Enjoy Fresh Bouquets Of Beautiful Flowers For Longer With These Tips And Tricks For Making Your Cut Flowers Last
Now that spring is here, you’re probably more inclined to treat yourself and your living quarters with a fresh bouquet of flowers. The burst of color and sweet, gorgeous scent from the vibrant blooms bring cheer to any space, leaving a lasting impression.
So, whether you’ve picked up a bouquet yourself from the local grocery store or received an arrangement for a special occasion, you’ll want to be able to enjoy them for as long as possible.
Sadly, flower bouquets don’t last forever. The truth is that they start to die once they’re placed in a vase. In just a matter of days, the petals will begin to wilt, and they’ll be dead by the week’s end.
On the bright side, there are ways to extend the longevity of your flowers. Here are some tips and tricks to add a few extra days to the life of your bouquet.
Trim Stems Diagonally
Before arranging your blossoms, it’s necessary to trim the stems diagonally. By cutting a couple of inches off the stems, you’re maximizing the surface area at the bottom of the stems, allowing the flowers to drink up more water.
Every few days, re-trim the stems to keep them hydrated properly. Try cutting them under warm running water to ensure that they get a drink right away.
Change Water Every Day
It’s natural for bacteria to build up as your flowers age, which will quickly make the water cloudy. Changing the water daily is essential for the health of your flowers.
iwavephoto – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only
To replenish your bouquet’s water supply, fill a vase with cool water three-quarters of the way. If you spot any sediment that has collected at the bottom of the vase, give it a quick clean.
Maintain Proper Temperature
Fresh flowers are sensitive to light, so keep them away from direct sunlight and other heat sources to make sure they don’t dry out.
It’s also best to avoid spaces with high humidity because they thrive better in cool environments. To make flowers last extra long, consider putting your arrangement in the refrigerator overnight.
Pluck Out Rotting Foliage
Once you notice any dead or rotting leaves and flower petals, remove them immediately. Rotting foliage can cause the growth of bacteria and affect the life of the flowers.
Dying flowers release ethylene gas, which hurts their neighbors, killing them off faster. Check for rotting foliage daily and pluck them out so the water stays clean from bacteria.
Sprinkle In Lemon-Lime Soda
Flower bouquets usually come with packets of plant food to mix in with the water in the vase, but you can also make your own. Sprinkle in a little bit of lemon-lime soda as flower food.
It makes the water more acidic so the stems can absorb it more quickly. Plus, the sugar from the soda gives flowers more nutrients to continue growing.
Incorporate These Household Items As Preservatives
These items are commonly found in most people’s homes, and surprisingly, they can act as preservatives for cut flowers. For one, hairspray can help flowers maintain their freshness just as it does for curls. Simply spray a bit of the product on your bouquet from a short distance.
Furthermore, a few drops of vodka can help extend the life of flowers by slowing the production of ethylene. You can also use apple cider vinegar to preserve a floral arrangement.
This pantry staple works similarly to lemon-lime soda. The sugar serves as flower food, while the vinegar fights bacteria and balances pH levels.
Some old wives’ tales state that aspirin or pennies will work in a pinch. Add crushed-up aspirin to the water before setting the flowers in, as it will lower the pH of the water and keep the flowers fresh.
Alternatively, add a copper penny to the water. The copper will stop bacteria growth and preserve your bouquet’s lifespan.
Use Clean Tools
When cutting the stems, use a clean pair of scissors so that you’re not introducing any bacteria to your blooms.
Also, wash your vase with soap before placing any flowers in there.
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