Flowers bring beauty and life to any space, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just brightening up your home. However, as much as we love their vibrant colours and sweet fragrances, the lifespan of fresh flowers can often feel too short. If you’re looking to make your flowers last longer and enjoy their beauty for days on end, here are some tried-and-true tips and tricks to keep your blooms fresh.
1. Trim the Stems Properly
One of the most important steps in extending the life of your flowers is trimming the stems as soon as you receive your bouquet. This is especially essential for flowers that have been sitting in water during transport. Use sharp scissors or flower shears to cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This makes the stem’s surface area bigger, which lets it soak up water better. Make sure to cut them while they are underwater so that air bubbles don’t get into the stem and stop it from taking in water.
2. Change the Water Regularly
Flowers thrive in clean water. When you receive your flowers, place them in a clean vase filled with fresh, room-temperature water. As germs grow, they can shorten the life of your flowers. To stop this, change the water every two days. Before refilling the vase, wash it thoroughly to remove any buildup of bacteria or debris. This simple habit ensures that the flowers remain hydrated and healthy for a longer period of time.
3. Add Flower Food
Most flower delivery services include a packet of flower food with your order, and it’s wise to use it. Flower food contains nutrients that nourish the flowers and inhibit bacterial growth in the water. For your own answer, mix water with one teaspoon of sugar, one teaspoon of bleach, and two teaspoons of lemon juice. This can be done even if you don’t have the flower box. The bleach kills germs, the sugar feeds the flowers, and the lemon juice lowers the pH of the water to help the flowers stay moist.
4. Keep Flowers Away from Heat and Direct Sunlight
While fresh flowers love the warmth, keeping them in a spot that is too hot or sunny can cause them to wilt faster. Direct sunlight can cause the flowers to dehydrate, especially on warm days. It’s best to place them in a cool, shaded area of your home. Avoid putting your flowers near heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces, or electrical appliances. This will prevent the petals from drying out prematurely and help them last longer.
5. Avoid Ethylene Gas
The natural gas that some fruits and veggies give off is ethylene gas, and it can make your flowers die sooner. Keep your flowers away from ripening fruits such as apples, bananas, and tomatoes. The gas can cause flowers to wilt, turn brown, and die more quickly. Store your flowers in a cool room away from any fruit bowls or vegetables to ensure they stay fresh longer.
6. Remove Wilting Flowers and Leaves
As your flowers age, some may start to wilt or lose petals. Removing any wilted flowers, leaves, or dead foliage from the bouquet will help maintain the freshness of the remaining blooms. This not only improves the aesthetic appearance of your arrangement but also prevents bacteria from spreading, which can affect the other flowers. Regularly inspecting your flowers and trimming away any decaying parts helps extend their overall lifespan.
7. Rehydrate Your Flowers with a Fresh Cut
If your flowers seem to be drooping, it’s often because they’ve lost too much water. One solution is to give them a fresh cut and place them back into water. For flowers like roses or tulips, cutting the stems again and placing them in water immediately can encourage them to stand up straight again. Additionally, some flowers, such as peonies or lilies, may benefit from being placed in warm water to help them absorb more liquid quickly.
8. Place Flowers in a Clean Vase
It’s not just about the water—your vase also plays a role in keeping your flowers fresh. Bacteria can thrive in dirty vases, so make sure to wash your vase thoroughly before arranging your flowers. This is especially important if you’ve had flowers in the vase for a few days already. A clean vase promotes better water quality and prevents contamination that could harm your blooms.
Conclusion
It takes some work to keep your flowers looking nice and fresh, but it’s well worth it. No matter if you got a beautiful bouquet from a flower delivery service or bought some at the store, these easy tips will help them last longer and bring more colour and happiness into your life. These small things, like cutting off the stems and changing the water often, will make a big difference in how long your flowers last. If you give your flowers a little care, they can keep blooming for days, if not longer.
