Flowers are really popular to send to loved ones on special occasions such as Valentines Day, Mother's Day, weddings, and anniversaries. Even homes and offices use them for decorations to make the place livelier and more comfortable. What makes these gifts of nature so great is that they look and smell fantastic. They have unique shapes, bright colours, and they have the most wonderful scents only nature can give.
The only problem is that flowers tend to wilt prematurely if you don't take care of them well. Not everyone are florists and gardeners, but here are some surefire ways to make bouquets you receive last a little longer:
- If possible, use flower food or floral foam in your vases instead of just water. These can be bought from and/or provided by your florist.
- If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it all. Same goes for those who are using only water; replacing it daily with fresh water is a must.
- No flower food or flower foam? You can make your own! Just add a teaspoon of bleach, a tablespoon of sugar, and a gallon of water. Viola! Your homemade flower food. If these ingredients are unavailable, try mixing a 12-ounce can of clear, non-diet soda (like Sprite or 7-Up) with 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 stems using a cutting tool that will not crush the stems such as a sharp knife, pruning shears, or even a good pair of scissors. 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 vase.
- Get rid of leaves that will be below the waterline of the vase, to lessen bacteria growth in the water.
- Remember to place your flower arrangement in a cool, dry spot, away from heat. About 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit is the recommended temperature for flowers, away from heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, on top of televisions or radiators, and away from direct sunlight, to avoid premature dehydration and wilting. - 33393
The only problem is that flowers tend to wilt prematurely if you don't take care of them well. Not everyone are florists and gardeners, but here are some surefire ways to make bouquets you receive last a little longer:
- If possible, use flower food or floral foam in your vases instead of just water. These can be bought from and/or provided by your florist.
- If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it all. Same goes for those who are using only water; replacing it daily with fresh water is a must.
- No flower food or flower foam? You can make your own! Just add a teaspoon of bleach, a tablespoon of sugar, and a gallon of water. Viola! Your homemade flower food. If these ingredients are unavailable, try mixing a 12-ounce can of clear, non-diet soda (like Sprite or 7-Up) with 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 stems using a cutting tool that will not crush the stems such as a sharp knife, pruning shears, or even a good pair of scissors. 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 vase.
- Get rid of leaves that will be below the waterline of the vase, to lessen bacteria growth in the water.
- Remember to place your flower arrangement in a cool, dry spot, away from heat. About 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit is the recommended temperature for flowers, away from heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, on top of televisions or radiators, and away from direct sunlight, to avoid premature dehydration and wilting. - 33393
