Have you ever received a beautiful bouquet of flowers? But if you don't know how to take care of these cut flowers, they will die after a few days. The problem is not only the lack of knowledge, but also due to the home conditions and other factors. Not everyone has an idea of how to take care of fresh flowers. That's why you need some specific tips and instructions on how to preserve cut flowers. Dolce E Fiore is ready to share the ways to preserve the cut flowers from a bouquet.
1. Keep the cut flowers in a cool place, away from direct sunlight
Keep the cut flowers in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. as this can promote leaf mold growth and cause other problems. Placing them in indirect sunlight is best because it allows them to receive some light without drying out too quickly or having too much exposure to harmful UV rays. The best place is an airy room with temperatures between 50- and 55-degrees Fahrenheit (10 and 13 degrees Celsius). Do not keep cut flowers in a room that is heated with forced air heating system. It will dry out the stems and lower their lifespan considerably.
2. Remove all leaves below the water line and add water as needed until the water level reaches just below the base of the stems.
Flowers with thick stems like roses can be placed in a vase without removing any leaves from their stems. However, if you want your roses to last longer, remove all leaves below the water line. You can also trim off long stems that have been damaged during shipping or handling. For most other flowers, remove all leaves below the water line to keep them fresh longer. Place them in a vase filled with clean water.
Remove any extra foliage from around the flower heads, especially if they are heavy with moisture. This will help them dry faster and prevent mold from forming.
3. Change the water daily to prolong their life cycle.
This helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus, which can cause wilting and discoloration. Be careful not to submerge your flowers in water as this may cause them to wilt or rot. You can also try putting your flowers in a vase filled with water and ice cubes. This will keep them fresh longer by slowing down their metabolism rate and preventing them from opening up too quickly, which can cause wilting.
Keep the stems trimmed so that they don't rot at the base or get discolored by sitting in water for too long. Remove any leaves and buds that fall off naturally over time — these can cause bacteria to build up in the stem and make it more likely that your flower will rot before its time. If you need to clean your vases, use only warm water and mild soap (or dish detergent), but avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals.
4. Don’t Place them around heat sources
Heat will cause the flower stems to wilt faster than usual, so try not to put them near vents, radiators or near air conditioner or heater vents as cold air can dry out the cut ends of the stems and may cause damage to the petals too. Instead, keep them in an area where there is cool air circulation so that they can breathe easily. If there isn't another option available, use a fan near your vase to keep air circulating around it.
Conclusion
Flowers need attention. It's one thing to enjoy the fragrance of a beautiful bouquet when you receive it, and keep those flowers fresh enough that they last more than a couple of days after they leave the florist. It is worth mentioning that to preserve the cut flowers in winter time, you need even more effort and patience. However, there is no reason to despair if you didn't have the time or a proper place for that before the holiday period. With these tips, you will be able to make this period a special one for the flowers and you.