It can be so exciting to receive a flower bouquet or a floral arrangement. But with time, you will have to get rid of the flowers. However, there are some tips and tricks you can use to make sure they last the maximum time possible.
The first thing is choosing high quality flowers that are fresh. This will depend on the flower shop. You can search for florists near me online and check for shops that have the most positive reviews. It also depends on the type of flowers you select. If you select flowers that are in season, they will last longer than the others. Think of what container you will be placing the flowers in. Make sure that the container or vase is clean without having any chemical or soap residue. Even the tiniest amount of detergent can affect the shelf life of the flowers. If you have fragile flowers, then it is best to put them in a taller vase. You also need to prepare the flowers before you put them in the vase and maintain them by removing deal leaves and such. Before you place the flowers in water, it is recommended to remove a couple of inches from the stems. Make sure you make a clean cut at a 450 angle. This will ensure that the surface area available for absorbing water is increased and nothing will block the water from being sucked up. It is also better to cut the stems underwater to prevent air bubbles from getting in and preventing water from reaching the flowers.
Regular maintenance is required for ensuring the quality and freshness of the flowers. If the water is dirty, you have to replace it with fresh water. It is recommended to do this daily. You also need to clean the vase well. By ensuring no dirty water remains, you are minimising the risk of bacterial growth that can negatively affect the flowers. Think about the environment the flowers are in. They don’t do well in harsh environments such as being exposed to extreme temperatures. Keep them out of the direct way of fans and air conditioning. Place them away from sunlight and hot appliances. You can also use a flower food packet to ensure they last a long time.
The temperature of the water is also important. For many flowers, room temperature is good. But if you are using bulb flowers, it is best to use cold water. The amount of water you put in makes a difference as well. A good rule of thumb is to fill the container up to about three-quarters. But when the flowers start absorbing the water, this level will go down. So check on the vase now and then and top up the water when required. You can also use slightly acidic water to ensure that the cut flowers thrive best. Sometimes there are leaves trapped underneath the water line. These should be removed as they can rot and contribute to the growth or bacteria. Removing them will ensure the water is clean.
