Bloomin' Blog

To Cut or Not To Cut Overgrown Dracaena

July 29, 2013 by Jamie Jamison Adams

Ask The Expert: To cut or not to cut I ask??!

My plant (do not know the name I think it’s in the palm tree family) is reaching my 10″ vaulted ceiling however, it’s bending and very weak. To help support it I used string and thumbtacks and tacked it to the wall. Should I cut the top off? If it is top heavy is it okay to cut? The bark if you would or trunks are thin. Is there a way to help thicken them up? While viewing the photos if you have any advice on this plant I will Thank You in advance.
Hailey

Plant Expert Reply:

Hailey,

You have a very large Dracaena. Yes it is in need of a trim to keep it healthy inside your home.

I took the liberty of altering your photo to show where you can top your plant. If you look at the picture to the right you will see a red box highlighting part of the Dracaena stem. Any where along this stem you can cut the top off the plant. Be sure you cut the stem at a 45 degree angle. This will ensure that the plant will heal correctly with little to no dieback. I like to mist the cut area for a couple days to allow the cut to dry out slowly. Mist it with luke warm water once a day.

You can take the piece you cut off and start a new plant. To do this you will need some rooting hormone. When you cut the top off dip the cut end into the rooting hormone and then stick it into a pot with moist soil. In a few weeks the piece you cut off will form roots thus giving you a new plant.

The old plant most likely will form new growth on the side of the stem where you made the cut. Good Luck and let me know how it does.

TSFA Convention and Texas Cup Competition

July 29, 2013 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

The Texas State Florists’ Association held its 99th annual Convention and Trade Show July 12-14 in Mesquite, TX located just east of Dallas. That’s right, the 99th annual convention, and you know what that means, folks. If you missed this year, there’s no way you can let next year slip by as it will be the annual Convention and Trade Show’s centennial celebration! If you were looking for the right year to go, next year is definitely the one! As usual, Flower Shop Network will be there and is always excited to bring you the highlights! Here are some pics from this year’s show.

First off, a photo of our booth. Isn’t that awesome? We’re so organized with our little gift bags in a line around the tables. Good job, Joe Hays! It looks like he’s done this before, doesn’t it?

As with any convention, booths were a big part of the main floor, but it was the amazing classes on offer that really got people excited. With instruction in everything from how to increase business, to Texas-style designs and even how to grow your revenue stream, there was a lot of great information to be had! Still, the free loot you could rack up on booth row was pretty impressive too.

Texas Cup Competition

The event no florist worth her pruning shears would dare miss was the Texas Cup competition. This is an annual part of the show where florists from across the state are given a certain period of time to design and create an arrangement worthy to be crowned the Texas Cup winner! Flower Shop Network slipped in and snapped some candid shots of the top three designs!

Third place was claimed by Flower Shop Network member Martha Wiggs-Aaron of Clear Lake Flowers in Houston, TX. As you can see, she made a beautiful arrangement using sunflowers and yellow roses to give a nod to the rustic roots of Texas. The basket is an excellent touch, and the bird’s nest as well as the wire formed into the state of Texas add all the accent needed. Gorgeous Martha!

Second place was also snagged by a Flower Shop Network member! Man, are our members talented or what? Alan Masters of Compton’s Florist in La Porte, TX submitted this elegant arrangement that almost looks good enough to eat! Are those mushrooms? Wow!

So, who won first place? Drum roll please …

First place was claimed by none other than Flower Shop Network member Rebecca Sherman AIFD of The Blooming Idea in The Woodlands, TX. Rebecca also chose to go with sunflowers, and her creative arrangement turned out wonderfully! Amazing job Rebecca, and congrats on winning the Texas Cup!

Is it just me, or was that a Flower Shop Network trifecta?! Wowza! If you went to the TSFA convention, let us know all about it in the comments below. If not, there’s always next year!

