Tag: Event Decor

Summer of Love

San Francisco in 1967 was a place to behold. With over 100,000 people coming to the city to celebrate the Summer of Love, city officials worried about having the capacity to host everyone. Now, 50 years later, the San Francisco Travel Office is ready to do it again.

The 50th Anniversary of the Summer of Love is a wonderful opportunity to visit (or revisit!) that magical time in our history when the flower children converged in San Francisco to rally for peace and prosperity in our world. The first event of its kind, the Summer of Love became ubiquitous with San Francisco, helped in no small part by the song written by The Mamas & the Papa’s called “San Francisco: Wear Flowers in Your Hair”.

Starbright’s garden wall was the perfect place to stop for a photo.

Wearing flowers in our hair is one of our favorite things to do at Starbright, so of course the Summer of Love is near and dear to our heart. The San Francisco Travel Office has planned a plethora of activities to commemorate the extraordinary Summer of Love and of course, to celebrate the flower children, there will be flowers! To kick off the festivities in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love, the San Francisco Travel Office had a reception and cocktail hour that we were only too delighted to beflower. Mayor Ed Lee of San Francisco in attendance and addressed the crowd.

Mayor Ed Lee came to the Summer of Love evening and we were thrilled to see him!

To help guests feel the vibe, Starbright crafted a flower bar that was called Flower Child Creations with headbands and flower jewelry to make the evening more reminiscent of all those years ago in gorgeous San Francisco. With lovely flower garlands available for every guest, Starbright designers combined daisies with all imaginable wildflowers of the period to capture the free spirit of the Summer of Love. Our own Nic Faitos and Julie McGonigle dressed as hippies and let down their long, long hair.

Nic Faitos and Julie McGonigle brought the flower power to the event.

A stunning garden wall was a centerpiece for the event, with verdant greens and lush flowers anchoring the piece. Starbright’s whimsical designers created a vibrant peace sign out of fresh carnations in cheerful yellow and lovely fuchsia while other blooms danced merrily in the backdrop of the garden wall. Single, voluptuous roses in a vase graced the tables, as did spritely gerber daisies and pansies paired with field daisies.

…And the band played on, with great music to serenade everyone on this wonderful evening.

Of course, to honor the Summer of Love, there had to be tie-dye involved and the reception for the San Francisco Travel Office was awash in a sea of rainbows. With a tie-dyed table cloth setting off our Flower Child Creations table that was filled with flowers for guests to make their own compositions and tie-dyed clothes wrapped around the microphones of the band, the 60’s were in the air.

Our Flower Child Creations table was awash in flowers, just waiting to be curated by the evening’s guests.

As one of our favorites, Jimmy Hendrix so wisely said, “When the power of love overcomes the love of power the word will know peace.”

Groovy glasses and VW vans were paired with Starbright blooms to bring back a bygone era.

And although we aren’t there yet, we believe we’re on the way. We were delighted to have the opportunity to help create a night that was in tribute to the Summer of Love and hope that you can make it to stunning San Francisco to celebrate the return of that iconic moment in time. We’ll see you there!

Starbright Floral Design is a full-service florist located in Midtown NYC that has been brightening New York City for over two decades with flowers, plants and more.

It is our distinct pleasure to be of service to you in creating stunning floral compositions that will make you smile.

We are delighted to be able to carefully deliver each creation through our fleet of dedicated floral concierges in Manhattan, all of New York City and beyond.

In NYC, where anything is possible, we offer same-day delivery for our friends and clients to ensure that when want to send your wishes with flowers, orchids, plants and so much more, we are there to answer the call.

We invite you to visit us online or in our store, which you will find is bursting with flowers and delight in being of service to you. We would be thrilled to make your floral dreams come true!

Warm regards from all of us at Starbright, “The Official Florist of the City That Never Sleeps”.

Flowers, Festivals and Celebrations – It is what we do!

Starbright Floral Design

140 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001

Peonies Coming Soon!!!

Is there anything more richly glamorous or lushly romantic than the overflowing blossoms of peonies? Although our plant and flower emporium in New York City is abounding with endless options, peonies are the spring flower that our designers always swoon over. With peony season right around the corner, we wanted to give our beloved friends and clients the inside scoop on the flower that sets all of our hearts at Starbright aflutter.  

