Have you just splurged on a gorgeous bouquet for a special occasion or gone on a wildflower-picking adventure? We’ve all wondered, “How do I make cut flowers last longer?” Fear not because we’ve got your back with some straightforward and practical tips. And if you’re prepping for a big event – be it a wedding, birthday bash, or a casual get-together, these tips will help you keep your blooms party-ready.
Tip #1: Use a Clean Vase
Keep those flowers living their best life by giving your vase a good clean first; it’s like their version of a spa day. Bacteria is the enemy, darling. You want your blooms to thrive, not succumb to some nasty germs. So, before throwing those beauties in, ensure your vase is sparkling clean. You can mix up 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, give that vase a good scrub, and rinse it well. Your flowers will thank you for the VIP treatment.
Tip #2: Trim the Stems
Give those stems the ultimate makeover with a snip and a trim. Angle that cut at 45 degrees to keep the stems from lounging flat at the bottom of the vase. This creates a big surface area for maximum water absorption.
Grab the heavy-duty clippers for the woody stems. And for the more delicate ones, a pair of sharp scissors or a knife should do the trick. Feeling extra fancy? Go for the underwater cut. Trust us; your flowers will be sipping the water like the fanciest cocktail in town.
Tip #3: Remove Any Excess Foliage
Be sure to remove excess foliage and any petals showing signs of browning. It’s like decluttering for your blooms. Get rid of those leaves below the water line because they can cause a stir by eventually rotting and inviting bacteria to the water. We want your flowers to live their best lives, not be messy.
Tip #4: Feed Your Blooms
Give your cut flowers the ultimate power-up with a sweet and tangy concoction. You can have 2 tablespoons of sugar teamed up with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. This serves as a floral energy drink to keep those blooms fresh and fabulous. The sugar is a nutrition boost for your flowers, encouraging those buds to open up and show their true colours. Meanwhile, the vinegar fights off bacteria and ensures your flowers stay longer.
No sugar or vinegar in the pantry? No worries. Mix a lemon-lime soda with water, and watch the magic happen. And if you’ve got a bouquet with a fancy cut-flower food packet, don’t be shy. Sprinkle that goodness into the vase.
Tip #5: Change the Water
Your flowers are thirsty on day one in that vase, so keep an eye on the water level and top it up when it’s looking low. After a few days, if that water starts looking cloudy, it’s time to refresh. Boot those blooms out, dump the old H2O, and rinse the stems under running water. Snip about an inch off the bottom like you’re giving them a fresh haircut.
Now, show that vase some love, too. Clean it, wipe away the past, and refill it with some bomb fresh water mixed with flower food.
Tip #6: Keep Your Flowers Cool
Florists have this cool setup: a chilled space at 34-36°F and humidity levels at 90-95%. And recreating that at home is a bit of a stretch, but we can still drop some wisdom on keeping your floral game strong.
First off, flowers hate heat and direct sunlight. So, keep them away from those sneaky rays. And when the night hits, move those blooms to a chill room.
Whether a loved one gifted you a bouquet or you channelled Miley’s self-love anthem and got some for yourself, having flowers at home or the office is an instant mood lift. But let’s be real, those fresh blooms aren’t always cheap.
So, it’s always best to have some knowledge about how do you lengthen the life of a cut flower. Because who needs wilted flowers when you can have blossoms that dance through time? Keep those blooms thriving and vibes high, and let your flower game flourish.
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