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| Anthurium Do not store in the cold store; blue discolouration can occur at temperatures below 15˚C. The ideal storage temperature is 18˚C. Treat the flower with care as any damaged areas will later turn black. Cut flower food is not necessary. |  |
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| Tulipa Maturity is important; the bud must be fully developed and showing colour. Roll drooping tulips in paper and stand them in water, in a cool spot for a few hours. Tulips continue to grow in the vase and it is important to remember this fact when using them in mixed bouquets. Use cut flower food for bulbs. |  |
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| Eucharis After a while the stems of Eucharis become blocked, so cut a piece off the stems every five days. Remove any older flowers to encourage all the buds – generally three to six – to open. Cut flower food is not necessary. |  |
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| Cyclamen Give Cyclamen a cool, well-lit spot out of direct sunlight. Do not allow the soil to dry out. If possible water from below, pouring off any excess water. Rainwater or softened water is best. Feed once a month. Remove dead flowers by twisting off the stems at the corm. |  |
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| Euphorbia fulgens Remove most of the foliage. If the flowers are drooping, cut 5cm off the stems and sear them in hot water for ten seconds. Stand the flowers in water containing cut flower food at temperatures between 10 and 12°C. Euphorbia is sensitive to temperature fluctuations and sources of ethylene such as ripening fruit. |  |
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| Gerbera Slant cut the stems and stand in fresh water containing cut flower food for at least four hours. Use once the stems have firmed up. Avoid touching the flower. Stand in a vase with a shallow layer of water containing cut flower food and top up regularly. |  |
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| Euphorbia pulcherrima Remove wrapping immediately on arrival in the shop. Display in a well lit, draught free spot at a temperature of at least 10°C, leaving plenty of space between plants. Cold causes plants to droop and discolour but temperatures that are too high will cause foliage to drop. Water every two days using luke-warm water. Avoid smoke, exhaust fumes and fruit (sources of ethylene). |  |
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| Juncus This plant makes no particular demands on location and will thrive best in a moist environment. Never allow the soil to dry out. The plant can go outdoors in summer and can withstand temperatures of up to -10°C when planted in the garden. Feed every two months. |  |
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| Hippeastrum On purchase the main bud should be coloured and ‘loose’. Handle with care. Cut the hollow stems straight across. Use adhesive tape around the ends of the stems to stop them from curling. Make them last longer by inserting sticks into the stems to prevent them from bending. Cut flower food is not necessary. Package carefully for transport. |  |
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| Narcissus Can be displayed both indoors and outdoors as long as temperatures are above freezing. Advise customers to keep the plant cool: 16 to 18°C is best. Keep the soil relatively dry to stop stems from drooping. There is no need to feed. |  |
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| Ilex Never leave without water as this diminishes the vase life drastically. Store the twigs in a moist atmosphere and stand them in a solution of cut shrub food to keep the berries looking good longer. Avoid smoke, exhaust fumes and ripening fruit (sources of ethylene gas). |  |
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| Phlebodium This blue fern does best in a shaded spot. Never expose it to full sunlight. Water generously about once a week. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Feed once a month. The plant benefits from being sprayed with soft water from time to time. |  |
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| Protea Leaves to ensure no leaves are left hanging in the water. Use fresh water containing special cut flower food for Protea. Never use chlorine. Do not use with Oasis foam but stand the stems in water. Check the water level daily as this is a very thirsty flower. |  |
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| Schlumbergera Handle with care to avoid damage to buds and leaves. Leave in the dark for a minimum of time as it may otherwise shed its buds. Stand in a well-lit spot. Water regularly but sparingly and add a little plant food once a week once flowering is over. Never allow the soil to dry out. This plant flowers longest at a temperature of 15 to 16°C. |  |
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| Rosa Maturity is important; the bud must be fully developed and ‘loose’. Use cut flower food with bacteria inhibiting properties. Avoid sources of ethylene such as smoke, fruit and exhaust fumes. Give customers an adequate supply of cut flower food. |  |
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