7 VALENTINE’S GIFT ALTERNATIVES TO CUT FLOWERS
Valentine’s Day is quickly sneaking up but don’t panic! You don’t have to go with the same old, same old cut roses and box of chocolates to make your sweetheart happy. There are so many floral alternatives to cut bouquets that will last longer or bloom for years to come.
Cut bouquets often don’t last longer than a week before they wilt and ultimately die. Why not go with something strong, healthy, and long lasting to show your love this Valentine’s Day?
Here is a list of our top seven suggestions for this Valentine’s Day.
- Miniature Roses: Miniature roses require direct sunlight. For in home use, place the rose in a south or west facing window and rotate once a week for even growth. Remove flowers as they fade, cut the stem just above the uppermost leaf to help your plant grow new blooms. Transition your plant outside in May by acclimating it for a few days in its existing planter. Then, choose a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil and watch your flowers flourish.
2. Orchids: These plants are much easier to care for than many people think! Place your orchid in an east to south facing window. Insufficient light leads to poor flowering, but too much light can lead to leaf scorch. These plants should find a home in a pot with plenty of drainage holes to ensure excess water drains completely. Avoid overwatering your orchids. The best ways to tell if your orchid needs water is to finger test the soil or to plant in a clear container where you can see condensation. If the soil is dry to the touch, or there is no condensation on the clear pot, it’s time to water.
3. Succulent Gardens: A succulent garden is a great alternative to a simple bouquet. These plants are rising in popularity and can be mixed and matched in a pot to create a unique arrangement. To care for these indoor plants, be sure they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Rotate the pot to ensure everyone is getting enough sun to flourish and grow. Succulents will require more water in the spring and summer during their growing season. Water the soil directly until water runs out the drainage holes. Do not mist your succulents as it can lead to brittle roots and moldy leaves.
4. Cyclamen: These bright blooms prefer a cool environment and can last up to three months indoors. These plants are a little more tricky than others on our list. They are very sensitive to over or under watering so be sure the plant has excellent drainage with medium potting soil that holds water well. After the plant blooms it will go into a dormant phase where leaves will turn yellow and fall off, but don’t get rid of it! After the blooms turn yellow and fall off, remove the leaves and stop watering. Let the plant sit for a couple of months then begin watering again. Be sure to check the cyclamen tuber to make sure it has not outgrown its pot and the plant should rebloom!
5. Anthurium: A bright red heart shaped bloom is perfect for Valentine’s Day. Place your plant in a warm, well lit spot. The more light it receives, the more it will bloom. These plants prefer a consistent watering schedule. Be sure to water when the top 25% of soil is dry. Quickly remove fading or dying flowers as they appear to promote healthy growth. Be careful where you place this plant if you have pets as it is toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
6. Blooming Jasmine: Promote better sleep for you and your partner with this plant which is proven to help improve sleep. These plants are relatively easy to care for because of their tolerance for temperatures and drought. Prune the plant to reshape and control its size. These plants prefer partial sunlight but too much shade will cause a lack of blooms. Water regularly during the first season.
7. Culinary Herb Garden: Is your partner an amazing cook who loves fresh herbs? Culinary herb gardens are a great alternative for Valentine’s Day. Herb Baskets from Ashcombe come with six hand selected culinary herbs like oregano, chives, thyme, sage, rosemary, and parsley. Grow on your kitchen counter with plenty of sunshine, harvest any time, and water when the soil is dry and your herbs will be fresh all year.
Check out our YouTube video where Kerri goes in depth with these plants: