A lovely vase of flowers will work in just about every room. If it is for gifting, centrepiece, or just as a personal indulgence, we all want our fresh blooms to stay longer.
Flowers in nature loss their shape with time, but proper care can prolong the life of flowers by at least four times. And, actually, keeping your setup as strong, bold, and attractive as it can for a lot of extra days relies upon on just a few handy habits.
Get the most of your flowers if you have recently had fresh flower delivery using these practical tips.
Start with a Clean Vase
As a matter of fact, one of the most important steps happen before flowers even makes it into the water.
Vases can also hide bacteria that will quickly kill fresh flowers before their time.
Before arranging flowers:
- Wash the vase thoroughly
- Rinse away soap residue
- Wipe the inside with warm water
- Make sure you have a clean container
Providing flowers with the best possible start is a clean environment.
Trim the Stems Properly
Cut flowers suck up water better.
Once your arrangement arrives, cut around 2 to 3 cm off the end of each stem.
This will enable you to use scissors or garden snips and cut at an angle.
The angled cut increases the surface area of a stem that can absorb water and also helps keep stems from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase.
Re-cutting stems is always promoted by the vast majority of florists selling fresh flowers available online every two to three days.
Change the Water Regularly
A constant supply of fresh water is vital for healthy flowers.
It is best to change the water every 2-3 days.
- When changing the water:
- Empty the vase completely
- Rinse away any debris
- Refill with clean water
- If you have any, add some new flower food
This one basic practice can decrease the growth of bacteria, as well as the water absorbed by flowers.
Remove Leaves Below the Waterline
Submerged leaves in water decompose fast and fuel bacterial growth.
When putting the flower stalks in a vase, cut away any foliage that will be below the water level.
This helps:
- Keep water cleaner
- Reduce unpleasant odours
- Improve flower longevity
Even premium flowers delivered through fresh flower delivery will appreciate this one simple step of maintenance.
Find a Cold, Dark Spot to Put Flowers in
Flowers, with many people setting their flowers in bright windows as a brag. Unfortunately, they may cause blooms to wilt faster when in direct sunlight.
To optimise results, avoid arranging near:
- Direct sun
- Heating vents
- Fireplaces
- Kitchen appliances
- Hot windows
The cooler environment allows the flowers to retain moisture and remain fresh longer,
Use Flower Food When Available
Flower food is typically added to arrangements by most florists.
Flower food contains ingredients that:
- Nourish blooms
- Reduce bacterial growth
- Improve water absorption
Always follow the instructions there, and don’t exceed what it says!
When you buy fresh flowers available online, see whether they include any flower food.
Remove Fading Blooms Promptly
With these flowers wilting, some flowers will fall sooner than others.
Removing wilted flowers helps:
- Improve the arrangement’s appearance
- Prevent bacterial spread
- Allow healthier blooms to thrive
A simple inspection of the arrangement will increase its life expectancy by a few days.
Consider Room Temperature
Cooler places tend to keep flowers fresh longer.
Most florists suggest that you place arrangements in rooms where the temperature remains steady and there is good air circulation.
Do not subject yourself to sudden changes in temperature whenever possible.
Final Thoughts
Fresh flowers add colour, smell, and beauty to any space. They will last well past their predicted lifetime if treated nicely.
Small measures like pruning stems, refreshing water, and keeping arrangements out of the heat help enormously. Depending on whether the flowers you received at your door or culled, a list of fresh flowers to buy online, just spending a little more time with them daily can help keep them looking their best for longer.
