Home Shop Flowers Bloomin' Blog Find Florists About FSN Contact FSN Florists Only!
Find Your Local Florist:
Home Shop Flowers Bloomin' Blog Find Florists About FSN Contact FSN Florists Only!

Top 5 Reasons To Get Down With English Ivy

Enjoy English Ivy Plants

Enjoy English Ivy Plants

Oh yeah. There’s a lot to love about English Ivy (Hedera helix). From stem to stern (pardon the pun) there are many reasons to choose English Ivy as your next houseplant. When considering giving a gift to someone that you love, ask your local flower shop to send this awesome plant.

Want to know what makes English Ivy an awesome houseplant? Here are your top 5 reasons to get down with Hedera helix.

  1. English Ivy is highly available. ~ Your grandmother has it. Your mother has it. Your aunt’s cousin’s brother received it as a gift. Chances are great that you’ll be able to buy English Ivy houseplants from your local florist.
  2. English Ivy (Hedera helix) is easy to remember. ~ Sci-fi lovers will enjoy how Hedera helix sounds like a character name from Star Wars or The Matrix trilogy. Do I sense a funny card message with this gift?
  3. English Ivy plant care is simple. ~ Part of the reason English Ivy is popular is because it’s easy to care for. Even the most forgetful of us can remember how to care for this plant. Plus, English Ivy plant care information is available 24/7 from Flower Shop Network! Ta-da!
  4. Diversity reigns with English Ivy. ~ It’s true. Like a meeting of the United Nations, English Ivy can represent every part of its world. This plant can be trained as a climber against a supporting pole, seen trailing across yards and gardens, left to bring green beauty as an indoor houseplant, or climbing walls. Not many other houseplants are able to serve in so many locations.
  5. Because I said so. ~ Just kidding! English Ivy comes with my recommendation but it stands on its own as one of the most popular, diverse and beautiful houseplants around. It’s the perfect gift idea for plant lovers!

When shopping for unique gifts that keep giving throughout the year, consider English Ivy plants from your local flower shop. They are well worth the phone call!

Shuffle To Your Local Florist For Schefflera

Shuffle Toward Scheffleras

Shuffle Toward Scheffleras

Actinophylla to arboricola, Schefflera plants have long been among the favorites in the houseplant world. They’re popular, easy to care for, and show a lot of love in return.

January is the month when the Christmas tree comes down (for most people) and that empty feeling begins to set in. It’s not empty because of the passing of the holiday or anything like that. It’s that longing need to fill the space where the tree stood with a natural substitute that has more staying power. To keep those non-holiday blues away, I fully recommend schefflera plants.

Silliness aside, schefflera houseplants are very cozy and inviting additions to any room. Caring for schefflera houseplants is rather simple for those who have had houseplants before. Beginners shouldn’t be scared. A little t.l.c. goes a long way with this plant. Need a little more information about schefflera before stopping by your local flower shop? Flower Shop Network has the schefflera plant care information that you want along with plant care information for many other popular houseplants.

One thing to note about schefflera plants is that they tend to require a lot of light to become vibrantly green. If you live in an area with very gray winters, try keeping your plant in rooms with a lot of light though not very near the source as the heat can be damaging. With all of the post-holiday parties to come, light and sound will invariably make it to your schefflera. The tree may be down but the natural beauty of indoor plants lives on!

What Plants Can Be Used Like Lucky Bamboo?

Ask the Expert: Grown in water with pebbles
Can Dragon trees/plants be grown in water with pebbles? If not, what plants can be grown in water with pebbles besides “lucky bamboo”? I would really appreciate your help!! Ains

Reply:
Ains,

Dragon trees (Dracaena marginata) is not one that I would grow in water. My suggestion is to use one of these four plants:

Equisetum hyemale – Horsetail
Juncus effusus spiralis – Corkscrew Rush
Lysimachia nummularia – Creeping Jenny
Acornus gramineus – Sweet flag

Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale)

Horsetail

You should be able to plant these the same way you would lucky bamboo. My favorite is the horsetail because it texture, color and up right growth pattern. Horsetail is very versatile and can be used as a cut foliage as well as a potted plant or a landscaping plant.

This photo of Equisetum hyemale was provide by Dr. Amadej Trnkoczy through CalPhotos.

See what I mean about the texture and color. Horsetail is a very interesting plant. My aunt uses it at the edge of her pond and I love the unique element it give to the landscaping.

Corkscrew Rush

Corkscrew Rush

The next three images come from Ball Horticulture.

I have grown the Corkscrew Rush as a potted plant but not as a bog plant. However, I have known other who have and they like the curly yet smooth texture of the leaves.

 

Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny is another very versatile plant. My aunt with the pond uses it as a cascading plant at the top of the waterfall. Part of the plant grows in the water and part in the soil.

Sweet Flag

Sweet Flag

Sweet flag is another plant that my aunt uses along the edge of her pond in the shadier areas. It seems to like the water; but of all the plants, I find this one the least interesting. However, it will give you the fullest look.

Any one of these plants could be used in the same fashion as lucky bamboo. Your choice will depend on the texture, color and growth pattern you prefer. Some local flower shops and most nursery garden center will carry these plant varieties. Our nursery carries all of them and we usually sell the Horsetail as a water plant. Good luck and keep me posted. I’m excited to see which one you choose. Send me a picture when you make your choice and I’ll post it.

Why I Pine For Norfolk Island Pine

Send A Holiday Norfolk Island Pine

Send A Holiday Norfolk Island Pine

Until recently I did not realize the impression that norfolk island pine houseplants can have on someone. I decided to visit Aunt Cathy one day and stepped into her office for some chit-chat. In a corner of the room stands this incredible plant that towers over a small file cabinet. It certainly adds a grand atmosphere; that’s for sure!

Well there are many reasons why Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) plants are so popular, especially during the holiday season. You can place these plants in an office, a corner, or in brighter lights. The room can be slightly cool, normal, or warm. Norfolk Island Pine thrives in all of these environments.

Bright fluorescent lights of an office work just as well as the incandescent bulbs of a home or the natural sunlight of a patio. It’s a pretty versatile plant. Most people wanting to send the gift of a houseplant gravitate toward Norfolk Island Pine for this reason.

Caring for Norfolk Island Pine is a breeze compared to plants of similar stature. I was rereading some plant care information about Norfolk Island Pine houseplants and had the following reactions:

  • “Keep the soil surrounding the plant evenly moist.” Uh huh. Can do.
  • “Norfolk Island Pine requires ample light but never direct sunlight.” So you mean I don’t have to keep transferring it inside and outside of my house to make sure it has enough light? Score!
  • “Another unique use for this popular plant is for bonsai, the Asian art of sculpting miniature trees.” I’ve been needing a new hobby. And short trees. I definitely need short trees.

Because Norfolk Island Pine houseplants come in a variety of sizes, these plants make excellent gift ideas. If your friend needs a colorful way to decorate an office nook, send them a Norfolk Island Pine plant. If your loved one wants to fill out a sunroom with more greenery, give this plant.

Another great thing about this plant (as if these weren’t enough reasons) is that it has a lot of great qualities that people look for in a holiday gift idea. Norfolk Island Pine plants are easy to care for so you are not putting a burden on your loved one with these plants. You’re lightening up their scenery. You can find these plants in many sizes. In this way, it’s easy to satisfy the recipient whether the plant is for an office, an indoor living space or somewhere else. Because I’m a bit quirky, my favorite thing about sending houseplants for Christmas is that you can wrap a pretty red bow around the baskets of the green plants. Now you’re talking quick and simple gift wrap in Christmas colors.

Let’s review:  1) Caring for Norfolk Island Pine doesn’t require much effort. 2) You can’t get more simple but appropriate with the gift wrap. 3) This plant thrives in many environments. 4) Big enough or small enough for most homes and offices.

What’s not to love!?

House Plants That Help With Air Quality

Ask the Expert: what plant is good for the house
I was told at one time, there was a plant that works well witht the air in thehouse for breathing, is this correct? If so, what is that plant?
Thank you,  Brenda

How To Bring A Garden Atmosphere Into The Home

Dish Gardens Add Beauty To Every Indoor Atmosphere

Dish Gardens Add Beauty To Every Indoor Space

The beauty of a garden has long been a cherished addition to the landscape of many homes. Working in a garden is for many a great bit of exercise, a calming place to unwind after a long day, and a wonderful reminder of the collective beauty of fresh flowers and plants. The trick for many gardening enthusiasts becomes bringing this beautiful, calming garden atmosphere into the home.

A great way to share in the joys of a garden from within the home is by caring for a dish garden.  A dish garden provides an assortment of fresh plants that is all the joy of having a tiny garden inside of the home. Dish gardens usually require only the same amount of care as a houseplant making them great home decor accents and excellent gift ideas as well!

[Read more…]

How Green Schefflera Houseplants Beautify Your World

I get lazy around the holidays and very much enjoy the chance to relax with my family and friends. This is probably the biggest reason why I chose to highlight the Green Schefflera plant this month. Schefflera plants (Schefflera actinophylla or Brassia actinophylla) are easy to care for and easy to love. Ask almost anyone and you’ll hear the same resounding praises about buying Schefflera houseplants for beginners or sending Schefflera as gifts.

The world is such a green place to live right now with a rise in eco-friendly activism. Certain members of my family have bounced onto the environmentally friendly bandwagon. It’s very hard to shop for someone who is so particular. The great thing about houseplants is that you cannot find a more green gift—literally! Beginners or seasoned houseplant experts love Green Schefflera plants and can always find fun new ways to decorate their homes with the wonderful houseplant.

Though I prefer a different kind of green gift, there is one thing that strikes my fancy about my Schefflera plants. They flourish in my home with little effort from me. I’ll put that in a way that deserves more fanfare. Green Schefflera plant care is simple enough for everyone. Schefflera plants require only very basic attention. Water occasionally, make sure it receives adequate light, repot in the spring and you’re done!

