Flowers have become associated with sentiments, often with the purpose of conveying amorous thought. In the 1600s in the ancient city of Constantinople (now called Istanbul), flowers gained meanings which enabled lovers to convey messages to each other without having to write or talk. Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, a celebrated letter-writer and society poet who, in 1716, accompanied her husband to the Turkish Court in Istanbul introduced this language of flowers to Europe. The wonder of flowers, she proposed, was that words and messages of love could be passed in a refined and subtle manner without "inking the fingers". Through all the subsequent centuries, our fascination with flowers and our use of them to help convey our emotions has grown. In our modern world, we have flowers grown in all parts of the world brought right to our doorsteps. We can have cut bouquets of peonies on our desktops in January, or Tulips in August. Ain't life grand? Cut flower bouquets People love flowers. People love cut bouquets. Yes, they are not long term. Yes, they die. But, boy howdy, people love em. People want to know how to keep them pretty. As interiorscapers, we need to have a good working knowledge of the world of cut flowers. We need to be able to know how to care for them and to help extend their beauty. It is always a pleasure to receive a bouquet of flowers. Flowers are natures own jewels and their beauty causes us to elicit emotions. Care for them well and they will last longer. Individual types of flowers have varying lasting ability. Some types will never last for more than two or three days in spite of your best efforts to coax them to last longer. Some short-lived types are iris, Gerbera daisy and Hlac. Others, such as Lilies and Alstroemeria, will flourish for a week or more. It is not only the variety of flower that determines how long the bouquet will last. It is just as important that the flowers have been freshly harvested and transported in the quickest way. During transport, they have to be stored at optimal temperatures to help preserve their vitality. Do not use flowers that have been exposed to freezing temperatures. Exposed flowers will turn transparent and die. Handy helpers A simple way to help preserve cut flowers is to make sure the vases are thoroughly clean before use. Wash with hot water and soap. Things need to be really clean and then kept clean. The water you fill the vase with needs to be clean and fresh and room temperature. You can put a cut flower in water, but you can't make it drink. Once cut and left out of water for any length of time, many flowers have difficulty taking up water again. The flowers most likely to have water uptake problems are the heavy drinkers such as flowering branches and those prone to stem blockages such as gerberas and roses. All these will benefit from a hydrating solution. A little trick of the trade is a flower preservative that is added to the water. This substance prolongs the display and helps keep the water fresher longer. Attractive arrangements Start by making fresh cuts of the flower stems with a clean tool and trim off any greenery that is torn, faded or would touch the water. Immediately arrange them and place them in room temperature water. Cut flowers fade quickly in full sunlight and warm temperatures. These conditions will cause premature wilting of flowers and dramatically shorten the vase life. Keep the bouquet out of full sun. Remove spent flowers as they die in order to preserve the overall look. Just as you groom the other plants in the account, cut flower arrangements need grooming to keep them look good. Pickoff dying blooms and foliage.

Fluoride toxicity is a common problem that mars the appearance of many foliage plants including ']anet Craig', 'Warneckif, 'Massangeana' cane, spider plant, Cordyline, parlor palm, Calathea, Maranta and Yucca. Often fluoride injury is so severe that replacement is required. One of the sources of fluoride is fluoridated municipal water, added to water to prevent tooth decay. Other sources include Osmocote and superphosphate fertilizers and some growth media amendments such as perlite and German moss. Symptoms Fluoride toxicity has several symptoms. On Dracaenas, pale green spots or rings initially appear on the leaf tissue or along the edges. Later on, these spots or areas turn brownish. Leaf tip bum is another symptom of fluoride injury. On 'Wameckii', elliptical brown spots form in chains in the white band of leaf tissues. Fluoride toxicity symptoms appear on mature leaves (those 4th from the growing tip). The appearance of reddish brown spots in the growing tip of Dracaenas is caused by Fusarium moniliforme which is a fungal disease. Parlor palm ( Chamaedora elegans ) and areca palm ( Chrysalidocarpus lutescens ) is also susceptible to fluoride injury. The appearance of dark brown to purple spots in the leaflets and along the edges are common symptoms. Fluoride toxicity of Yucca and spider plant ( Chlorophyta comosum ) causes foliar tip bum. The appearance of brown spots within the leaves and along the edges are common on Calatheas (peacock plant) and Marantas (prayer plant) subjected to excess fluoride. Correcting damage If plants are damaged by fluoride toxicity, prune or trim the damaged portions and raise the growth media pH to 6.0 - 6.5 by application of hydrated lime or dolomite. The main component of most growth media mixes is peat moss which causes media pH to become acidic. Drenching such acidic media with hydrated lime at the rate of 1-2 tsp per gallon of water reduces fluoride availability and minimizes fluoride injury. Dolomite can be incorporated into the top soil at the rate of 1-2 tsp per 6"-8" pot; 2-3 tsp per 10" pot and 1-1.5 Tbs per 14" pot. Check the analysis of lime sources carefully. Many lime sources, espedaUy native Florida products, may contain fluoride. Growth media pH changes over time and requires periodic testing. Inexpensive pH meters or pH testing papers can be used to determine the growth media pH.

Winter conditions bring about a change in the interiorscape environment. Learn to recognize potential problems brought on by temperature and humidity fluctuations. Adjust your maintenance routine to accommodate the unique situations you encounter during these cold winter months. Environmental fluctuations Temperature and humidity levels in commercial buildings can fluctuate wildly during the winter. Hot, dry air blasting during working hours can suddenly drop over 20 degrees during evenings and weekends as the heat automatically cycles down. Frigid drafts of air from doors, poorly insulated windows and skylights can damage cold-sensitive plants within minutes. Plants damaged by cold temperatures will drop foliage or develop rusty blotches or brownish-black greasy patches on leaves (caused by plant cells freezing and bursting). When you see evidence of cold damage, remove blemished foliage and move the plant to a location away from drafts and cold temperatures. Water usage will change when humidity and temperature levels fluctuate. Plants subjected to blasts from heating ducts may use more water than normal; plants exposed to cold temperatures may use less. Be aware of changing water needs and alter your water schedule accordingly. Test the growing media weekly to accurately gauge the moisture level in the container. Use tepid to slightly warm water; never apply cold water to roots. The intensity and duration of natural sunlight changes during the winter. Plants relying on natural sunlight for most of their light source may receive less light during the winter; consequently, their growth and water usage will slow. Do not fertilize plants receiving lower light intensities than normal; monitor media moisture carefully. Pest infestations Low humidity and high temperatures are perfect breeding grounds for pests such as mites, aphids and scale. Plants stressed by environmental fluctuations, cool media temperatures and lower light levels are easy targets for infestations. Closely monitor plants to quickly spot and control small outbreaks of pests. Make note of potential pest 'hot spots'- i.e. susceptible plants in stressful situations — and examine them regularly to catch an infestation in its infancy. By learning to recognize potential problems and changing your maintenance accordingly, your plants will stay healthy in spite of the winter weather.

Yellow leaf tips, perhaps ringed with brown...not a pretty sight. Other than full-out wilt of a plant there really is no other sign that says more clearly to us as horticultural technicians, that a plant needs our help. It is so frustrating to see brown and/or yellow tips scarring the beauty of an interior plant. They stand out, distracting us from the grace and form of the leaf. It happens to every one of us in the horticulture industry. When it does, we need to know what to do. If we don't correct the cause of the .symptoms they will continue to haunt us and week after week we'll be faced with more of those tips. Take a little off the tip Does removing the hp really cure it? Won't it just turn yellow again? Depending on the plant and how much of the leaf looks bad, you'll need to decide whether you should trim the leaf or remove it entirely. Now, many folks will say remove the whole leaf, and by all means, if that is what your company has trained you to do then do just that. Sometimes with a nice sharp pair of scissors, you can trim that bright yellow tip right off and make a nice, less noticeable edge as long as you follow the general shape of the leaf when trimming. Our rule of thumb for " trim or remove" is to leave it if less than one-fourth of it is discolored on a plant that has few leaves and needs the "green". If you have to remove more than that, it is much better to remove the entire leaf. Observing the whole plant If you do decide to trim, you need to be very diligent in determining the cause and providing a cure. It does nothing for you professionally, or the plant aesthetically, if you can't stop the tipping and have to face the tips week after week. Not to mention all the time (and money) you'll take trimming off the evidence of your mistake in care. Solve the problem rather than simply dealing with the symptoms. Leaf tipping is a symptom of a host of problems ranging from nutritional imbalances to environmental stress or poor root health. So don't just look at the leaves look at the whole plant and the surrounding environment. It oftentimes boils down to water stress (either too much or too little). As plant health managers, you need to learn to identify the problem behind the symptoms and take corrective measures. Take a close look at the following diagram for guidance. [fusion_table fusion_table_type="1" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_offset=""] Problem General Symptoms Specific Symptoms Underwatering Leaf tipping Foliage wilt Stunted growth Compacted, dry media Canes/stems leaning Roots burnt, brittle Brown dry leaf tips Entire leaf bright yellow Overwatering Leaf tipping Foliage wilt Stunted growth Roots/stem rot Media wet/stagnant water New growth yellow/pale Drops green leaves Yellowing leaf tips Soluble salt damage Leaf tipping Foliage wilt Stunted growth White crust on pot/soil Yellow blotches on leaves Burn/Brittle roots Tipped/stunted new growth Brown/scorched leaf tips Low humidity Leaf tipping Foliage wilt Stunted growth Brown leaf tips/edges Dry foliage Brittle leaves Pesticide injury Leaf tipping Foliage speckled Stunted growth Yellow/brown/black spots Brown tips/margin on leaf Distorted/abnormal growth Film/residue on foliage Ring spots/crinkling leaf [/fusion_table] Look at all the symptoms Leaf tipping is a symptom - a noticeable, abnormal plant condition. Your plant is trying as best it can to communicate with you and tell you that it is unhappy. It is a sign that something is wrong and needs correcting. Symptoms are clues that tell us when a plant is in distress. Really look at the plant. Go explore the root zone. Smell the soil, feel the soil. How is the air... hot and dry? Did they recently paint, put in new carpets or otherwise cause a fume that may be bothering the plant? What clues are there for you? Use the background information of route notes of how the plant has been cared for. Closely examine the clues/symptoms and then determine a solution. Trim or prune off the damage so you'll see if your corrective measures are paying off. You'll know in a week or so if you solved the problem.

Plant Knowledge – Tropical Plant Technician

17 02, 2020

To Feed or Not to Feed
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To Feed or Not to Feed

Plant Knowledge, Plant Technician Skills

To Feed or Not to Feed

By Mallory Kraus|2019-05-27T17:15:37-07:00February 17th, 2020|Categories: Plant Knowledge, Plant Technician Skills|0 Comments

The horrors of low light, offices too warm or too cold, and the indecisions of whether the Ficus really needs a drink this week are starting to fade as we enter early spring. Plants, in general, are coming out of their winter dormancy and we are on the cusp of the growing season for our beloved [...]

10 02, 2020

Say it With Flowers
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Say it With Flowers

Plant Knowledge, Plant Technician Skills

Say it With Flowers

By Mallory Kraus|2019-05-27T16:30:30-07:00February 10th, 2020|Categories: Plant Knowledge, Plant Technician Skills|0 Comments

Flowers have become associated with sentiments, often with the purpose of conveying amorous thought. In the 1600s in the ancient city of Constantinople (now called Istanbul), flowers gained meanings which enabled lovers to convey messages to each other without having to write or talk. Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, a celebrated letter-writer and society poet who, in [...]

7 02, 2020

Fluoride Injury
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Fluoride Injury

Plant Knowledge

Fluoride Injury

By Mallory Kraus|2019-06-06T08:49:21-07:00February 7th, 2020|Categories: Plant Knowledge|Tags: free-sample-article|0 Comments

Fluoride toxicity is a common problem that mars the appearance of many foliage plants including ']anet Craig', 'Warneckif, 'Massangeana' cane, spider plant, Cordyline, parlor palm, Calathea, Maranta and Yucca. Often fluoride injury is so severe that replacement is required. One of the sources of fluoride is fluoridated municipal water, added to water to prevent tooth decay. [...]

3 02, 2020

Cymbidium Orchids… Rare Beauties
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Cymbidium Orchids… Rare Beauties

Plant Knowledge, Plant Technician Skills

Cymbidium Orchids… Rare Beauties

By Mallory Kraus|2019-05-27T16:14:25-07:00February 3rd, 2020|Categories: Plant Knowledge, Plant Technician Skills|0 Comments

One of the most beautiful (and most expensive) orchids to use in interiorscapes is the Cymbidium orchid. Because of their expense, I always hope to get at least four weeks of bloom time out of them in an account. But sometimes that doesn't work out; in a week they are dropping all of their blooms. Do [...]

29 01, 2020

The Function of Flowers
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The Function of Flowers

Plant Knowledge, Plant Technician Skills

The Function of Flowers

By Mallory Kraus|2019-05-27T16:01:26-07:00January 29th, 2020|Categories: Plant Knowledge, Plant Technician Skills|0 Comments

Everyone loves flowers. Their beauty and fragrance have made them an important part of human culture and therefore a critical part of the interiorscape business. From the plant's point of view, however, flowers are the key to survival itself. The beauty and fragrance we enjoy are part of an elaborate advertising system which encourages pollination, assures [...]

15 01, 2020

Winter Damage
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Winter Damage

Plant Knowledge, Plant Technician Skills, Seasonal & Holidays

Winter Damage

By Mallory Kraus|2019-05-26T13:24:17-07:00January 15th, 2020|Categories: Plant Knowledge, Plant Technician Skills, Seasonal & Holidays|0 Comments

Winter conditions bring about a change in the interiorscape environment. Learn to recognize potential problems brought on by temperature and humidity fluctuations. Adjust your maintenance routine to accommodate the unique situations you encounter during these cold winter months. Environmental fluctuations Temperature and humidity levels in commercial buildings can fluctuate wildly during the winter. Hot, dry air [...]

8 01, 2020

6 Secrets To Plant Health: Part 1
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6 Secrets To Plant Health: Part 1

Plant Knowledge, Plant Technician Skills

6 Secrets To Plant Health: Part 1

By Mallory Kraus|2019-05-26T12:26:01-07:00January 8th, 2020|Categories: Plant Knowledge, Plant Technician Skills|0 Comments

Professional plant technicians develop the skills to maintain and improve plants placed in their care. They're "caretakers," not merely "plant replacers." They safeguard the client's investment and work hard to help plants flourish. To be a professional "caretaker," it is important to understand the factors that influence plant health. While many horticulturists say there are only [...]

6 01, 2020

Spotlighting… Phoenix roebelenii
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Spotlighting… Phoenix roebelenii

Plant Knowledge, Plant Technician Skills

Spotlighting… Phoenix roebelenii

By Mallory Kraus|2019-05-23T13:36:38-07:00January 6th, 2020|Categories: Plant Knowledge, Plant Technician Skills|0 Comments

A member of the Palmae family. Phoenix roebelenii (Fee-nix rowbuhl-LEEN-ee-eye) have gracefully arching, feathery fronds radiating from the center of sturdy trunks. Palm anatomy Palms have unique botanical features setting them apart from other interiorscape plants. Palms do not have a distinct xylem and phloem, but possess a series of vascular bundles randomly scattered throughout the [...]

1 01, 2020

Leaf Tipping
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Leaf Tipping

Plant Knowledge, Plant Technician Skills

Leaf Tipping

By Mallory Kraus|2020-02-13T23:49:56-08:00January 1st, 2020|Categories: Plant Knowledge, Plant Technician Skills|2 Comments

Yellow leaf tips, perhaps ringed with brown...not a pretty sight. Other than full-out wilt of a plant there really is no other sign that says more clearly to us as horticultural technicians, that a plant needs our help. It is so frustrating to see brown and/or yellow tips scarring the beauty of an interior plant. They [...]

23 12, 2019

Prevent Costly Vehicle Repairs
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Prevent Costly Vehicle Repairs

Plant Knowledge

Prevent Costly Vehicle Repairs

By Mallory Kraus|2019-05-23T11:55:05-07:00December 23rd, 2019|Categories: Plant Knowledge|0 Comments

Hey! Have you noticed? It's winter out there. The cold that's hard on you is also hard on your car. Your car needs an oil change or a tire rotation - just one more chore that can fail through the cracks. And it happens a lot. A variety of maintenance issues can be well on the [...]