Gift Ideas – Page 5 – Blooming Thoughts

April Birth Flower: The Daisy-The most commonly picked flower by slaves?

Welcome to the fourth month in the calendar… Another birth flower has arrived. With springtime everywhere, we are introducing the flower of the month of April (and for those of you who have been following us, this is no April Fool’s joke) – The flower of the month is the common daisy. Read on!

Daisies belong to the Asteraceae plant family. The Asteraceae family dates back fifty million years and includes over twenty thousand varieties. The family name derives from the Greek Aster, meaning a star shape. The name daisy derives from the phrase Day’s Eye. It’s a reference to the English daisies routine of closing their petals at night and opening again at daylight. The Daisy’s meaning is said to be purity and innocence. However, to Roman soldiers it often meant the difference between life and death. The English daisy was widely used by the Romans for its astringent properties. Roman armies would have their slaves pick daisies incessantly in order to extract the juice. Bandages were soaked in this juice and would help bind battle wounds. Today the phrase just out picking daisies is not in reference to some forced labor but rather to depict a relaxing free time experience. The term pushing daisies refers to the wild flowers that would sprout in the mound of dirt covering a fresh grave and signifies death.

English daisies have white, off-white, or sometimes slightly pink star-spread petals and a yellow center, with green stems and leaves. Many varieties of daisies are clearly identifiable members of the daisy family with the typical English daisy appearance, such as the Shasta Daisy or Chrysanthemum. Others like the popular Gerbera daisy (African daisy) have some of the identifiable traits such as central florets. You can find its flowers in yellow, orange, pink, peach and red; they are prized for their large heads, long outer petals and intense colors. Dahlias, however, have the star-shaped petals without central florets. Other varieties of daisies aren’t even flowers but edible plants such as artichokes.

Just a few thoughts and words about our sponsor… Blooming Thoughts is the blogging arm of Starbright Floral Design. We are located in New York City in the heart of Manhattan in the heart of the Historic Flower District. The wholesale florists on our block open at about 5am. Give us a call and if you are up early, we will be happy to give you a walking tour of the flower district. It is a great place to catch the scents and colors of the season. I always tell people to walk our block at least four times a year so that they can enjoy and appreciate the seasons.

If you are not up that early, you can find us online at www.starflor.com or by stopping by and visiting us anytime before 8PM (seven days). We are located at 150 West 28th Street in Studio 201. Or you can give us a call at 800.520.8999. We would love to hear from you!

The Official Florist

News Press Release

Starbright Floral Design Kicks Off the “Pearl Rose”. The Most Significant Product Launch since the advent of air travel and genetic engineered plants.

NEW YORK — March 31, 2011 — At a press conference at Starbright headquarters in the heart of New York City’s historic flower district, Nic Faitos , Starbright’s Managing Partner, in association with the Dutch Flower Marketing Association (an industry group whose mission is to promote flower buying throughout the world), announced the availability of the “Pearl Rose”. A new rose varietal conceived by creative minds and designed through many years of collaboration between the finest botanists in the world with Dr. Aprilia Anoitou as the lead scientist.

Today’s announcement that the “Pearl Rose” is available to retail customers of Starbright and volume licensing customers marks the beginning of the most significant product launch in our company’s history and perhaps since Barbara McClintock’s discovery of “Jumping Genes”. The “Pearl Rose” will be available to retail customers effective immediately. Availability to NYC organizations with volume license agreements will begin shortly as well. However, initial supplies are limited to retail customers. Volume customers will be supplied for orders FOB New York City for delivery before Mother’s Day and beyond.

Through chromosome engineering and radiation mutation, more fully discussed in the science section herein, Greece’s premier botanist Dr. Aprilia Anoitou was able to develop a rose with mollusk traits. The result is the growth of a white pearl within the pedals of a red rose. Different varieties of roses have yielded different levels of pearl quality. Currently the Pearl Rose is limited to the Darling Flame variety of rose. Accordingly, the price of the Pearl Rose is for upscale clientele.

