How to Take Care of Cut Flowers?

Flowers can turn almost anyplace from dull to bright, and give it an exquisite look. It fills the room with fragrance and dazzles it with its beauty. To decorate a room, natural flowers are best as they provide a different sort of tone to the place.

We not only use flowers to decorate the room but they are one of the most common gifts as a beautiful bouquet. The beauty of flowers is mesmerizing which is why they are used for gifting and decorating, but the only problem is that they don’t last forever. One can only try to keep its essence alive for a longer time.

Taking Care of Cut Flowers

Cut flowers care can be tricky. One may think that they are doing everything right, yet their flowers tend to die early. Most of the times different flowers have different requirements but people tend to care for them in a similar manner. For example, Hydrangea is a flower that requires water to be sprayed on the petals rather than the stem for it to last longer. So let’s take a look as to how to care for cut flowers:

• The first step should be to cut the stems, for about 1 to 2 inches at 45 degrees angle. This helps for better water intake since the bottom of the vase is never flat.
• Make sure to remove the extra leaves, as that not only makes the bouquet more presentable but also prevents bacterial growth. Remove the guard petals from around the flower as that helps it to fully bloom.
• Fill the vase with tap water generously, as flowers won’t last long without water. Add flower food or preservatives like Chrysal in the water and mix it well. Make sure the vase is clean, and the amount of flower food is correct.
• Once you place the flowers in the vase, make sure to trim the stems regularly. Remove damaged leaves and petals regularly, as that prevents bacterial growth and keeps the flowers fresh longer.
• Watch the water and change it every 2 to 3 days or whenever it seems cloudy. Although make sure to add little fresh water every day and spray the petals to keep them fresh.
• Place the arrangement away from direct sunlight and try placing them in a room with a cooler temperature. Avoid placing the flowers near heat sources, ceiling fan, and right next to a cooling vent as that dehydrates the flowers. Also, do not place your flowers near fruits as when fruits are ripening, they release tiny amounts of ethylene gas which reduces the life of flowers.
• Make sure not to mix fresh flowers with older flowers as that may infect the fresh flowers with bacteria resulting them to fade away too soon.

DIY Flower Food

Getting flower food and preservatives could be a little difficult. You may or may not find it in the market easily. It is very easy to make flower food at home with things one may find lying around the house.

• Bleach, Vinegar, & Sugar

Mix 4 teaspoons of each- Bleach, Vinegar, and sugar into one gallon of water. It is one of the easiest flower food substitutes which make your cut flowers last longer than ever.

• Aspirin

Aspirin not only eases the pain for humans but helps flowers have a longer life. Crush one aspirin and mix it well in water. It lowers the pH level of the water allowing it through the flower faster, preventing wilting.

• Copper Coin

Copper has to acidify properties which help in fighting bacteria growth. Add a copper coin to the bouquet will help it last longer and helps flowers to open up faster.

• Soda

Pouring ¼ cup of soda into the vase helps the flowers last longer. It’s the sugar in the soda which does the trick and makes the flowers bloom better.

• Clear Spirit

Adding clear spirit (preferably vodka) keeps plants protected from ethylene production. It may not be the best way to take care of cut flowers but definitely works.

Keep the magical effect of your alluring flowers alive for a longer time. Make sure you take care of your cut flowers like you take care of your plants. They not only add elegance to the room but also adds an aromatic fragrance to the room.