The gradation of shades for peonies and their incredible petals are stunning.

Adored throughout New York City as one of the most romantic flowers (inspired, perhaps by their ubiquitous presence in the NYC-based Gossip Girl tv show), peonies are also one of the longest-used flowers in Eastern cultures. Known as the “flowers of riches and honor” in China, the bloom has been crowned the “King of Flowers” in Japan, and it is easy to see why. Their unique and stunning beauty can leave anyone breathless, in bunches or as a single, perfect bloom.

Indeed, the history of peonies is as rich and varied as their blossoms. There are many wonderful myths about peonies and the origin of the flower. One of our favorites is that there was once a beautiful nymph named Paeonia, who Apollo flirted with. When Paeonia realized that Aphrodite was watching them, she flushed and Aphrodite turned her into a peony, imbuing the flower with bashfulness. Why Aphrodite turned Paeonia into a flower, we aren’t sure — but we are thrilled to have peonies as one of our most cherished blooms in New York City!

Peonies make dazzling bouquets and are sure to delight the even the most discerning.

Peonies have long been associated with health and prosperity, so long, in fact, that water would be infused with the petals of peonies and drunk in the Middle Ages. Today, the petals are added to salads or beverages to add an unexpected, delightful floral essence. In England, children used to wear the root of the peony around their necks to ward off pain from teething. Peony seeds used to be swallowed to fend off nightmares, and while we hope it helped, we would imagine that a garden filled with peonies would do that, as well!

The generous bloom can range in size anywhere from 2 – 10 inches. While we must admit that we adore peonies when they are on the larger end of the spectrum, there is something particularly enchanting about the smaller peonies and how they infuse a bouquet with their precious intricacy.

The bright fuchsia in a peony is magical.

Peonies are like no other flower to be found anywhere in New York City. The depth and variation of their hues alone are enough to make Starbright’s designers wax poetic all season long. Traditional peonies range in color from the purest white to soft pinks, charming rose-colored and decadent reds. Today, we’re seeing an expansion of color offerings, including the endlessly fascinating coral, rich purples, deep mahogany and happy yellows. While we love all of the tints of colors that peonies come in, there is something so classically beautiful about peonies in pink that will always take our breath away.

Pink peonies are always among our favorites, though all of the colors are gorgeous!

We are thrilled to announce that with the start of peony season, there will be a new and dynamic section of the Starbright website that will be catering specifically to your peony whims. Of course, we’ll keep you updated on these exciting developments and hope that as peonies begin to bloom, so will your adoration of these truly incredible flowers.

Starbright Floral Design is a full-service florist located in Midtown NYC that has been brightening New York City for over two decades with flowers, plants and more.

It is our distinct pleasure to be of service to you in creating stunning floral compositions that will make you smile.

We are delighted to be able to carefully deliver each creation through our fleet of dedicated floral concierges in Manhattan, all of New York City and beyond.

In NYC, where anything is possible, we offer same-day delivery for our friends and clients to ensure that when want to send your wishes with flowers, orchids, plants and so much more, we are there to answer the call.

We invite you to visit us online or in our store, which you will find is bursting with flowers and delight in being of service to you. We would be thrilled to make your floral dreams come true!

Warm regards from all of us at Starbright, “The Official Florist of the City That Never Sleeps”.

Flowers, Festivals and Celebrations – It is what we do!

Starbright Floral Design

140 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001

Starbright at the Hotel Excellence Awards!

Starbright Floral Design was thrilled to be invited to be a sponsor for this year’s Hotel Excellence Awards (HEA), held in New York City. Starbright has always looked forward to the HEA, which we’ve been a sponsor of since the award ceremony began, in 2000. One of Manhattan’s many prestigious annual galas, the HEA honors those who serve the hotel industry and everyone at Starbright was only too happy to lend a hand…and some flowers!

Hosted by Where IN New York with the New York Association of Hotel Concierges and the Hotel Association of New York City, Inc, this night was an exciting and unique chance to showcase some of Starbright’s most decadent floral designs.

Starbright had the honor of being invited to be a sponsor of the Hotel Excellence Awards.
Starbright had the honor of being invited to be a sponsor of the Hotel Excellence Awards.

