Target Arrowhead Pant for indoors

An indoor plant that thrives in low light is the Arrowhead Vine, Synogium podophyllum. This attractive tropical plant has beautiful arrow-shaped, glossy green leaves that are variegated with white or yellow. The leaves have deeply cut lobes and are about 6 inches long and 4 inches wide. As the plants grow older and mature, leaf size increases. The plants may vine from 4 to 6 feet. With support, they grow up.

The Arrowhead Vine is native to the rain forests of Central America and Mexico. They are undergrowth plants, much like the philodendrons. Their key to survival is being able to withstand lower light levels, so they make good choices for interior plants used in houses and commercial buildings. Direct sun will burn the foliage. Very low light levels will cause weak and spindly growth. It will also reduce the variegation in the leaves.

This vine grows quickly in bright, indirect light. The plants always look good and require little if any maintenance, other than watering. It is best to allow the upper layer of the potting soil to dry moderately between watering. Reduce watering during the winter months, as the plants go into a semi resting stage. The plant is easy to propagate. Use a stem cutting with two nodes, with one node in the soil or water, and one node above. This plant is actually an epiphyte and will grow equally well in potting soil or water. Periodically change the water to keep it fresh.

Importance of Father's Day

June 21, 2009 gives us the opportunity to express thanks to our dad for all of his unconditional love and affection. Celebration of Father's Day makes us ponder for a while on the important role our father plays in our lives. On the occasion of Father's Day, let's not forget all the great Step-Dads! Stepfathers have taken the extreme step of taking care of their children out of choice and out of love.

Send Dad some blooms this Father's Day!

Flower Care Tips

Most floral arrangements last 4-7 days or longer, depending on the flowers used and the care they receive. George Thomas Florist provides these tips for longer-lasting, more vibrant flowers:

For floral arrangements

• Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by your florist. Flower foods make flowers last longer but it is important to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet. Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a quart of water. Flower foods should not be diluted with more water than is specified on the packet.
• If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with properly mixed flower food solution. If possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Be sure to use a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into solution.
• Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, which causes flowers to dehydrate.) Most flowers will last longer under cool conditions.

For loose bunches or boxed flowers

• Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them in a flower food solution. Don't forget how important it is to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet.
• Fill a clean (washed with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution), deep vase with water and add a flower food from your florist.
• Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial microbial growth that may limit water uptake by the flower.
• Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Place the flowers in the vase solution you've prepared.

Selecting Flowers

• When selecting flowers, look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age.
• When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place them in warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening.