How To Preserve Your Flowers
Flowers are one of the most beautiful gifts of nature, so it should come as no surprise that we all love to keep them in their homes and offices or use as gifts for loved ones. However, cut flowers have a limited lifespan, and it can be a shame when they start wilting after just a few days. In this blog, we’ll provide you with some tips on preserving your flowers to keep them looking fresh for longer, so you have time to stop and smell the roses!
Start With A Clean Vase
Before putting your flowers in a vase, make sure it’s clean. Any bacteria or debris in the vase can harm your flowers and shorten their lifespan. Use warm water and bleach to clean the vase, rinse thoroughly and let it dry before use.
Trim The Stems
When you get your flowers home, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle to allow for better water absorption. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to prevent crushing the stems, which can limit water uptake. Make sure you cut them underwater or immediately place them in a vase with water. This can help to prevent air bubbles from blocking the water uptake.
Remove Leaves
Remove any leaves that would be below the water line, as they can decompose and release bacteria that can shorten the life of your flowers. You should also remove any damaged or yellow leaves as they appear.
Use Lukewarm Water
Cold water can shock the flowers and restrict their ability to absorb water, so fill the vase with lukewarm water. This will help your flowers stay fresh and hydrated.
Change The Water Regularly
Change the water every two days or so to prevent bacteria from building up. Clean the vase again before refilling it with fresh water. This will keep your flowers looking fresh for longer.
Keep Flowers Away From Heat
Keep your flowers away from direct sunlight, radiators or other heat sources, which can accelerate the aging process. Find a cool spot for your flowers where they can receive indirect sunlight.
Mist the flowers
Mist your flowers with a spray bottle of water to increase humidity and prevent the petals from drying out. Make sure you don’t spray the leaves, as this can encourage the growth of mould and bacteria.
Revive wilted flowers
If they start to wilt, flowers such as sunflowers may be able to be revived by cutting the stems again and placing them in boiling water for a few seconds before placing them back in the vase with fresh water. Flowers such as hydrangeas can be revived by dunking their heads in water and recutting the stems.
By following these tips, you can extend the life of your cut flowers and ensure they remain beautiful and bright for as long as possible. And don’t forget to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of your flowers while they last. Happy flower arranging!