Filed Under: Floral Conventions & Flower Shows, Florists Only Tagged With: Florists Association Conventions, Flower Shop Network, Texas Florists, Texas State Florists Association Convention

Florist Friday Recap 7/20 – 7/26: Week of Wow

July 26, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell 3 Comments

We’ve got some interesting and creative designs in our Friday line for our readers today! Love must be in the air, with all the amazing wedding flowers submitted by Florists across the country. So take a look and don’t forget to tell us which is your favorite in the comments below!

Wedding Flower Pictures

Wedding Bouquets

Eskimo Rose Bouquet by Mystical Gardens, Brunswick, GA

“Love the creaminess of this Eskimo Rose Bouquet”

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Butterfly Bridal Bouquet by Expressions Flowers, Fort Smith AR

“Lovely and creative way to add butterflies into a bridal bouquet.”

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Beautiful Bridal Bouquet by Expressions Flowers, Fort Smith AR

“The touch of blush in this bouquet adds an alluring appeal to this bouquet.”

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Romantic Vintage Bouquet by Blooming Art Floral Design in San Diego

“The cool Water roses, hydrangea and dusty miller wrapped in blue lace are really a creative way to achieve that romantic vintage look.”

Beautiful Bridal Bouquet collage by Mary Jane’s Flowers in Berlin NJ.

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Bouquet by Flower Palette, Abu Dhabi, UAE

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Wedding Centerpieces

“We had so much fun creating these for our bride Lori and her new hubby Steve. Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Co. in Princeton NJ.

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Costal Wedding Reception Flowers on St. Simons Island by Mystical Gardens, Brunswick, GA

“What a creative way to add a unique spin to wedding reception flowers”

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Beach Wedding Flowers Mystical Gardens, Brunswick, GA

“Starfish add a perfect beach element”

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Wedding Tree by Expressions Flowers, Fort Smith AR

“What a creative idea when Robert of Expressions Floral had when he turned this pole in middle of dance floor into a work of floral art.”

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Wedding Tree by Expressions Flowers, Fort Smith AR

“The color and contrast of these wedding reception flowers is breathtaking.”

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Wedding Cake Flowers

Floral Chandelier by Expressions Flowers, Fort Smith AR

“Interesting and exciting way to add flowers to the reception.”

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Wedding Cake with Green Hydrangeas by Expressions Flowers, Fort Smith AR

“Green hydrangeas add such a classic touch to this wedding cake.”

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Funeral Flower Tributes

Purple and Blue Casket Spray with Hummingbirds by Coles Flowers in Middlebury VT

“The addition of hummingbirds to the casket spray is a lovely touch.”

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Yellow and White Sympathy Tribute by Wilma’s Flowers in Jasper AL

“What a serene and beautiful tribute.”

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Everyday Deserves Beauty

A Little Bit of Sunshine by Sarasota Enchanted Flowers in Sarasota FL

“Topiary arrangement always add an interesting element.”

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Tropical design by Budz by Helen Jane, Adlington, Lancashire, UK (One of our international floral friends.)

“A statement box arrangement! my brief was large, stunning and lots of different sorts of flowers!”

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Wonder of Purple and White Bouquet Alicia’s Wonderland, Renton, WA

“Purple and white flowers make a lovely bouquet combination.”

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What will next week bring? Who knows! Be sure to like us on Facebook for even more beautiful floral designs. If you’re a florist, we want to feature YOUR favorite design of the week right here on Facebook Friday Recap! Click here to see past recap posts!

Filed Under: Floral Design Tagged With: Facebook Friday, Floral Design Photos, Flower Pictures, Wedding Flowers

What is this Plant My Renters Left Behind?

July 24, 2013 by Jamie Jamison Adams

Ask the Expert: What type of plant and how to care for it.

Philodendron Makes a Good Houseplant

This plant was left from my renters. The majority of the leaves were lying on the floor. I put two sticks into the pot to try to give the stems support and tied up with ribbon to have it grow up. Is this the correct size and type of pot? Should I leave the leaves where the lay? I rotated pot as to the leaves might rise when sunlight hits it. What is the name of the plant and how should I take care of it? Alexandra Allen

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:

Alexandra,
It looks like you actually have two types of Philodendron. The nice thing about Philodendrons is their versatility. So in this case, you could either let the leaves trail downward or give them support to grow up. Although the plant seems fine in its present container, you might want to re-pot the plant into a container about half-again as big. Be sure the new container has drain holes in the bottom and that you use a good basic houseplant potting soil.

