How to take care of your flowers
Fresh flowers can brighten up any space, but to keep them looking beautiful for as long as possible, they need proper care. Follow these simple steps to ensure your flowers stay fresh and vibrant for days, max for a week..
1. Trim the Stems
Before placing your flowers in water, cut about 1 to 2 inches off the bottom of the stems at a 45-degree angle. This allows the flowers to absorb water more effectively and prevents them from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase, which can block water flow.
2. Use Clean Water and Vase
Always use a clean vase to prevent bacteria from growing, which can cause flowers to wilt prematurely. Fill the vase with lukewarm water—about halfway full is ideal. Change the water every two to three days to keep it fresh.
3. Flower Care
Be sure to add this to the water to provide essential nutrients and prevent bacterial growth. If you don’t have flower food, you can make your own by mixing a teaspoon of sugar, a few drops of bleach, and a teaspoon of lemon juice into the water.
4. Remove Leaves Below the Water Line
Any leaves submerged in water will quickly rot and breed bacteria, which can shorten the life of your flowers. Remove any leaves that would fall below the waterline to keep the water clean and fresh.
5. Keep Flowers Cool
Heat can cause flowers to wilt faster, so place your flowers in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or electronics that emit heat. A cooler environment helps prolong their life.
6. Avoid Drafts
Flowers are sensitive to sudden temperature changes. Keep them away from drafts or air conditioning vents that could cause them to dry out or droop prematurely.
7. Refresh the Water and Re-Cut Stems
Every two to three days, empty the vase, clean it thoroughly, and refill it with fresh water. Don’t forget to re-trim the stems each time to keep the flowers hydrated.
8. Remove Wilting Flowers
As individual flowers start to wilt, remove them from the arrangement. This prevents them from releasing gases that can cause the rest of the bouquet to age more quickly.
Special Care for Specific Flowers:
- Roses: Remove any guard petals (the outermost petals) to help roses open up fully. Also, roses prefer deep water, so fill the vase up about three-quarters full.
- Lilies: If your lilies have pollen, carefully remove the pollen sacs to prevent stains and help the blooms last longer.
- Tulips: Tulips continue to grow after being cut, so make sure to trim their stems every few days. They also like cooler temperatures, so avoid placing them in overly warm areas.
With these simple care tips, your flowers can stay fresh, fragrant, and beautiful for much longer, allowing you to enjoy their beauty for days to come.