Customer feedback through Starbright’s web site, starflor.com , guided product development. “This is a game changing product,” Faitos said. “It’s an incredible step forward in the floral industry with ramifications that are yet unknown but undoubtedly far reaching. Accordingly, in a press release under separate cover, we’ve announced the formation of a joint venture between Starbright and The Dutch Flower Marketing Association to fully explore the wide ranging uses of this exciting innovation.” Said Faitos.

First Users See Clear Business Value

Joining Faitos at Starbright’s headquarters was Poisson D’Avril, the president of the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Greater New York.

“In the highly competitive and fast-moving hospitality industry, our advantage comes first from our people and second from everything NYC has to offer. You can add the Pearl Rose to the list of incomparable NYC attractions.” Said D’Avril. “Nic has allowed several of our higher end venues offer the Pearl Rose prior to its official release. The response has been extraordinary. Finally, something to give to that person who has everything!”

Original Science

“The ovules of a rose are megasporangia and typically develop into female gametophytes. These gametophytes give rise to egg cells which, in a typical rose holds the pollen.” Said Dr. Aprilia Anoitou. “In the transgenic rose, called the Pearl Rose, through chromosome engineering and radiation mutation, our team was able to develop a rose that behaves like a typical mollusk. The mature egg cells are split through chemical mutagens. The mature egg cells from radiated mollusks are combined with rose egg mutations through protoplast fusion. The genetic recombination leads the rose to secrete nacre similar to that emitted by mollusks. “ Dr. Aprilia Anoitou said. Transcripts of Dr. Anoitou’s full procedures are available by request to Pearlrosepress@starflor.com.

On the Road to the Future

“During the last decade, Starbright has built an impeccable reputation in the floral industry with unsurpassed customer service.” Faitos said. “Although we have been at the forefront of technology, the new product announced today is the most innovative product we’ve ever been involved with, and I believe it signals the beginning of a new wave of innovation that will have a profound impact during the next decade.” Said Nic Faitos, President of Starbright Floral Design.

Located in the heart of NYC’s flower district and founded in 1994, Starbright Floral Design has established the gold standard for customer service within the floral industry. The Company has grown steadily every year since its inception. The Pearl Rose and other innovative products being worked on currently, has Starbright on the threshold of exponential growth for the coming years.

Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance or information, journalists and analysts may contact pearlrosepress@starflor.com. To become a volume licensee, kindly contact pearlrosedealers@starflor.com. Visit us on the web at starflor.com.

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 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.

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

The Chinese Money Tree: Luck be a Tree Tonight

The Chinese money tree is a succulent ornamental houseplant that is said to bring luck to its recipient. Chinese money trees are aesthetically pleasing and low maintenance trees ideally suited for homes and offices. Many people who decorate in the Feng Shui manner tend to incorporate this plant in their designs because of the five lobed leaves. A Chinese money tree that has leaves in clusters of seven is considered especially lucky. Another benefit of the plant for the busy office executive is that its leaves are edible. No longer is time a reason to skip a meal. Just reach over and grab a leaf!

History

The Chinese have always believed strongly in the usefulness of lucky charms or symbols. The Chinese Money tree is one of these symbols of luck. Several stories tell the tale of origin of this tree’s symbolism. One tale tells of a sculptor who placed fake money on a tree in order to trick villagers into cutting it down for him. However, the tree was soon revered by the villagers as sacred. It was believed that cutting it down would lead to their doom. When the sculptor attempted to cut it down, the villagers paid him not to harm the tree. Another story tells of an elderly man who gave a peasant a purported special seed. The man told the farmer to plant the seed and water it daily with beads of his own sweat until it sprouted. Once the seed sprouted the fledgling tree required drops of the farmer’s blood for survival. The peasant did as he was instructed and the resulting plant grew up to be a “money tree”. The peasant found that by shaking the tree, coins would fall to the ground. Repeated harvests led to the peasant becoming rich. The tree became a source of perpetual wealth. The story can be taken literally. However, today it is taken to mean that to become rich, it must be through hard work and one’s own sweat and blood. The Money tree is a popular gift during the Chinese New Year.

Tree Care

1) Water: Chinese money trees aren’t water hogs. Typically they require a light watering once a week. Feel the soil, if it is dry, time to water. Do not spray mist.

2) Light: A young tree should not be subjected to direct sunlight. Indirect sunlight for 4 hours a day is sufficient. Mature plants can tolerate direct sun but prefer indirect.

3) Temperature: Chinese money tree grows well in typical indoor temperatures (60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit).

4) Pruning: Remove any damaged or dead leaves regularly thereby promoting new and healthy growth.

5) Fertilizer: Like any houseplant, a dose of fertilizer now on occasion is beneficial. Be careful not to over fertilize. Better to not fertilize rather than fertilize too much.

6) Repotting: The container of the money tree should not be undersized. Typically every couple of years it’s time to repot the tree into a larger pot. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes. Inability to drain could lead to root rot.

This scribe is brought to you by Starbright Floral Design, “The Official Florist of the City that Never Sleeps”. Along the way we try to find and write about the fun side of flowers. Starbright delivers flowers all over the world for the endless romantics everywhere.

Starbright Floral Design is the “Official Florist of Romance” and most of the time we deliver flowers, love, passion and hope everywhere in Manhattan and worldwide.

Give us a call, visit our website or pop on in! We would love to meet you….

Passionately yours,

The Official Florist

Starbright Floral Design

Located in the heart of New York City’s Historic Flower District

150 West 28th Street, Studio 201.

T. 800.520. 8999

Web: www. starflor.com

E-commerce portal: www.starbrightnyc.com

March Birth Flower: Oh That Daffodil Itch

Daffodil - Springtime is here! — The Daffodil Blooms as the First Flower of Spring

The Narcissus is synonymous to the Daffodil. The Daffodil is simply the English name for the flower which derives its name from the Greek mythological figure called Narcissus. Narcissus was a young man who was so obsessed with his own reflection in a pool of water that he fell into the water and drowned. The Narcissus plant first sprang up at the location of his death and thus the birth of the Daffodil itch. This Greek myth has led the Daffodil being a symbol of unrequited love. China has a somewhat different view of the Daffodil. It is revered and has become a symbol of Chinese New Year. It is said if it blooms on Chinese New Years, you are in store for extra wealth and good fortune for the year.

In moderate climates Daffodils flower among the earliest blooms in spring. Daffodils often grow in large clusters and cover entire hillsides. Their rhythmic movements in the wind inspired the famous poem Daffodils, by William Wordsworth. “…And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.” All Daffodil species have a central trumpet surrounded by a ring of six floral leaves. The traditional daffodil consisted of a yellow color all over. Today both in the wild and due to breeding, blooms range in colors to include yellow, white, orange, pink, red and green.

The Daffodil itch is not a term of endearment referencing the excitement of spring’s approach. Instead, it is a term used by florists describing the itchy skin condition caused by exposure to the sap of the Daffodil. The Daffodil contains alkaloid chemicals throughout making it very bitter and toxic if ingested. The toxicity is dangerous if confused for an onion and ingested. However it makes the Daffodil the perfect plant for those of you whose property has been overrun by rodents. Deer and all rodents will leave the Daffodil unmolested.

Starbright Floral Design is the “Official Florist of Romance” and most of the time we deliver flowers, love, passion and hope everywhere in Manhattan and worldwide. Sometimes we deliver yellow carnations.

Give us a call, visit our website or pop on in! We would love to meet you….

Passionately yours,

The Official Florist

Starbright Floral Design

Located in the heart of New York City’s Historic Flower District

150 West 28th Street, Studio 201.

T. 800.520. 8999

Web: www. starflor.com

E-commerce portal: www.starbrightnyc.com

February Birth Flowers (Bush vs. Gore revisited)

Controversy surrounds the true birth flower for February. There is no consensus and conspiracy theories are abound. The battle is between the Iris and the Violet. Both make good cases for being the birth flower. The Ancient Greeks considered the Violet a symbol of fertility and love and used it in love potions. The Iris’s claim stems from it being named after the Greek Goddess “Iris”, the messenger of love linking heaven and earth via the rainbow. February is the month containing Valentine’s Day whereupon millions of people send their messages of love. The floral industry is an industry designed to bring smiles and the spread of love, not litigation. Accordingly there is no high court to settle the dispute. Both combatants have a claim to the throne and deserve their place as a representative flower of birth. One reason, perhaps a biased reason, to choose the Violet over the Iris, is that the Iris is one missed key stroke away from being a symbol of fear and detestation (IRS). Nevertheless, we will treat them equally with love and respect.

Iris

Iris meanings include faith, hope, wisdom, courage, and admiration. There are many species of Iris widely grown and distributed throughout world. From their earliest years, irises were used to make perfume and as a medicinal remedy. Today, they are primarily seen in gardens, in bouquets, and in the wild all over the world. The Iris family includes over 200 varieties in a wide spectrum of colors. Irises are one of the easiest perennials to grow.

While garden irises can come in any of these varieties, the flowers’ commercially cut versions include the most popular blue variety, white, and yellow.

The Fleur-de-lis is the national symbol of France. The Iris is the state flower of Tennessee, and the Fleur-de-lis is the emblem for the city of New Orleans.

Violet

The Violet’s story stems from Greek mythology. Zeus was in love with a nymph named Lo. Zeus’s wife was suspicious and jealous of Lo. Zeus being fearful of what his wife might due to Lo, turned Lo into a cow. As a cow Lo had no choice but to eat the plain dry boring grasses bringing Lo to tears. Zeus, distraught by the tears of his love, he decided to turn her tears into edible flowers. Thus the Violet was created.

The Violet is mainly found in the Northern Hemisphere. They grow best in moist shaded areas but are tolerable of diverse conditions. The flowers are formed from five petals; four are upswept or fan-shaped petals with two per side, and there is one broad, lobed lower petal pointing downward. With over 400 different variations of the Violet there are a multitude of colors to choose from. Including blue, purple, white, cream yellow and combinations thereof. The purple Violet, hooded blue Violet and butterfly Violet, is very popular in the eastern United States and is the Wisconsin State Flower.

So what to do for a February birthday? How do you choose between the Violet or the Iris.

The personality traits of people who have this birth flower are said to be calm, friendly, faithful, hopeful, and enlightened. Perhaps a person like that will be thrilled with the thought of the gift and not be troubled that you chose one flower over the other. Perhaps to be safe a bouquet of both the Violet and the Iris is best.

Give us a call, visit our website or pop on in! We would love to meet you….

Passionately yours,

The Official Florist

Starbright Floral Design

Located in the heart of New York City’s Historic Flower District

150 West 28th Street, Studio 201.

T. 800.520. 8999

Web: www. starflor.com

E-commerce portal: www.starbrightnyc.com

The Peace Lilly – Simple Care / Ideal Plant

What’s in a Name

Being of Greek descent I like to relate everything back to the birthplace of civilization, Greece. With most flowers/plants there is an interesting story rooted in Greek mythology or Greek history giving the plant its name. The Peace Lily, I would expect, would be no different. Perhaps its name derived from their use to adorn an Olympic event. Or perhaps the plant was given as a gift of appreciation to the great Alexander as he heroically brought civilization to the lands of savages. Sadly I was disappointed to find that its name is nothing more than a reflection of its appearance. The white spathe represents a raised white flag of surrender. This plant’s name is not rooted in Greek history but that of the French.

Watering

The peace lily belongs to the Spathiphyllum family. Its flowers may be white or yellow with long bright green leaves. This plant is at peace when it is watered regularly. Typically two or three times a week is sufficient. Check the soil and make sure its moist. If its dry, or the leaves are wilting or browning its been too long between watering. In addition to regular watering, this plant likes its leaves misted. The misting helps prevent red spider mite infestation. If you see tiny spider webs treat the leaves with alcohol and spray with an insecticidal soap.

CAUTION FOR NYC RESIDENTS and others with chlorinated water supplies. This plant is very sensitive to chlorinated water. Either water with distilled water (unlikely) or let the tap water sit overnight thereby dissipating the chlorine.

