead leaves and check for insects daily.

COMMON NAME: KALANCHOE BOTANICAL NAME: KALANCHOE BLOSSFELDIANA ORIGIN: MADAGASCAR, SOUTH AFRICA, ETHIOPIA

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Place in full sun, if possible.

Step 2
Water kalanchoes sparingly.

Step 3
Remove dead bloom stalks from plants when they become unattractive.

Step 4
Discard the plant after all signs of flowers are gone, or keep the plant for its foliage. If you keep it, continue normal care, but ensure it receives high light.

Step 5
Attempt to re-flower the following winter by giving it a rest period with low light and cool temperatures. The following September, move the plant out of the light to a dark location in early evening. Return it to the light in the morning. Reduce watering and keep it in temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. In six weeks, return the plant to normal conditions and see if it flowers again.

COMMON NAME: ROSE BOTANICAL NAME: ROSA ORIGIN: NORTHERN TEMPERATE ZONES

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Immediately remove the roses from the plastic sleeve or collar.

Step 2
Fill a sink or bucket with warm water. Place all the roses into the warm water.

Step 3
Cut the rose stems on an angle while the stem is still under the water.

Step 4
Fill a vase with warm and fresh water. Place one drop of bleach in the water.

Step 5
Place a packet of floral extender if you don't have, add bleach into the warm water.

Step 6
Place your freshly cut roses into the vase with the treated water. Change the water at least every other day. You can add the bleach or floral extender each time you change out the water.

COMMON NAME: ORCHID

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Water orchid once a week in summer and every 10 days in winter. Run water over the pot for about 30 seconds, letting most of the water drain out the bottom.

Step 2
Pour a pint of half-strength fertilizer near the base of the orchid after watering each week. Use a balanced 20-20-20 plant food.

Step 3
Filtered light is best.

Step 4
Re-pot the orchid every 2 years with a bigger pot to prevent the plant from becoming root-bound. Soil should be one that drains well and is well aerated.

COMMON NAME: ORIENTAL LILY, ORIENTAL HYBRID BOTANICAL NAME: LILIUM ORIGIN: CHINA & JAPAN

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Needs indirect sunlight.

Step 2
Place your plant in a cool location away from direct heat sources. The best is a cool area that is 60 to 62 degrees.

Step 3
Water your plant every couple days.

Step 4
Pinch the pollen sacs off your lilies so they don't make a mess. Faded flowers should also be removed.

Step 5
After potted lily has bloomed and if the weather is right, can move it to an outdoor location. Choose a sunny location and dig the hold a bit larger than the pot.

Step 7
Give it water and fertilizer regularly. A balanced liquid fertilizer is best for lilies.

COMMON NAME: PAPER WHITE-NARCISSUS BOTANICAL NAME: NARCISSUS PAPRYACEUS ORIGIN: WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN

COMMON NAME: POINSETTIA BOTANICAL NAME: EUPHORBIA PULCHERRIMA ‘FREEDOM RED’ ORIGIN: MEXICO

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Place your poinsettia in a sunny window.

Step 2
Keep soil evenly moist at all times.

Step 3
Provide a constant source of humidity by filling the overflow saucer with gravel.

Step 4
Turn up the heat.

Step 5
Keep the temperature as close to constant as you can, day and night.

Step 6
Fertilize weekly with half-strength liquid houseplant fertilizer, or use a slow-release food when you first bring your poinsettia home.

COMMON NAME: PHILODENDRON BOTANICAL NAME: PHILODENDRON ORIGIN: BRAZIL,PERU, TROPICAL AMERICA

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Water when the top of the potting mix is dry to the touch, but before the entire potting mix dries out.

Step 2
Place in west or east windows with filtered light.

Step 3
Temperature should not get below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, it will thrive as long as it is given good overall care.

Step 4
Re-pot when roots have wrapped around the bottom of the pot. Upgrade them to the next bigger pot and fill the empty space with a mixture of two parts standard potting mix and one part peat moss.

COMMON NAME: DWARF UMBRELLA TREE, PARASOL PLANT, STAR LEAF BOTANICAL NAME: SCHEFFLERA ARBORICOLA ORIGIN: TAIWAN

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
STEP 1
Require bright indirect light (medium humidity).

STEP 2
Allow the soil to dry in between watering; however do not allow it to stay dry for long periods of time and do not overwater. A good general purpose soil will suffice, please ensure that it is well aerated.

STEP 3
Can prune to get shape under control.

COMMON NAME: SPATHIPHYLLUM BOTANICAL NAME: SPATHIPHYLLUM ORIGIN: COLUMBIA

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
STEP 1
Place where it will have indirect sunlight.

STEP 2
Drench the soil and let it become moderately dry between watering. Use warm water.

STEP 3
Feed every 2 weeks with a water soluble fertilizer during the summer months only. However, please note that you may need to add it more sparingly. Fertilizers contain salt which can sit in the soil and as you add more each time you fertilize, the salt burns the roots, creating brown tips. It may be that you only need to do it once a year. Cut the recommended portion of fertilizer in half and keep the water amount the same when using any fertilizer on this plant.

STEP 4
Remove the salt from the soil by leaching the salt. If the tips start to turn brown, you have to add water to clean the soil. One way to do this without hurting the plant and causing more problems is to take the plant outside on a warm day and water the plant until the water pours out the bottom. Leave it to sit in the sun so the soil can dry.

COMMON NAME: PERUVIAN LILY, LILY OF THE INCAS BOTANICAL NAME: ALSTROEMERIA ORIGIN: SOUTH AMERICA, CHILE

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
STEP 1
Place in full sun.

STEP 2
Use lukewarm water and will require a lot of water in the vase. Remove damaged or dying flowers and foliage.

STEP 3
Every 4 to 5 days remove them from the vase and cut off about 1 inch from the bottom at an angle. Also, change the water at this time.

COMMON NAME: BELLADONNA LILY OR NAKED LADIES OR JERSEY LILY BOTANICAL NAME: AMARYLLIS ORIGIN: SOUTH AFRICA

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
STEP 1
Place in warm place that is typically 68 to 70 degrees F. Water gradually.

STEP 2
After they have stopped flower, cut the old flowers from the stem. When stem starts to sag, cut it back to the top of the bulb.

STEP 3
Continue to water and fertilize for 5 to 6 months, allowing leaves to fully develop and grow. When leaves begin to turn yellow, cut them back to about 2 inches from top of the bulb. Then remove bulb from the soil

STEP 4
Clean bulb and place in cool (40 to 50 degrees F), dark place for a minimum of 6 weeks.

STEP 5
After 6 weeks, you may plant them in nutritious compost. It will typically take 8 weeks before bloom.

COMMON NAME: ANEMONE, CROWN WINDFLOWER, POPPY, GREEK WILDFLOWERS BOTANICAL NAME: ANEMONE CORONARIA ORIGIN: ASIA THROUGH EUROPE

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
STEP 1
Longevity is typically 5 to 7 days. Keep water fresh. Replace every 3 days with cold water. Add a floral preservative with each water change.

STEP 2
Re-cut 1/2” from the base under water. Remove any foliage that may become submerged in water after re-cutting.

COMMON NAME: BELLS OF IRELAND, SHELL FLOWER BOTANICAL NAME: MOLUCCELLA IAEVIS ORIGIN: TURKEY, SYRIA, AND THE CAUCASUS

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
STEP 1
Keep the water fresh. Replace water every 3rd day with cold water. Add floral preservative with each water change.

STEP 2
Cut 1/2” of stem off under water. Remove foliage that may now be submerged under water.

COMMON NAME: BIRDS OF PARADISE BOTANICAL NAME: STRELITZIA REGINAE ORIGIN: SUBTROPICAL (SOUTH AMERICA & SOUTH AFRICA)

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
STEP 1
Keep the water fresh. Replace water every 3rd day with cold water. Add floral preservative with each water change.

STEP 2
Cut 1/2” of stem off under water. Remove foliage that may now be submerged under water.

COMMON NAME: CALLA LILY BOTANICAL NAME: ZANTEDESCHIA AETHIOPICA ORIGIN: SOUTH AFRICA

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Place in a spot that is just shy of full sunlight, with a temperature around 70 degrees F. Can place outside in a sunny location if the temperatures are warmer than 60 degrees F at night.

Step 2
Need moist soil at all times. Be sure to allow excess water to drain from the bottom of the flowerpot.

Step 3
Adding mulch helps the soil retain moisture without becoming saturated.

Step 4
Feed with mild solution of balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks while they are flowering. Feed once a month if the plant is showing signs of active growth but not flowering. If your Calla lily plant has dark tips on its leaves, this might indicate you are using too much fertilizer.

Step 5
Will need to be repotted once a year to provide them with fresh soil. Once your plant's bloom has withered, prune the dead leaves and the stem. Remove the bulb from the soil and allow it to dry out for 3 to 4 weeks. Once bulb has hardened, repot the bulb in fertilized soil, that is well aerated, that is 2 to 4 inches deep. Repeat the steps listed above.

COMMON NAME: CARNATION BOTANICAL NAME: DIANTHUS ORIGIN: SOUTHERN EUROPE, INDIA, JAPAN

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
STEP 1
Ensure vase is clean and gauge the length needed for each carnation by holding next to vase. Cut stems at a 45 degree angle and to cut above the nodes. Add nourishment. Change water and do these steps every 2 to 3 days.

