Flowers are one of the meaningful gifts and liveliest decorations for nearly any occasion, all year 'round. Places such as homes and offices are more comfortable and lively when flowers decorate the place. What makes these gifts of nature so great is that they smell and look amazing. They have unique shapes, bright colors, and they have the most wonderful smells only nature can provide.
The downside? Fresh flowers don't stay fresh for long especially if you don't take care of them right. Not all of us are florists and gardeners, but here are some surefire ways to make flower arrangements you receive last a little longer:
- If you receive flowers that aren't in water, act as quick as possible. Drench them in water, or preferably in floral foam or flower food solution. These can be bought 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 immediately.
- If floral foam 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. Mix well and you have 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 flowers.
- 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 can also improve the plants' liquid absorption.
- Some flowers actually last longer than others in the bouquet. Once they wilt, take them out of the vase.
- Remove leaves that will be under the vase's waterline, 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.
The downside? Fresh flowers don't stay fresh for long especially if you don't take care of them right. Not all of us are florists and gardeners, but here are some surefire ways to make flower arrangements you receive last a little longer:
- If you receive flowers that aren't in water, act as quick as possible. Drench them in water, or preferably in floral foam or flower food solution. These can be bought 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 immediately.
- If floral foam 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. Mix well and you have 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 flowers.
- 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 can also improve the plants' liquid absorption.
- Some flowers actually last longer than others in the bouquet. Once they wilt, take them out of the vase.
- Remove leaves that will be under the vase's waterline, 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.
