Fresh Flower Care
Your flowers will last longer and healthier if you take a few very simple steps to take care of them.
Getting your flowers in water is an absolute priority. In florist shops flowers are usually kept in refrigerators and this process prolongs the life of the flowers by making them dormant. When they are brought out of the refrigerator these flowers become thirsty in the room temperature. This is especially true of roses who use more water. You may choose to put your flowers in a vase or floral foam, but either way keep them well watered
Another way to extend the life of your flowers is using flower food. Flower food works in three ways. The bleaching agent contained in it kills decay-causing bacteria. The sugar content in it provides nutrition to the flower. Flower food also contains an acid content, which maintains the pH balance of water to a level that is favorable for the flowers. It is usually a bad idea to use aspirin or copper coins into the vase to substitute flower food as they do not have all the required ingredients. When you are putting in flower food, make sure you use only the recommended amount as too much of food can harm the flowers.
Sometimes re-cutting the ends of the stems also extends the life of your flowers. Cut an inch or two above the original stem end. Make sure to use a very sharp knife as a blunt knife may damage the stem and shorten the life of the flower. Always cut at an angle and do so underwater in a bucket or a sink. Cutting the stem at an angle ensures water intake in the stem. Also, cutting underwater will avoid any air pockets forming inside the stem that may block off the intake of water and food and ultimately kill the flower. Remove any leaves that remain underwater as they decay faster and cause the formation of bacteria that can shorten the life of your flowers.
Keep flowers in a cool spot away from draughts and direct sunlight. Keep them away from heat generating sources such as furnace vents, radiators or electrical appliances such as televisions. Fans may also dehydrate flowers so do not keep them directly under fans. Ripe fruit and cigarette smoke emit certain gases that might be detrimental to the life of flowers.
