Here’s how to help your nearest and dearest find the perfect Valentine’s flower for you…
Flowers have always been used to send messages, and Valentine’s day offers plenty of opportunities to do so. But what if you are on the receiving end?
Every flower has a meaning. For instance, red roses are an expression of love, while phalaenopsis orchids signify thoughtfulness, amongst other qualities.
Alerting your significant other to the flower that means the most to YOU, will send a message and take away their stress of finding the right flower. A win-win!
See which of these indoor flowers resonates with you and pass on the message. Of course, this doesn’t just apply to Valentine’s day.
Romantic roses
Red roses are the traditional declaration of love, and no other colour will do; but pay attention to the shade of red. A bright red rose expresses romantic love while a dark red rose epitomises courage and longing. Should you prefer pink roses, they symbolise grace, appreciation and tender love.
Pot roses double up as living bouquets and long lasting indoor pot plants. Each pot contains three to four mini-roses, which is why a single pot is so full of buds and blooms. Place the roses close to a windowsill or on the patio where they get good light but not direct sunlight. Keep the potting soil moist but not soggy.
Delicate Butterfly orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Butterfly orchids are prized for their rare and fragile beauty. Since ancient times, these orchids have symbolised love, beauty, fertility, refinement, thoughtfulness and charm. You can’t go wrong with any of those sentiments, although the fertility aspect could take you into risky territory!
A pot orchid flowers for four to five months and is known as the ‘beginner’s orchid’ owing to its ability to withstand neglect and often less-than- perfect conditions inside our homes. Give plants indirect light (medium to bright). Water lightly once a week.
Elegant Calla lilies
Elegant and sophisticated, Calla lilies (Zantedeschia) are favourites in bridal bouquets and in Roman mythology were associated with sensuality and fertility. But they have also been associated with appreciation and admiration.
Calla lilies like bright light, and lightly moist soil. Remove the blooms as they die to encourage more. When the leaves die back, put the pot in a cool, semi-shady position and in a few months’ time it will surprise with new shoots. The bulbs can also be planted in the garden, in a position that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
Bountiful begonias
You can’t fail to be charmed by the large multi-petalled blooms and lush green leaves of tuberous begonias. In Victorian times, giving a tuberous begonia to someone was a way to convey deep, sincere emotion without the need for words. They also are associated with gratitude and individuality.
Begonias are long lasting house plants, just needing bright light and moist but not soggy soil.
Exotic Curcuma
Curcuma, also known as Siam tulips, are striking and stylish plants with gorgeous flowers and lush foliage. Because they are often used for decoration at Thai festivals and traditional ceremonies, they have become associated with joy, happiness, and the spirit of celebration.
Their blooms contain a hidden surprise. Like tiny gems, small violet flowers emerge from the bracts underneath the showy flowers. Plants like plenty of bright natural light, but no sunlight, and lightly moist soil that should not dry out completely. Add liquid fertiliser to the water every two weeks. For more: www.lvgplant.co.za
Article and images by Alice Coetzee.
