WHAT IS AN EXOTIC FLOWER?
Exotic flowers grow in mostly tropical climates, Brazil, Hawaii,
India, etc. They are bright and fragrant. Exotic flowers will spice
up any room and are a joy to look at.
I’VE HEARD OR FREEZE DRYING FLOWERS. HOW DOES FREEZE
DRYING WORK?
Freeze drying is the removal of water vapour from flowers while in
a frozen state. This enables the flowers to retain their shape, size
and colour. Fresh flowers are placed on trays and loaded into the
freeze-drying chamber. Moisture is locked into the cellular tissue
of the flowers by freezing solid. Air inside the chamber is pumped
out creating a vacuum then ice within the flowers slowly changes to
vapour. When these vapours contact the colder refrigerated ice condenser
they again change their state to solid ice. This cycle of solid/vapour/solid,
is described as sublimation. (Note the liquid phase is completely
missed out) The end product is natural looking in form, texture, and
colour.
WHAT DO I DO IF ONE OF MY FLOWERS STARTS TO DIE?
- Fill a sink or other suitably sized container with fresh, warm
water. The temperature should only be about as hot as a relaxing
bath. Water that is too hot will shock your flowers and could kill
them. Just remember that if it feels nice to you, it will feel great
to them!
- · Remove your wilted flowers from their vase or floral
foam and fully submerge them in the water. While your flowers are
submerged, re-groom the stems using a sharp knife to create a diagonal
cut at least an inch from the end of the stem.
- Let your flowers soak for 5 minutes to an hour.
- Check your flowers for firmness. Once they're adequately hydrated,
return them to a clean vase or their flower foam and enjoy their
beauty.
HOW DO I BEST CARE FOR MY EXOTIC FLOWERS?
- Is your flower vase clean? What do you do if your vase water
turns cloudy? Clean your vase with warm, soapy water and dry before
adding flowers. Change the water regularly.
- Is your water right for your flowers? If you don’t drink
tap water maybe your plants shouldn’t either.
- What's the best way to cut flower stems? How should you groom
your flowers? Cutting the bottom of your stems will let the flower
get more water and should be done about once a week to prolong the
longevity of the flowers.
- Where shouldn't you put your flower arrangement? Where will your
flowers be happiest? Keeping your flowers in a lighted area with
plenty of oxygen will keep your flowers happy and living longer.
Avoid direct sunlight and “closet” spaces.
I WANT TO ADD AN EXOTIC LOOK TO MY HOME. IS THERE AN EXOTIC
FLOWER THAT WILL LAST?
Bamboo is a great addition if you’re integrating the exotic
into your décor. Although not tecniquly a flower this grass
is beautiful and easy to care for.