Karen Asks:

My daughter has a science experiment she has to do and she and I want to tint a white flower. I used to do this as a kid with daisys. Since there are no daisys around I thought we could use any white flower, but it’s not working. Is there a secret anybody knows about that you can give me? I’d really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance.

Brock’s Reply:

Fresh cut daisy-type spray chrysanthemums should be readily available from a local florist.  The experiment should also work with carnations, either the standard or the spray type.  In any case, choose blossoms which are not fully open or mature. Leave out of water for an hour to so. Then, cut about 2″ off the bottom of the stem, using a sharp knife and cutting on a slant. Place the freshly cut stem into a vase of lukewarm water containing the dyeing agent — such as food coloring. Color should show up in the petals of the flower within 2 or 3 days, maybe sooner.  Hope this helps

Nicole Asks:

Do you know if there is a meaning for the Phoenix Branch?

Brock’s Reply: I’m not familiar with a “Phoenix Branch”.  There is a group of palms, the Date Palms,  which belong to the genus Phoenix. For example, Phoenix roebelenii , the Pymgy Date Palm, is often grown as a landscape specimen in warm climates (the correspondent is in Florida).  Phoenix dactylifera is the commercial Date Palm, native to North Africa.While I can find no specific reference to a meaning for Phoenix palms, palm fronds in general have traditionally symbolized victory and success. This idea stems from the story of the mythological bird, the Phoenix, which rose again from the ashes of its own firey destruction.

Thakujesus Asks:

NEED TO KNOW IF THERE IS A FLOWERING INDOOR PLANT FOR A HOME THAT IS KEPT “VERY WARM”YEAR ROUND. THIS IS FOR AN ELDERLY COUPLE THAT CANT GET OUT MUCH.

Brock’s Reply:This email address is for www.FlowerShopNetwork.com a directory of florists in the U.S. and Canada.  As always we suggest you use our directory to find a local florist who may be more suited to provide information about the availability of plants in your area.  A couple of plants come to mind however that may fit the bill.

Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
And Bromeliad Guzmania lingulata major

The bromeliad is not truly a blooming plant but it is very hardy and it’s foliage gives the illusion of  a flower in eternal bloom.

For more ideas on types of plants available view our plant gallery at:

http://www.flowershopnetwork.com/pages/gallery/plants.php

Barbara Asks:

my father recently visited Holland and returned with an indoor plant for my mother. He thinks it is called a mydynella  or mytynella? It has large sword like leaves and huge pendulus pink blooms. Any clues as to what it might be would be very welcom many thanks

Brock’a reply: There is a plant which is commonly sold in Holland called Medinilla magnifica which has very showy, pendulous, pink flowers.  I would not describe the foliage as “sword-like” however.  Medinilla is a woody-stemmed, shrubby plant, with pairs of glossy, leathery leaves arranged oppositely along the stem. Medinillaprefers a rich, loamy soil which is kept moist but not wet. Native to the Phillipines, it thrives in bright light and a warm and relatively humid environment.

K Asks:

Please help if you can. I have a peace lily and it is wilting and turning yellow. I keep it watered and i dont over water it either. It has plenty of sun. Could it be from well water? Is it to late to save my plant? Please write back. Thank you

Brock’s Reply: Sounds like you are doing many things right therefore it is hard to say from here. I couldn’t imagine the well water causing a problem unless your well system uses some type of water softener. In the mean time you may want to switch to distilled water purchased from your local grocery store. Also review the following newsletter to make sure there isn’t something else you could do.

http://www.flowershopnetwork.com/pages/newsletter/NewsletterMarch2003.php

Alain asks:

I have a Lucky Bamboo for quite a while now and I think it is time to change it’s pot. what kind of pot would you suggest and soil with beeds or only beeds. too bad I don’t have a picture to show you but, it is a crown of about 7 inches tall and the bowl is only 1 1/2 inches. I am starting to see the roots. what type of bowl should I get to make sure a proper fit and to make sure I don’t kill it

Brock’s Reply:  Without seeing a picture, I will suggest that you put the lucky bamboo in a vase with rocks or beads and water.  I am sending you a link that will give you some detailed information about lucky bamboo and care.

http://www.flowershopnetwork.com/pages/newsletter/news_july_03.php

If I can be of any further assistance please let me know

Mark asks:

We bought a lucky bamboo plant on the day we were married in St. Augustine, Florida about three years ago, and while the plant still survives, it is not “thriving,” and some of the leaves are turning yellow.  Is there anything we can do for our plant?  Is there a special food that we can use for this purpose?

Brock’s Reply: Please review the following newsletter I believe it will answer your questions.
http://www.flowershopnetwork.com/pages/newsletter/NewsletterJuly2003.php