10 WAYS TO MAKE FRESH FLOWERS LAST LONGER
Taking care of fresh flowers can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, whether you have a few blooms in a vase on your kitchen counter or a full bouquet of colourful flowers. With the right care, fresh flowers can last for several days or, depending on the type of flower, even a few weeks, adding beauty and life to your home or office. Here are some tips for taking care of fresh flowers to help them stay healthy and vibrant
CHOOSE THE RIGHT VASE
The vase you choose can have a big impact on the longevity of your flowers. Make sure the vase is clean and free of any bacteria or residue from previous flowers. Also, choose a vase that is the appropriate size for the flowers you have – too large a vase can result in excess water and reduced oxygen for the flowers, while too small a vase can cause the flowers to droop.
CUT THE STEM
Before placing your flowers in the vase, use a sharp pair of scissors or a knife to make a clean cut on the stems at an angle. This will help the flowers absorb more water and nutrients. You should also remove any leaves that will be below the water line, as these can decompose and contaminate the water.
USE THE RIGHT WATER
Fill the vase with clean, lukewarm water and add a floral preservative if you have it. Floral preservatives can help extend the life of your flowers by providing them with nutrients and inhibiting the growth of bacteria. If you don’t have a floral preservative, you can add a small amount of sugar or a penny to the water to help feed the flowers. Avoid using hot water, as this can shock the flowers and cause them to wilt.
KEEP THE FLOWERS AWAY FROM DIRECT SUNLIGHT AND HEAT
Fresh flowers thrive in cool, well-ventilated areas. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or in areas with strong drafts, as this can cause the flowers to wilt and fade. You should also keep the flowers away from heat sources, such as radiators or air conditioning vents, as these can cause the flowers to dry out.
CHANGE THE WATER REGULARLY
The water in your vase will become contaminated with bacteria and debris over time, so it’s important to change it every 2-3 days. When changing the water, make sure to clean the vase thoroughly and re-cut the stems at an angle. You can also add a fresh dose of floral preservative to the water to help extend the life of the flowers.
REMOVE WILTED FLOWERS
As the flowers begin to wilt, it’s important to remove them from the vase to prevent them from contaminating the water and causing the other flowers to wilt as well. Simply gently pull the wilted flowers out of the vase, being careful not to damage the stems of the remaining flowers.
MIST THE FLOWERS
Misting your flowers with a spray bottle can help to keep them hydrated and prevent them from drying out. Just be sure not to over-mist, as too much water can cause the flowers to rot.
KEEP FLOWERS AWAY FROM FRUIT
Fruits release ethylene gas as they ripen, which can cause flowers to wilt and die prematurely. To prevent this, keep your flowers away from fruit bowls or any other areas where fruit may be present.
DO NOT ALLOW WATER TOUCH THE HEAD OR PETALS
Whenever you are conditioning the flowers, always be mindful of the petals or the head of the flowers for it not to touch the water, because it will easily make the flower get bad by having dark edges and getting routine at the head.
DO NOT TOUCH THE HEAD OF THE FLOWERS
Flowers need to be pampered whenever you are caring for them. Anytime you are caring for fresh flowers, avoid touching the head to avoid it getting bruised and paled.
By following these tips, you can help to extend the lifespan of your fresh flowers and enjoy their beauty for longer. Whether you are gifting them to someone special or simply adding them to your own home, taking care of fresh flowers can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