STEP 2
Keep away from drafts, direct sun, and excessive heat.

COMMON NAME: MUM BOTANICAL NAME: CHRYSANTHEMUM MORIFOLIUM ORIGIN: CANARY ISLANDS/CHINA

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
STEP 1
Place the flower in front of or in a sunny window.

Step 2
Water when the soil begins to dry. Mums requires the soil to stay moist. Most will last 7 to 12 days.

COMMON NAME: DAFFODIL, TRUMPET NARCISSUS BOTANICAL NAME: NARCISSUS PSEUDONARCISSUS OR NARCISSUS CYCLAMINEUS ‘SUNDIAL’ ORIGIN: PORTUGAL

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
They last from 5 to 12 days. So every 2 to 3 days, re-cut their stems and change their water. When the stems are cut, they release a sap. To extend the life, place the stems in a bucket of water for at least 12 hours on their own before mixing them with other flowers. Also, adding additional floral food. The water should only fill the vase up half way.

Step 2
You can leave the husks on or gently remove them.

COMMON NAME: DAISIES BOTANICAL NAME: BELLES PERENNIS ORIGIN:

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
STEP 1
Place in cool area out of direct sunlight and drafts.

STEP 2
Cut about 1 inch off stem while holding the stem under water.

STEP 3
Add flower preservative to water and immediately place cut daisies into the vase. Clean water and preservatives should be added every 1 to 2 days.

COMMON NAME: ORCHID BOTANICAL NAME: DENDROBIUM ORCHIDS ORIGIN: HIMALAYAS

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Place in a bright spot. Do not place them outside in direct sunlight.

Step 2
Keep the nighttime temperature between 60 to 65 degrees F. The daytime temperature is ideal at 75 to 85 degrees F. Let the soil dry out between watering.

Step 3
Add fertilizer to the soil once a month. Purchase a fertilizer formulated for orchids and follow the label instructions. Do not over feed the orchids

Step 4
Needs air movement to prevent mold from developing on the joints of the leafs. Open a window or set up a small fan--facing away from the plant. (Soap and water cleans mold off the flowers well.)

COMMON NAME: FREESIA BOTANICAL NAME: FREESIA ORIGIN: SOUTH AFRICA

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
STEP 1
Typically, lasts 7 to 10 days. Keep in a cooler room.

STEP 2
Keep the water fresh. Replace water every 3rd day with cold water. Add floral preservative with each water change.

STEP 3
Cut 1/2” of stem off under water. Remove foliage that may now be submerged under water.

COMMON NAME: GERBERA BOTANICAL NAME: GERBERA JAMESONII ORIGIN: SOUTH AFRICA

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Place gerbera daisies in a sunny location either indoors or outdoors.

Step 2
Make sure the soil is well-drained.

Step 3
Keep the soil moist during blooming season (spring and early summer) and fertilize every other week using a water-soluble fertilizer. Allow the soil to dry between watering once blooming season is over.

Step 4
Bring indoors if temperature reaches above 75 degrees or below 45 degrees.

Step 5
Remove any spent flowers and leaves as soon as possible to encourage new blooms.

COMMON NAME: HYACINTH BOTANICAL NAME: HYACINTHUS ORIENTALIS HYBRIDS ORIGIN: MEDITERRANEAN

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Water your hyacinths well either in the morning or late afternoon.

Step 2
Cut away the flower stalks after bloom in the spring. Let the leaves remain on the plant and die on their own. Remove dead leaves by either cutting them at their base or twisting the leaves while you gently pull them.

Step 3
Apply compost once every year.

Step 4
Allow your hyacinths to grow in an area with plenty of sunshine.

COMMON NAME: HYDRANGEA BOTANICAL NAME: HYDRANGEA MACROPHYLLA ORIGIN: AMERICA TEMPERATE ZONES

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
Step 1
Give morning exposure to the sun. Allow for shade in the afternoon or keep them in the sun all day as long as you water them frequently.

Step 2
Fertilize your hydrangeas once or twice a year. For best results, use a slow-releasing fertilizer.

Step 3
Prune your hydrangeas in the spring, but avoid the plant's new growth.

Step 4
Protect your hydrangeas in inclement weather by covering when the temperature is going to drop below 25 degrees F.

COMMON NAME: IRIS BOTANICAL NAME: IRIS ORIGIN: EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA, ASIA, NORTH AMERICA

BASIC CARE
IMMEDIATE/LONGTERM CARE:
STEP 1
Place in full sun and good soil and that drains well.

STEP 2
Maintain consistent watering, however without over-watering.