Fresh flowers are adored by almost everyone. They make every occasion extra special and make for a perfect gift for a loved one. Birthday flowers can instantly bring a smile to anyone’s face and light up the dullest of spaces. However, there is one huge downside to them which is, that they cannot last forever and start wilting without proper care. That is why we have come up with some tips and tricks most florists use to ensure the longevity of flowers.
Here are some of our favorite flower care tips to save your blooms from drying out
Cut the stems: Not cutting the stem before placing the flowers into water is one of the most common mistakes people commit. To elongate the life of flowers, always cut off one to two inches of the stems of the flowers and cut them at an angle. You can use special garden shears for a clean snip. The angle cut gives the flowers a better chance to breathe and takes in water properly instead of just sitting flat at the bottom of the vase. You should also re-trim your bouquet after every few days.
Prune the leaves: Removing any leaves from below the waterline will not only make your bouquet look better but also inhibits the growth of any bacteria growing due to them. Flowers like roses have guard petals on the outermost layers for protection. Their removal will give your flower the chance to open up fully. Always check back your flowers every few days after the initial pruning to look for dead or loose petals or leaves.
Hydrate your flowers: It is essential to wisely water your bouquet to keep them alive for a longer duration. Once the stem has been cut off from a flower, it becomes impossible for them to survive without water. Hydration and flower food can make them stay fresh for even longer. Keep them in room temperature water and add flower food to the water itself. The quantity to be added to the water is usually mentioned on the back of the sachet but always check for the consistency of the flower food. Too diluted or too concentrated can harm your flowers.
Keep them away from sunlight and fruits: Cut flowers require a cool place to thrive in. Areas with direct sunlight or heat will dry them out in only a few days. Place them in a position where they’re away from open windows, heating vents, or ceiling fans too. Another fact that most people don’t know is that fruits can cause flowers to wither and die down easily. The gas released by them during their ripening phase reduces the longevity of your blooms.
Remove dying flowers: No matter how much effort you put in preserving your flowers they will still fade and dry out earlier than others eventually. Dying and wilting flowers can contaminate the whole bunch and should be removed immediately to conserve the health of other flowers. placing them in a shaded and cool place also keep them healthier for a long time.
These were all the tips that can keep your bouquet looking as good as new throughout its lifetime. You can also mix natural preservatives like apple cider vinegar and sugar or aspirin to enjoy them for a longer period. Try out these tips and see the difference for yourself.
