A bunch of flowers bring back many sweet memories – a romantic date, a happy news or just a good day. Wouldn’t you love to preserve those special moments a little longer? Simply keep your favourite fresh flowers around you in a vase to remind you of the good things in life. But those lovely blossoms need your help too to feel alive and beautiful. Learn with us how to take care of freshly cut flowers so you can see them bloom longer.
1. Wrap them Up
Remove any severely wilted leaves, petals and foliage and put a cellophane or paper wrapper around them. Place them in fresh water as soon as soon as you buy them.
2. Wash that Vase
Before using a vase for fresh flowers, wash it in hot, soapy water and rinse well. This will remove microorganisms and help keep the water clean.
3. Clear the Stem
Remove any leaves from the parts of the stems that will be submerged in the vase water. Bacteria from leaves that decay underwater can build up to plug the ends of the flower stems and prevent them from absorbing water.
4. Cut the Stem at a 45 Degree Angle
Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle with a sharp knife, about 1 to 2 inches from the bottom of each flower stalk. Ideally, make your final cuts under running water or in a bowl of warm water to help prevent trapped air from blocking the stems’ water uptake.
5. Avoid Soft Water
Do not use soft water as it has high amounts of sodium, which is not good for the flowers.
6. Add Bleach
Adding a small amount of bleach (less than 1 teaspoon per quart of water) can help keep the water clean and deter bacteria.
7. Spray them Regularly
Keep adding water to the vase as needed and spray a mist on the flowers daily. Do not forget to trim a bit off the ends of the stems and change the water every other day.
8. Do Not Expose them to Extreme Temperatures
Keep flowers away from direct sunlight and hot areas, such as heating vents, as well as cold areas, such as near a window or door in winters.
9. Keep Away from Fruits
Avoid placing your arrangement near ripening fruit as it releases tiny amounts of ethylene gas that can cause flowers to age faster.
Now those beautiful flowers will bloom for a little while longer.