As the coveted floral designer among hotel concierges since Starbright’s founding in 1994, we wanted to give back to our friends and clients by helping to create an evening they’d always remember, filled with fantastic flowers and beautiful blooms.

We used this festive occasion to showcase our towering verdant orchids, that have a playful touch of fuchsia to tickle the senses. Ensconced in a tall crystal vase, these orchid blooms are always a hit, and we’re elated to report that they had that exact response at the Hotel Excellence Awards in NYC.

Starbright’s elegant orchids were highlighted with delicate tea lights on each table.
Starbright’s elegant orchids were highlighted with delicate tea lights on each table.

Representing us at this distinguished event were Stephen Faitos, Senior Vice-President at Starbright, along with Julie McGonigle, our Special Events Architect. They had the opportunity to meet and mingle with some of New York City’s best and brightest in the hotel industry, while having a wonderful time.

Stephen and Julie had a chance to chat with Adeline Tafuri Jurecja, the publisher of Where and IN New York Magazine, and a dear friend of Starbright. Seeing Adeline in person in Manhattan is always a treat for everyone at Starbright and Stephen and Julie loved catching up with her. Stephen and Julie also had the opportunity to see old friends at the Hotel Excellence Awards, with whom lifelong friendships have been forged.

Stephen Faitos of Starbright, left, joined with Adeline Tafuri Jurecja, publisher of Where and IN New York Magazine, center, with Julie McGonigle, Special Events Architect at Starbright.
Stephen Faitos of Starbright, left, joined with Adeline Tafuri Jurecja, publisher of Where and IN New York Magazine, center, with Julie McGonigle, Special Events Architect at Starbright.

Stephen was selected by the Hotel Excellence Awards to present the award for Best Hotel Amenities this year, and he was delighted to be on hand to do so. This year, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel received the honor; this is a category that everyone at Starbright is always intrigued to see who will win and we are overjoyed that the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in NYC was selected. We’re excited to see who wins next year in New York City!

Stephen, center, with Loida Diaz, President of the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges, right, presenting the award for Best Hotel Amenities to Susanne Hatje, General Manager of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, left.
Stephen, center, with Loida Diaz, President of the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges, right, presenting the award for Best Hotel Amenities to Susanne Hatje, General Manager of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, left.

Everyone at Starbright adores giving back to this majestic city of ours; we love to be part of these wonderful opportunities to recognize the hard work and dedication of our friends and clients in New York City. The Hotel Excellence Awards is always a fabulous event in Manhattan and we are already looking forward to next year’s gala!

Starbright Floral Design has been spreading beauty through blossoms in New York City and beyond for over two decades. It is our honor and delight to thrill you with breathtaking floral compositions each and everytime.

As a full-service florist with a sweeping emporium located in Chelsea, you’ll find that Starbright is overflowing with fresh flowers, orchids, plants and so much more.

We understand that sometimes the only way to convey your thoughts and wishes is through flowers, so we offer same-day delivery in Manhattan, all of New York City and beyond.

Our floral designers and innovators are some of the best in the business. Starbright is honored to have earned the nickname “The Official Florist of the City that Never Sleeps” by over 200 concierges throughout NYC. We love to live up to that sobriquet by always going above and beyond for our friends and clients by ensuring that each floral bouquet is a magnificent creation.

We would be delighted if you visited us online or in our store and would love to make your floral dreams come true!

Warm regards from all of us at Starbright, “The Official Florist of the City That Never Sleeps”.

Flowers, Festivals and Celebrations – It is what we do!

Starbright Floral Design

140 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001

212.229.1610

Starbright in the Dutch News!

Over the ocean and through the woods, do Starbright’s flowers journey; a long trip that finishes by the blooms landing in New York City. We have been delighted to source Starbright’s decadent blooms in NYC from Holland for over two decades. We were tickled when two publications in Holland wanted to feature Starbright and the floral work we do in Manhattan — of course we said yes!

Starbright was honored to be featured in two Dutch floral magazines.

Starbright was featured in two Dutch trade journals for professional growers of flowers and plants. Starbright’s own Nic Faitos, senior partner and flower-cultivator-extraordinaire, was interviewed to share some insight on how and why Starbright chooses Dutch flowers when there are less expensive options available.