Green Schefflera plants add an unparalleled ambiance to any room. Going to work is just a bit more fun when you are able to look forward to gazing at Schefflera plant all day. The rich green color of Schefflera houseplants adds pep to boring rainy days. It’s almost a certainty that whatever your mood, Schefflera plants make it better. Easy care and a more fulfilling environment. What more can you want from a houseplant?

Green Schefflera Houseplant Green Schefflera plants make great gift ideas!

Golden Pothos? Wasn’t He A Musketeer?

I hope that many who read this are chuckling because they know that Golden Pothos is actually one of the most versatile and popular houseplants. Easy to care for and pleasing to the eye, Golden Pothos is the exact opposite of Porthos, the colorful and arrogant character in the famous book by Alexandre Dumas.

Golden Pothos (Scindapsus aureus) plants are great gift ideas for those just getting started with gardening or caring for houseplants. When I say that Golden Pothos plant care is easy, I mean even black thumbs have a shot of maintaining a healthy plant. Golden Pothos plants thrive in the low light levels of a home, near windows, under bright fluorescent lights, or in the full light of the sun in a garden or as a patio plant. Pothos plants can be grown indoors or outdoors. They can be trained as climbers or cared for as houseplants.

I hardly think that it is a stretch to say that it is easy to grow Golden Pothos houseplants. Even watering your Golden Pothos requires minimal effort. Less is more because of a shallow root system. Because less soil must be penetrated to reach the roots, less water is required. The soil around Golden Pothos should be kept evenly moist but not wet so an occasional watering does wonders for the plant. Most pest and pathogen problems are causes of excessive watering or location and can be easily remedied.

For these reasons I say, “Bravo!” to sending a gift of Golden Pothos plants to your friends. Houseplant experts will enjoy going back to the basics. Beginners will enjoy learning the basics. Regardless of expertise, Golden Pothos are also popular for their beauty and dynamic addition to the décor of any room. How can anyone go wrong with this gift idea? Oh that’s right. You can’t.

Golden Pothos Houseplant Buy Golden Pothos houseplants from your local florist.

African Violets Help Gift Givers Breathe Easily

There’s nothing quite like getting the best of both worlds in something that is important to us. Such is the case with African Violets plants which merge the easy care and health benefits of houseplants with the beauty and wonder of flowers. African Violets (Saintpaulia) are a real crowd pleaser and it’s easy to understand why.

Everyone knows that owning plants in the home increases the quality of [Read more…]

How Do I Love Sansevieria Plants? Let Me Count The Ways!

When I think of houseplants that are easy to care for, simple for beginners to gardening, and rather enjoyable to behold, I count Mother-in-law’s Tongue among the tally. This starter houseplant is amazing! It is tolerant of slight neglect, only needs to be watered moderately, prefers partial shade but can survive in full Arkansas sun (the proof is in the picture), and grows quickly so that I have a beautiful plant to look upon for months at a time! Thankfully, I’ve discovered that you can also buy Mother-In-Law’s Tongue houseplants for nearly anyone because of just how simple it is to care for them!

I’ll admit it. I traded a green thumb for other talents. While I still contend that the powers that be have brilliantly gifted me with these, it does my heart no good to enjoy a home with pitiful-looking houseplants. For people like me who have had to earn our gardening merits, a really great basic is the Mother-In-Law’s Tongue houseplant. With the ability to produce beautiful white to cream-colored blooms next to the bold interweaving of light and dark green striped leaves, Mother-In-Law’s Tongue beautifully completes the décor of any home or garden.

Also known as Snake Plant or by its scientific name, Sansevieria trifasciata laurentii, Mother-In-Law’s Tongue delivers boldly striped beauty in a very proud fashion for homes needing a subtle dash of attitude in the home décor. Unfortunately, my house is filled to the brim with this type of confident charm and our houseplants need only add casual visual appeal. The good news for me is that Mother-In-Law’s Tongue houseplants can be stylish, subtle, casual, bold, decorated creatively, or used just to add color to a bland room. The sky, rather the ceiling I suppose, is the limit with Snake Plant houseplants.

My good friend Jamie Jamison Adams of the Ask The Expert blogs has proven that Mother-In-Law’s Tongue is also a very sustainable garden plant. Even better! Arkansas heat can sometimes feel like Calcutta in July only more humid. Though typically thriving in indirect light, Jamie’s Sansevieria plant accents her garden and has bloomed nicely in full sun and a healthy dose of Arkansas heat. While Jamie is an expert plant care provider, experienced gardeners, beginning gardeners and everyone in between should feel at ease with caring for Mother-In-Law’s Tongue plants. Busy lives seem only to be getting busier. For the busiest of us all, these plants are simple and hardly time-consuming, in other words, perfect houseplants!

Snake Plant Bloom.jpg Buy Sansevieria For Your Garden!