Diamonds may last forever but flowers don’t.
No matter how much you want to keep them blooming for a good number of years, they just don’t last that long. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to somehow get the longest life from your cut flowers.
All you need to do is give that bunch of flowers the TLC they need to achieve their maximum longevity. Our florist friends from Hello Blooms whipped up a step-by-step flower care routine for you to follow once you received those gorgeous flowers from your significant others!
1. Put Them In A Clean Vase With Clean Water
Two of the many culprits to withering of freshly cut flowers are bacteria and fungi that nestle inside a dirty vase with unclean water. Unlike other plants with roots still intact, cut flowers don’t have that vital root system that filters microorganisms and prevents them from entering the stem and blocking the water uptake.
We all know what happens when plants and flowers can’t quench their thirst, right? Therefore, it’s only necessary to hydrate your flowers in a clean vase and with clear water.
In addition, water temperature also plays a role in the life cycle of flowers. Always use warm water as most flowers sip in warm water more efficiently than cold.
2. Use Flower Food
Flowers get most of their nutrients from the ground when they are still attached to the plants. As they are snipped out from the plant, the supply of nourishment is lost. For a cut flower to grow and develop without depending on a plant, it will need the nutrients that flower foods can provide.
Commercial flower foods are scientifically developed to copy the flower’s original environment and nutrition to allow full development and longer life.
3. Re-cut The Stems
Cut the flowers at least an inch off at the end of the stem using a sharp knife or secateurs. Never use normal scissors to avoid crushing the stem. Moreover, you must cut the stem at a sharp angle to prevent the ends of the stem from directly touching the vase bottom and hinder the flowers’ water uptake.
4. Remove Decaying Leaves
Leaves that fell onto the water will eventually rot. Bacteria and fungi will take this chance to grow and multiply on those leaves and later attack the ends of the stem. If this happens, the flowers’ hydration and growth will be compromised, and you don’t want that to happen.
5. Replenish The Water As Needed
Remember to check the water everyday and replace it when needed. If the water looks cloudy, it’s probably the best time to replenish it. On the other hand, if the water level gets low, you can refill it with warm water.
If you’re using flower food, don’t forget to mix it in the solution. Just make sure to mix the right proportions as instructed.
6. Mind The Placement
The correct positioning of the flowers may seem trivial, but it’s actually vital to their growth. Avoid placing the vase under direct sunlight, or near air-conditioning and heating vents.
7. Flowers Are Not Created Equal
Certainly, there are some cut flowers that will last longer than others. And there’s nothing wrong with that. In some cases, there are high-maintenance flowers that need more tender loving care than others. It only goes to show that, although they all need that flower care, these flowers are still not created equal.
Some of the longest-lasting cut flowers include:
- Chrysanthemums
- Zinnias
- Orchids
- Alstroemeria and Lilies
- Sunflowers
- Anthurium
- Natives, such as protea and banksias
- Tulips
Just keep in mind that when some of the flowers in the vase start to wilt, remove them immediately so that the nutrients in the water solution are sipped in by the blossoms that are still in good condition.
Certainly, keeping your flowers alive and blooming can be difficult. But with the right techniques, dedication, and a huge amount of TLC, you can extend the life expectancy of these cut flowers a little longer.
If you’re looking for flowers that will freshen up the look and vibe of your room, Hello Blooms got a wide range of flower collections that you can take care of. They can also deliver these flowers straight to your door, wherever you are in Melbourne. Happy flower shopping!
