So, you’ve your cut flowers and you want them to remain fresh and beautiful for as long as possible. Now, what?
The next step is to care for your cut flowers properly to maintain their vibrance and longevity, and prevent them from wilting.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about caring for your cut flowers so they remain fresh for a long time.
Cut The Fresh Flowers (If you haven’t already)
In case you’re yet to cut the flowers, this is the first step.
You’ll need shears to trim flowers with wooden stems, and sharp scissors to trim slimmer flowers. Trim the stems at a 45-degree angle so that the stems don’t sit flat at the bottom of the vase.
Choose the Right Vase
When choosing a vase, it is important to consider shape and not just attractiveness. You need a vase that is wide enough for air to get in properly and ventilate the flowers. At the same time, you don’t want it to be so wide that it can’t hold the flower stems properly. Somewhere in the middle is the best to balance airflow and stem support.
Wash the Vase Properly
The cleanliness of your vase can affect the longevity of your flowers. It is important to clean your vase properly to avoid bacterial growth and contamination.
Scrub your vase with a water and bleach mixture (10 parts water and 1 part bleach). Rinse the vase several times until it’s clean and has no odour.
Fill the Vase with Water
Fill two-thirds of the vase with room temperature water. Avoid water that’s too warm or too cold, as it could negatively affect hydration. The perfect temperature is important for the hydration of your fresh flowers, and lukewarm water is best.
Add Preservatives to the Water
After filling the vase with water, it is a good idea to throw in some flower preservatives. A lot of these preservatives contain a blend of bleach and sugar, protecting the flowers against bacterial growth while providing nutrition that supports vibrance and longevity.
When using preservatives, you need to follow dosage instructions carefully to avoid overdosing the flowers, which can cause harm. Always pay attention to the manufacturer’s directives.
Replenish the preservatives each with every water change to ensure that your flowers are replenished and preserved with every water change.
Remove Low-Hanging Leaves
Before placing the cut flowers into the vase, you need to cut off all leaves that will hang below the water line. Leaving them in the water will cause them to rot and infect the rest of the flower with bacteria.
Feed Cut Flowers
Whether or not you choose to use preservatives, feeding your cut flowers is a necessity, as it provides nutrients to the stems and keeps them fresher for longer. When getting your fresh flowers, order some cut-flower food and sprinkle some into your flower vase. Ask your florist how often you should feed your flowers, depending on their type.
Change the Water Frequently
It is important to change the water in your flower vase every two days to avoid bacterial buildup and ensure your flowers are properly hydrated. Whenever you refill the water, ensure that it fills two-thirds of the vase.
Clean the water surface in between water changes to remove floating particles that could contaminate the water or simply affect the appearance of your flowers in the vase.
Maintain Optimal Temperature for Flowers
Keep your flowers in an airy environment, away from direct light and heat. Your cut flowers will thrive better in cooler rooms, away from sunlight. It is important to avoid fluctuating temperatures as they can negatively affect your flower’s longevity. Always keep your flowers away from windows and doors, as light and sun can come in through the cracks.
Re-trim Flowers Frequently
It is important to trim the stems of your flowers frequently to ensure they can take in water properly. Trimming the stems every few days also helps to prevent the growth of bacteria in the vase.
FAQs
Why Do My Cut Fresh Flowers Wilt?
Several things can cause your cut flower to wilt, including:
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Insufficient water
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Cutting stems at the wrong angle.
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Exposure to direct sunlight or heat
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Proximity to ripening fruits that release ethylene gas
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Fluctuating temperatures
What are the Longest-Lasting Cut Flowers?
Fresh flowers that last longest after being cut are Anthurium, Orchids, Chrysanthemums, Sunflowers, and Tulips. Others include Banksias, Lilies, Zinnias, and Proteas.