Flowers are one of the meaningful gifts and liveliest decorations for nearly any occasion, all year 'round. Even offices and homes use them for decorations to make the place livelier and more comfortable. What makes these gifts of nature so great is that they smell and look fantastic. They have unique shapes, bright colors, and they have the most wonderful smells only nature can give.
The downside? Fresh flowers don't stay fresh for long especially if you don't take care of them well. Not all of us are florists and gardeners, but here are some surefire ways to make bouquets you receive last a little longer:
- If you receive flowers that aren't in water, act as fast as possible. Drench them in water, or preferably in floral foam or flower food solution. These can be purchased from your florist.
- Remember to always use a clean vase with ample space, and use clear water every day. Once the flower food solution or water becomes cloudy, replace it all right away.
- If flower food is unavailable, you can make your own makeshift flower freshener. Simply mix a teaspoon of bleach, a tablespoon of sugar, and a gallon of water. Viola! Your homemade flower food. Some gardening experts even say you can pour a 12-ounce can of non-diet Sprite or 7-Up in half a gallon of water The acid in the soda will slow bacteria growth in the water, while the sugar will "feed" the plant.
- Re-cut your flower stems at a 45-degree angle using a sharp cutting tool, such as a sharp knife, good pair of scissors, or pruning shears. Cut the stems underwater to allow more water absorption instead of air. A 45-degree angle stem cut will also improve the plants' liquid absorption.
- Some flowers actually last longer than others in the arrangement. Once they wilt, take them out of the arrangement.
- Get rid of any leaves that go below the waterline of the vase, because leaves in water tend to promote bacterial growth.
- Keep flowers in a cool, dry spot, in approximately 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended to keep them away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators, to avoid premature dehydration and wilting. - 33393
The downside? Fresh flowers don't stay fresh for long especially if you don't take care of them well. Not all of us are florists and gardeners, but here are some surefire ways to make bouquets you receive last a little longer:
- If you receive flowers that aren't in water, act as fast as possible. Drench them in water, or preferably in floral foam or flower food solution. These can be purchased from your florist.
- Remember to always use a clean vase with ample space, and use clear water every day. Once the flower food solution or water becomes cloudy, replace it all right away.
- If flower food is unavailable, you can make your own makeshift flower freshener. Simply mix a teaspoon of bleach, a tablespoon of sugar, and a gallon of water. Viola! Your homemade flower food. Some gardening experts even say you can pour a 12-ounce can of non-diet Sprite or 7-Up in half a gallon of water The acid in the soda will slow bacteria growth in the water, while the sugar will "feed" the plant.
- Re-cut your flower stems at a 45-degree angle using a sharp cutting tool, such as a sharp knife, good pair of scissors, or pruning shears. Cut the stems underwater to allow more water absorption instead of air. A 45-degree angle stem cut will also improve the plants' liquid absorption.
- Some flowers actually last longer than others in the arrangement. Once they wilt, take them out of the arrangement.
- Get rid of any leaves that go below the waterline of the vase, because leaves in water tend to promote bacterial growth.
- Keep flowers in a cool, dry spot, in approximately 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended to keep them away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators, to avoid premature dehydration and wilting. - 33393