If your sticks are giving the plant the support they need, keep using them. If you need more support, your local garden center should have plant totems.

Since this plant flourishes in bright, filtered or indirect light, it will thrive indoors. Just place it in a room with moderate light level. It is best not to place it directly in front of a window. Keep the soil moist, but make sure excess water can drain away from the plant. If the humidity level in your house is low, mist the air around the plant with lukewarm water every day at least once. About once a month give the plant a dose of a well-balanced fertilizer.

Hope this information is helpful.

Filed Under: Plant Care Questions Tagged With: Ask The Plant Expert, Houseplants, Philodendron

Don’t Let Parent’s Day Pass Unremarked Again

July 23, 2013 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

It’s that time again! Woohoo! Alright! Parent’s Day is just around the corner! Well, c’mon everybody why are you just sitting there? It’s Parent’s Day! It’s … Parent’s Day … it … woo? Okay, I know that this holiday still doesn’t have a lot of national traction just yet, but if you’re not familiar, it’s past time to get familiar. This is one holiday to which each of us needs to be paying more attention.

Parent’s Day History

For those of us who don’t know, Parent’s Day was signed into existence by President Bill Clinton in 1994 to be a holiday that, and I’m paraphrasing here, recognizes, uplifts and supports the role of parents. Since that day, the fourth Sunday in July has been designated as Parent’s Day. Think of it as a combination of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, except that instead of lauding one member of the parenting team, they are celebrated together as a team.

But wait, that’s not all! It also exalts the act of parenting in general. Father’s Day or Mother’s Day can both be used to celebrate the person who was physically responsible for bringing you into this world. Parent’s Day celebrates the one(s) who made the sacrifices, stayed up the late nights, and did everything possible to make your life full. In short, the one(s) who raised you.

Say ‘Thank You’ with Flowers – The Perfect Parent’s Day Gift

Now, as a FlowerShopNetwork.com writer, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention flowers in some capacity within this post. Fortunately for me, flowers are not only an acceptable gift for Parent’s Day, or really any occasion, they are quite possibly the perfect gift.

Flowers symbolize fragile beauty that must be nurtured and cared for in order to flourish. Sound familiar? Is it not a perfect representation of childhood? For after all, what is a child if not the embodiment of fragile beauty in need of nurture? Mature blooms are the result of careful rearing, just as you are the result of your parents’ labors. What could be more perfect than that?

Refuse to let this year’s Parent’s Day sneak past you. The holiday, and your parents, are worth celebrating! Parent’s Day is July 28th — this Sunday! Call your local florist to order your parent’s the perfect gift.

Filed Under: Holiday Info Tagged With: Holiday Info, Parent's Day

Florist Friday Recap 7/13 – 7/19: Fun in the Sun

July 19, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell

We’ve got some very unique and beautiful designs in our Friday lineup for our readers today! Florists across the country send in their favorite arrangements of the week to be include in our Friday Recap through our Facebook Page! We have a lot of great ones in store today; don’t forget to tell us which is your favorite in the comments below!

Unique Summer Designs

Shell flowers by Sarasota Enchanted Flowers, Sarasota FL

“Flower arrangement in a sea shell.”

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Flowers for salon by Personal Touch Florist, Troy OH

“Made for a salon grand opening.”

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Florists Only, Plant Care Questions Tagged With: Facebook Friday, Floral Design

July Newsletter: Find Your Summer Love

July 16, 2013 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

Your Summer Love

Summer is the time of year we go outside and get back to nature. Whether taking a leisurely stroll with that special someone, cooling off in the pool or throwing a party in the backyard, it’s easy to find a reason to love the season.