Sunlight

One reason why this plant is so well equipped for office life is that it is not a sunbather. The plant prefers natural filtered light. Exposing the plant to direct sunlight will brown the leaves and create problems.

Ancillary Care

The roots of a Peace Lily like to be tightly confined but will normally overfill their initial pot within 1 year. However, they do not usually require a pot larger than 10 inches. Although the plant is simple to care for, it still needs to be fertilized occasionally. However, be sure that the fertilizer is not too strong or the leaves will brown and the root hairs will be killed. Err on the side of a milder mix to be safe. Rule of a green thumb is a fertilizer mix of 20-20-20.

If your plant was beautiful and healthy when purchased and you’ve maintained it as discussed herein, but it doesn’t bloom or has deformed shaped leaves you need to show some patience. It is possible it was purchased from a discount retailer who artificially induced the plant into bloom for sale. Your plant is simply said a drug addict. It is looking for a dose of the hormone gibberellic acid. Don’t be an enabler. Let it beat the habit with your love and care and eventually it will live out a normal cycle. The lesson here is to purchase your plants from a respectable retailer such as Starbright.

We highly recommend the Peace Lily for a variety of uses:

It is a great plant to send someone as a gift (personal or corporate).

We use them to decorate venues for events (plant rental).

We offer weekly maintenance on plants for offices and we take care of many Peace Lilies throughout New York City.

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

Amaryllis – Our Plant Care Series Continues

The Glorious Amaryllis — A bloom with ties to Greek Mythology...

Amaryllis-Beauty without the Beast of Burdensome Care

The Amaryllis, which features large, gorgeous trumpet-like flowers, is a popular gift come the wintertime. Did you know the Greek mythological tale from which it gets its name?

Amaryllis was a shepherdess who loved a conceited shepherd. The shepherd, presumably a part-time botanist, said he would only love her if she created a flower. Ingenuity being one of the many admirable qualities of Greeks, she stabbed herself in the heart in order to create a beautiful red blossom.

If you received an Amaryllis plant at any time this fall or winter, its blooms have probably been open for a few weeks. Generally they will bloom from 7-10 weeks. To prolong the life of the bloom, keep the plant in a shaded cool room (65 F). Keeping a blooming amaryllis in a bright room is not the best environment. Sunlight and excessive warmth will cause the bloom to wither. The plant loves moisture so keep the soil wet, but not over-watered.

With proper care, this gift is a gift that will keep on giving. The bulb will flower again for years to come and each time it will bring a sense of excitement and accomplishment. Regardless of the variety, from various shades of red, white, salmon, and pink, these flowers deserve the limited effort necessary to bring them back to bloom. Of all flowering bulbs (tulips, hyacinth, etc), amaryllis is the easiest to bring to bloom over and over again.

After-Bloom Care

After the amaryllis has stopped flowering, unlike those box of chocolates, this gift can be brought back to enjoy again. After flowering, cut the old flowers from the stem just in back of the bloom, removing the green ‘lump’ in back of the blossom, and the thin stem connecting the bloom to the main flower stem. When the stem starts to sag and turn yellow, cut it back to the top of the bulb.

Continue to water and fertilize as with any plant all summer, or for at least 5-6 months, allowing the leaves to fully develop and grow. When the leaves begin to yellow, which normally occurs in the early fall, cut the leaves back to about 2 inches from the top of the bulb.

Put the potted amaryllis in a cool (55 degrees F), dimly-lit place such as a cellar for 6-8 weeks. If storing in a refrigerator, do not store amaryllis with apples. The apples give off ethylene gasses which will sterilize the bulbs and prevent future blooms.
After 6 weeks you should water the potted bulb ONCE thoroughly, from top and bottom of the pot and place in a normal indoor temperature. Do not water regularly until new green growth appears at the top of the neck. If the soil dries out before that time, water no more than once per week. Excessive watering will rot the bulb and prevent its bloom. Typically the bulbs will re-bloom in 8 weeks.

Repeat these instructions and enjoy the amaryllis year after year…

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

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