Nic said it best when he mentioned, “There are cheaper options, but not better ones.”

Starbright's superior flowers are flown in from Holland.
Starbright’s superior flowers are flown in from Holland.

As our beloved friends and clients know, Starbright never compromises on quality. There are a lot of florists in NYC and we are grateful that Starbright has been able to create our own niche in the floral world of Manhattan. One of the ways that Starbright has been able to do that is by always focusing on quality and ensuring that our clients always receive the best flowers available.

The Dutch trade magazines noted that Starbright uses flowers from Holland to adorn “…lobbies of hotels like Park Avenue, events at the New York University, the yearly Peter Stuyvesant Gala and the penthouses of celebrities.”

We were thrilled for Starbright to be interviewed by Dutch trade journals.
We were thrilled for Starbright to be interviewed by Dutch trade journals.

And it’s true! One of the ways we love to express ourselves is through Dutch flowers. As Nic mentioned to the trade journals from Holland, Dutch flowers are heartier and larger, they are of better quality and last longer than flowers from other countries. Starbright loves Dutch flowers so much, it’s one of the ways that we differentiate ourselves from other florists in NYC; we even mention our dedication to Dutch flowers through our social media platforms, which we adore.

“Even after airline transport – either on water or in carton boxes – the Dutch quality is incomparable,” Nic said.

Nic Faitos spoke with the trade publications on behalf of Starbright.
Nic Faitos spoke with the trade publications on behalf of Starbright.

Starbright is able to serve the very discerning upper corporate segment of the NYC market by almost exclusively using Dutch flowers. One of the flowers that Starbright needs to source elsewhere are chrysanthemums, which are banned from import into New York City and the rest of America.

Starbright was thrilled that Nic had the opportunity to mention that we enjoy hosting Flower Power Happy Hours for our clients, when all of Starbright’s flowers are half price on certain days and times, and Starbright’s recent participation in the Petal it Forward initiative in Manhattan. If you find yourself in Holland anytime soon, keep your eyes peeled for a copy of the Dutch trader journals…Nic would love to autograph it and give you a bouquet to go with it!

Starbright Floral Design has been spreading beauty through blossoms in New York City and beyond for over two decades. It is our honor and delight to thrill you with breathtaking floral compositions each and everytime.

As a full-service florist with a sweeping emporium located in Chelsea, you’ll find that Starbright is overflowing with fresh flowers, orchids, plants and so much more.

We understand that sometimes the only way to convey your thoughts and wishes is through flowers, so we offer same-day delivery in Manhattan, all of New York City and beyond.

Our floral designers and innovators are some of the best in the business. Starbright is honored to have earned the nickname “The Official Florist of the City that Never Sleeps” by over 200 concierges throughout NYC. We love to live up to that sobriquet by always going above and beyond for our friends and clients by ensuring that each floral bouquet is a magnificent creation.

We would be delighted if you visited us online or in our store and would love to make your floral dreams come true!

Warm regards from all of us at Starbright, “The Official Florist of the City That Never Sleeps”.

Flowers, Festivals and Celebrations – It is what we do!

Starbright Floral Design

140 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001

212.229.1610

Starbright Spreading Joy to the World!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but inside gorgeous flowers by Starbright make it so delightful! With the holidays quickly approaching in Manhattan, we wanted to show the floral glory that adorns so many homes and businesses throughout New York City and share with you the discounts that we are elated to offer, to make your spaces merry and bright.

Starbright’s Snowfall at Twilight is the ideal accompaniment for the holidays in NYC. This magnificent composition, dreamed up by Starbright Floral Design’s brilliant designers, features a couture, snow white, ceramic vase for a base that is overflowing with white amaryllis and dusty pink roses. Festive, pearlized ornaments in a silvery-white hue combined with rich amber colored pinecones accents this creation and make it a stunning statement piece in your NYC home and business. Usually $84.95 in Manhattan, we are excited to extend the friends & family pricing to you for a $15 discount on this beautiful floral composition bringing Snowfall at Twilight to only $69.95.

Snowfall at Twilight is a lovely composition to highlight your holiday decor.
Snowfall at Twilight is a lovely composition to highlight your holiday decor.

Adored as a cheerful, seasonal favorite in NYC, our Holiday Sonnet is one of the most popular requests for Starbright to craft, and it’s easy to see why! Nestled in an 8” bubble bowl, this joyful composition, inspired by the excitement of the holiday season in Manhattan, features lotus pods with unique, two-toned hydrangea in green and burgundy tones. Miniature pinecones with brunia, garden roses and jubilant, holiday greenery styled in a lush garden presentation complete the Starbright masterpiece and make the Holiday Sonnet a distinctive selection to celebrate the season with in New York City. Normally $109.95, this beautiful bouquet has the special friends & family pricing in NYC of $79.95.

Starbright's Holiday Sonnet creates is cheerful, festive composition that brightens every day.
Starbright’s Holiday Sonnet creates is cheerful, festive composition that brightens every day.

In keeping with our tradition to bedeck as much of New York City in festive flowers as possible, our Starbright team had the distinct honor to be invited to adorn a private space at 620 Loft and Gardens in Manhattan on behalf of American Express and Starwood Hotels. Celebrating the lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center in NYC, we were only too thrilled to lend a hand to embellish the space.

Our endlessly creative Starbright designers wanted to honor the season in NYC and did that by creating elegant centerpieces and cascading cedar with pinecones to rest over the doorways to create a winter wonderland.

The greenery and pinecones that Starbright crafted over doorways made an instant impact.
The greenery and pinecones that Starbright crafted over doorways made an instant impact.

On the backdrop of snowy white linens for tablecloths, our Starbright designers chose to combine Jack Frost-approved greens with fresh pinecones to evoke the sense of being in the woodlands in wintertime, while being cocooned in the warmth of Manhattan. This created a low, show-stopping composition that allowed for plenty of discourse over dinner in NYC while still paying homage to the theme.

The lush table runners created joyous place settings.
The lush table runners created joyous place settings.

Using dogwood trimmed vases for a base, Starbright also combined roses with wintergreens which created an extravagant yet graceful vignette for the tables in New York City. In other centerpieces, small twigs of cinnamon were woven in so that the warm scent of the season delicately wafted through the Manhattan air.

The beautiful scent of cinnamon puts everyone into the holiday spirit!
The beautiful scent of cinnamon puts everyone into the holiday spirit!

If you’d like to add a little bit of seasonal magic to your home and business in NYC, everyone at Starbright would be delighted to help! We’ll be able to craft just the perfect creation from our immense selection of the finest holiday decor in New York City. We love brightening up Manhattan when so many are home for the holidays and hope to be invited to enhance your home and business soon!

November Birth Flower: Chrysanthemums, flower with an identity crisis…

Chrysanthemums were first cultivated in China as a flowering herb in the 15th Century BC.  The flower was brought to Japan in the 8th Century and the Emperor adopted the flower as his official seal.  The flower was brought to Europe in the 17th Century and named from the Greek for “Gold Flower”, a reflection of its original color.

The Chrysanthemum - November Flower....

These days the flowers come in various forms and can be daisy-like, decorative pompons, or buttons.  In addition to the traditional yellow, other colors are available such as white, purple and red.

In the United States, Chrysanthemums are identified as cheerful holiday flowers.  Fall arrangements and Thanksgiving Day Flowers in NYC and throughout the country incorporate Chrysanthemums in their decor.  However, many European countries (France, Italy, Spain, Hungary and Croatia) have identified Chrysanthemums with death.  Accordingly, their use in floral arrangements is limited to funerals or on graves.

Other Uses:

Be sure to bring Chrysanthemums with you when taking a walk in the jungle.  The flower is considered a natural source as an insect repellent.  The Pyrethins when extracted and applied on the skin in an oil suspension or as a powder can be lethal to insects such as mosquitoes.  The Chinese have used the flower for its antiseptic and antibiotic qualities for centuries.

Starbright Floral Design is located  in the heart of New York City’s Historic Flower District.  We are in a second floor loft space from where our customer’s orders get dispatched.  To learn more about our organization and the work that we do, we would like to invite you to visit our website at www.starflor.com or you may call us at 800.520.8999.  Either way, we would be thrilled to hear from you and to be of service.