When visiting with your significant other, don’t forget to bring a gift of beautiful summer flowers. Nothing says summer love like a spontaneous bouquet, and there’s no better way to ensure the heat of summer doesn’t let up when the sun goes down.

Contact your local florist and see just what summer blooms they have available!

Find your favorite summer flowers!

Send Red-Hot Flowers To Your Summer Love

Summer love is blooming everywhere. Whether it’s a new summer love or re-kindling the romance through summer activities, everyone is feeling closer together. There is always something fun to do during the summer: trips to the lake, hiking, camping, picnics, out-door parties, etc. These are only better when you’re with the one you love.

Read more about Red-Hot Summer Love

Best Reasons To Send Flowers In July

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Newsletters Tagged With: Newsletters

Lobby Designs That Get Attention From Crossroads Florist

July 15, 2013 by Juli Jackson Leave a Comment

Here at FSN, we love pictures. I mean we really love pictures. Florists from all over our network send us the best and brightest of their work, and we just can’t help but share.

Because they never fail to share their incredible work with us each week, I had to showcase some of our 2013 favorites from:

Crossroads Florist in Mahwah, New Jersey

And trust me, it wasn’t easy to narrow it down! Each week, we are given a little glimpse into the creative environment at Crossroads Florist with these show-stopping lobby arrangements. This is accessible floral design that is commanding, fresh, and always utilizing the space with robust textures and varying heights.

Check out these inspiring photos of weekly arrangements that greet customers front and center as they stay in the local hotel.

Inventive, exciting, and always gorgeous!

“Allium Invasion”

Reminiscent of an artistic gesture drawing, this arrangement features allium captured in sculpted bright green midollino sticks.

“Sunflower Carousel”

Happy sunflower faces in colorful jars radiate from a wrought iron stand grounded by earthy moss balls. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Floral Design, Florist Spotlights, Flower Pictures

Florist Friday Recap 7/4 – 7/12: Summer Hues

July 12, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell 2 Comments

This week, florists across the nation and beyond have been creating some truly amazing designs. The bright summer hues have been inspiring many beautiful and unusual arrangements. Many are shared in this week’s florist recap! Check it out –

Any Occasion Flower Arrangements

Wow factor flowers by Flowers Plus, Charlotte NC

“The customer ask for something with “Wow” factor. I think designer Stacey delivered.”

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Tropical design by Sarasota Enchanted Flowers, Sarasota FL

“Our Arrangement of the week!”

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Summer sunshine flowers by MaryJane’s Flowers & Gifts, Berlin NJ

“Let the sun shine in…”

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Floral Design, Florists Only Tagged With: Facebook Friday, Floral Design Photos, Flower Pictures

A Black and White, Long-Hair Cat Walks into a Floral Shop …

July 10, 2013 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

No, that’s not the start of a bad joke, it’s the opening line of a beautiful story.

In the Beginning…

About five years ago, a young couple named Dustin and Lauren White opened their own floral business, Doniphan Flowers & Gifts in Doniphan, MO. Tremendously friendly people with a great passion for their store and the floral industry, they called on their collective experiences to forge their way through the first few years of owning and operating a new business. They did well. They were becoming successful and well known throughout the Doniphan area, and they thought their lives were full. They were wrong.

A Twist of Four-Legged Fate

One bright, spring morning as they arrived to open the shop, they noticed that one customer had decided to come early. A six month old, black and white kitten was nosing about the dumpster, looking for food.

It wasn’t unusual to find stray cats in the area, but most were just this side of feral and ran at the first sign of people. This one was different. She didn’t flee when they approached and was in fact quite friendly. She was skinny and thin, bedraggled in every sense of the word, and yet something about her prompted them to want to help.

With little deliberation, the couple brought the kitten inside, intending to feed it and perhaps help to find it a good home. As tends to happen in life, one day turned to two, then three, then six. It wasn’t long before they realized that they had already found a good home for this felicitous feline. They decided to name her Dixie, tied a bow around her neck and never looked back.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Florist Spotlights, Missouri Florists, Shop Pets

To Cut or Not To Cut Overgrown Dracaena