Flowers are one of the meaningful gifts and liveliest decorations for nearly any occasion, all year 'round. Places such as offices and homes are more comfortable and lively when flowers decorate the place. These gifts of nature look and smell fantastic, which makes them so great. They have bright colours, unique shapes, and they have the most wonderful scents only nature can give.
The downside? Fresh flowers don't stay fresh for long especially if you don't take care of them properly. Not all of us are florists and gardeners, but here are some surefire tips that could make flower arrangements you receive last a little longer:
- If possible, use flower food or floral foam in your vases instead of plain water. These can be purchased from and/or 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.
- No flower food or flower foam? You can make your own! Simply mix 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. A sharp knife, pruning shears, or even a good pair of scissors can do. 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 actually last longer than others in the arrangement. Once they begin to wilt, remove them from the vase.
- Get rid of any leaves that go below 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, 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 properly. Not all of us are florists and gardeners, but here are some surefire tips that could make flower arrangements you receive last a little longer:
- If possible, use flower food or floral foam in your vases instead of plain water. These can be purchased from and/or 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.
- No flower food or flower foam? You can make your own! Simply mix 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. A sharp knife, pruning shears, or even a good pair of scissors can do. 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 actually last longer than others in the arrangement. Once they begin to wilt, remove them from the vase.
- Get rid of any leaves that go below 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, to avoid premature dehydration and wilting.
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