Starbright deliverers flowers in Manhattan (our home city) as well as world-wide.  In addition to flowers and plants, fruit and gourmet baskets, balloon and the like; we are also the go-to florist for events (both corporate and personal).  Flowers, Festivals & Celebrations…. It is what we do!

Wishing you a wonderful day!

 

Starbright Floral Design

“The Official Florist of the City that Never Sleeps”

website: starflor.com

to order flowers: www.starbrightnyc.com

by phone: 800.520.8999

Our Work: Our Latest in Floral Compositions

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Check out the photos in this album they are the latest additions to our website in our Event Gallery.  We invite you to visit our site at www.starflor.com where you can click on  the EVENT link to see our entire portfolio of over 2000 photos of our actual work.

By clicking on the GIFTS link you will go to our e-commerce portal where you can select from a wide array of gifts to send to your friends and loved ones.  Some of the flower selections that are in our gift section  are available for delivery on a national level, while others (Starbright Exclusives – Modern and Starbright Exclusives – Traditional) are available in our own delivery area of Manhattan.  Looking for something but cannot decide what flowers to send?  Designer’s Choice is a great alternative!  Here is a link to a past blog entry that talks about why Designer’s Choice is your best selection and why this is where you get the best value in flora.

About Us: Starbright Floral Design is located in the heart of New York City’s Historic Flower District.  We are located at 150 West 28th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues in an amazing loft space – Studio 201).  We have been serving the corporate, special event and hospitality industries since 1994.

To gain a broader perspective on who we are and the work we do, we invite you to visit our website at www.starflor.com.

See you soon!

Nic and the entire Starbright Team…

In the News: Starbright Floral Design

From an industry newsletter, we are sharing a bit of press coverage that we received recently.  Our Creative  Director, Tom Sebenius, worked with the production team of the Rachael Ray show to create some really fabulous bridal bouquets…

Read the post and click on THIS LINK to see the Rachael Ray excerpt!

 

These thoughts are brought to you by The Official Florist.

The Official Florist is the blogging arm of Starbright Floral Design.  We are a full-service corporate and retail florist located in the heart of New York City’s Historic Flower District located at 150 West 28th Street (Studio 201).  To learn more about our organization and about the type of work that we do, please visit our website at www.starflor.com.

You may also order a gift by visiting our e-portal at www.starbrightnyc.com. Starbright is open seven days a week and we deliver flowers and other gifts in Manhattan and worldwide.  We invite you to give us a call or visit our website.

Thank you for visiting our blog.  Always “at your service”,

The Official Florist – Starbright Floral Design

“The Official Florist of the City that Never Sleeps”

t.800.520.8999

starflor.com

Ficus Trees: Moody but Gorgeous

Ficus Trees...
Take special care of your ficus and you will have years of enjoyment!

Ficus trees are perhaps the most popular indoor decorative trees grown.  The ficus benjamina – weeping fig – in particular is one of the most popular of the 800 species available. Their popularity is certainly not as a result of its easy care but rather, its beauty.  Ficus trees are very temperamental requiring constant vigilance in its care.  Ficus trees can become stressed by simple actions such as moving from one room to another or even from one end of a room to another.  Proper ficus tree care is essential to keep these plants healthy.  The ficus’ popularity, coupled with their temperament, was a motivating factor in launching Starbright’s exclusive Plant Care Maintenance Program.

Ficus Tree Care:

The ficus tree is a true creature of habit.  It does not like change.  Consistency is the key factor in its care.

Sunlight: Bright sunlight during the day, but should not be in full sun all day.

Temperature: The optimum temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.  Consistency is key-ficus trees should not place next to heaters or vents that create varied temperatures.

Watering: The soil should be kept moist but not wet, in a well draining pot to prevent root rot. The rule of the green thumb is to water after the top inch or two of soil has dried. Avoid overwatering your ficus! The most common mistake people make is to add more water once the leaves begin to turn yellow. This is the opposite of what you should do.

Humidity: Misting the tree frequently while it is young or adjusting to a new location, can help it maintain its humidity.  Helpful time saving hint is to make a humidity tray by filling the plant saucer with gravel.  The runoff water will evaporate through the plant, providing additional humidity.

