Flowers are really popular to send to loved ones on special occasions such as Valentines Day, Mother's Day, weddings, and anniversaries. Even offices and homes use them for decorations to make the place livelier and less plain. What makes these gifts of nature so great is that they smell and look fantastic. They have unique shapes, bright colours, and they have the most wonderful smells only nature can provide.
The downside is that flowers tend to wilt prematurely if you don't take care of them properly. Not everyone are florists and gardeners, here are some tips that could extend the life of your bouquets:
- If possible, use flower food or floral foam in your vases instead of plain 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 just water; replacing it daily with fresh water is a must.
- 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 7-Up or Sprite in half a gallon of water The soda's acidity will slow down growth of bacteria in the water, while the sugar will "feed" the flowers.
- 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 can also improve liquid absorption of the plants.
- Some flowers can last longer than others in the arrangement. Once they begin to wilt, remove them from the vase.
- Remove any leaves that go under the vase's waterline, 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. Failing to do so will cause your flowers to dehydrate and make them wilt prematurely. - 32376
The downside is that flowers tend to wilt prematurely if you don't take care of them properly. Not everyone are florists and gardeners, here are some tips that could extend the life of your bouquets:
- If possible, use flower food or floral foam in your vases instead of plain 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 just water; replacing it daily with fresh water is a must.
- 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 7-Up or Sprite in half a gallon of water The soda's acidity will slow down growth of bacteria in the water, while the sugar will "feed" the flowers.
- 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 can also improve liquid absorption of the plants.
- Some flowers can last longer than others in the arrangement. Once they begin to wilt, remove them from the vase.
- Remove any leaves that go under the vase's waterline, 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. Failing to do so will cause your flowers to dehydrate and make them wilt prematurely. - 32376
