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How to Care for Flowering Houseplants

Most flowering houseplants require direct or bright, indirect light at levels well above those required for most foliage plants. Many have a limited season of bloom and often need a rest period before re-blooming. Flowering houseplants benefit from moderate fertilization and high humidity. For long-term success of flowering houseplants, supplemental light can be used if sufficient natural light is not available.

Learn more about how to care for your florist's plants below.

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Caring for Valentine's Day Plants

Valentine's Day is a day to recognize our loved ones.  Many different plants serve as wonderful gifts to show that special person how much you love them!  Cut flowers, orchids, and florist plants are just a few of the plants that are popular gifts on February 14th and the rest of the winter season.

Below are a few resources to help keep these special plants healthy and attractive all season.

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How are blue orchids made?

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Occasionally a florist or garden center will have vibrant blue moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) for sale.  Blue is not a color that naturally occurs in orchids.  These orchids are typically white flowers dyed to achieve this unique color.  A  food-grade dye (the formulation of which is typically proprietary) is injected into the base of the flower scape (stem).  As water moves up the stem to the opening flowers, the dye is carried with it changing the color of the white bloom to blue.  The bloom will remain that color until it falls off.  Should the orchid rebloom, the new flowers will be their original white color.

dyed blue moth orchid
Orchids with unnatural colors like blue are white orchids injected with a dye.