Fertilizer: During growth periods, feed the plant every three to four weeks. Use a regular liquid fertilizer for indoor plants diluted to half the strength recommended on the package label. Decrease fertilizing in autumn and do not fertilize during the winter.

Trouble shooting leaf loss: Proper ficus tree care can help minimize leaf loss. Ficus trees commonly lose up to a quarter of its leaves after an environmental change. Diligent care can help mitigate additional stress. If leaves turn yellow just prior to dropping off, it is a sign of over-watering. Dull leaves may indicate a need for fertilizer.

These tips are brought to you by The Official Florist.  The Official Florist is the blogging arm of Starbright Floral Design.  We are a full-service corporate and retail florist located in the heart of New York City’s Historic Flower District.  We are at 150 West 28th Street (Studio 201).  To learn more about our organization and about the type of work that we do, please visit our website at www.starflor.com.

You may also order a gift by visiting our e-portal at www.starbrightnyc.com. Starbright is open seven days a week and we deliver flowers and other gifts in Manhattan and worldwide.  We invite you to give us a call or visit our website.

Thank you for visiting our blog.  Always “at your service”,

The Official Florist – Starbright Floral Design

“The Official Florist of the City that Never Sleeps”

t.800.520.8999

starflor.com

Bromeliad Plants: Matricide is Natural?

A Classic Bromeliad by Starbright
Aechmea fasciata
A Bromeliad Classic by Starbright
Guzmania Rana

Bromeliads are members of a plant family containing over 3000 species.  The most well known bromeliad is the pineapple.  People have been using bromeliads for thousands of years for food, shelter and ceremonies by civilizations such as Incas, Maya and Aztecs.  Europeans were introduced to the pineapple when Spanish conquistadors returned with the pineapple.  The image of the pineapple became so popular that it was adapted into European art, sculpture, furniture and architecture.

The most popular office and house plant varieties are Aechmea fasciata (Silver-Vase, Urn Plant) and Guzmania Rana.

In general they are ideal indoor plants requiring very little care.  The mother plant will generally only produce one bloom in its lifetime.  Once it blooms it will produce new plantlets called “pups”. These pups will feed on the “mother” plant until they are large enough to set roots of their own and survive as a separate plant. The mother has done her job and will die off.  The green, leafy top of a pineapple is in fact a pup that may be removed and planted to start a new plant.

It can take a few years for the plant to reach mature blooming size. Once the plant reaches maturity you can force the plant to flower by placing the plant in a clear plastic bag and throw a ripe apple inside the bag for 7 to 10 days. The ripe apple will give off ethylene gas and will help force the plant to flower.

1)      Sunlight: bright indirect sun.  Ideally placed around windows with blinds.

2)      Water: Keep the soil evenly moist.  Watering once to twice a week is sufficient. DO NOT USE A METAL WATERING CAN.  THE METAL IS TOXIC TO BROMELIADS AND WILL KILL THEM.

3)      Temperature: Indoor temperatures are perfect for Bromeliads.

Replanting the Pups: Once a pup reaches one-third the size of the mother plant gently tug and separate the two plants.  If the pup doesn’t pull away easily cut it where it attaches to the mother plant. Before potting your new plant, let the cut area dry out by letting it sit for a day (not in the sun). Using a mixture of peat moss and prelate pot up the bromeliad cutting into a small pot (do not over pot) and follow the instructions above. If all the potting and work sounds too much to handle ask Star bright about our Plant Care Services or do nothing and enjoy the plant as is.

These tips are brought to you by The Official Florist.  The Official Florist is the blogging arm of Starbright Floral Design.  We are a full-service corporate and retail florist located in the heart of New York City’s Historic Flower District.  We are at 150 West 28th Street (Studio 201).  To learn more about our organization and about the type of work that we do, please  visit our website at www.starflor.com.  You may also order a gift by visiting our e-portal at www.starbrightnyc.com. Starbright is open seven days a week and we deliver flowers and other gifts in Manhattan and worldwide.  We invite you to give us a call or visit our website.

Thank you for visiting our blog.  Always “at your service”,

The Official Florist – Starbright Floral Design

“The Official Florist of the City that Never Sleeps”

t.800.520.8999

starflor.com

 

%d bloggers like this: