Flowers are really popular to send to loved ones on special occasions such as Valentines Day, Mother's Day, weddings, and anniversaries. Places such as homes and offices are more lively and comfortable when flowers are used as decorations. These gifts of nature smell and look fantastic, which makes them so great. They have bright colors, unique shapes, and they have the most wonderful scents only nature can provide.
The only problem? 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 fast as possible. Drench them in water, or preferably in floral foam or flower food solution. These can be provided by your florist.
- Remember to always use a clean vase with enough 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. 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 7-Up or Sprite) with half a gallon of water. The acid in the soda will slow down growth of bacteria in the water, while the sugar will feed the plant.
- Re-cut stems using a cutting tool that will not crush the stems. A sharp knife, pruning shears, or even a good pair of scissors can do. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle, and do this underwater. This allows the stems to draw in water instead of air and the increased surface area from the 45-degree cut allows for improved water/solution absorption.
- Generally, some flowers last longer than others. Once they begin to wilt, remove them from the vase.
- Get rid of leaves that will be below the waterline of the vase, because leaves in water tend to promote bacterial growth.
- 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. - 32376
The only problem? 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 fast as possible. Drench them in water, or preferably in floral foam or flower food solution. These can be provided by your florist.
- Remember to always use a clean vase with enough 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. 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 7-Up or Sprite) with half a gallon of water. The acid in the soda will slow down growth of bacteria in the water, while the sugar will feed the plant.
- Re-cut stems using a cutting tool that will not crush the stems. A sharp knife, pruning shears, or even a good pair of scissors can do. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle, and do this underwater. This allows the stems to draw in water instead of air and the increased surface area from the 45-degree cut allows for improved water/solution absorption.
- Generally, some flowers last longer than others. Once they begin to wilt, remove them from the vase.
- Get rid of leaves that will be below the waterline of the vase, because leaves in water tend to promote bacterial growth.
- 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. - 32376
