Floral Guide

Essential Flower Care Tips

There is a special joy in receiving flowers, whether a bouquet of roses from a romantic admirer or a beautiful bunch of lilies to celebrate spring. Floral gifts, regardless of the special meaning behind them, are one of the most enjoyable gifts one can receive, and by implementing proper flower care one can enjoy his or her bouquet longer.

Increasing the Longevity of Floral Gifts

One should always use a clean vase for flower bouquets. Used vases that were not cleaned properly may be breeding various bacteria that will multiply quickly and block the flower stems from absorbing water. It is also wise to remove dead foliage that has fallen into the water, as decaying petals and leaves contribute to the buildup of the aforementioned bacteria.

Virtually all cut flower arrangements will live longer if they are kept in a cool place away from excessive humidity. They should be placed far from electric lights, heat generating appliances, and strong drafts of any kind. It is also wise to keep the vase of flowers inside a refrigerator, or in another cool location overnight. In addition, it is essential to remember that both fast moving air and heat remove moisture from most flower species, resulting in their quick demise.

Floral Food

Most floral gifts come with a small packet of floral food for the purpose of increasing the bouquet's longevity. One can also make homemade flower food by mixing one teaspoon of sugar, a drop of lemon juice, and a drop of bleach together in a separate container, and then pouring the mixture into the flower vase.

Preventing Roses from Wilting

Many people are familiar with the fact that roses, especially those of the red variety, wilt quickly. This typically happens because the flowers were kept in too warm of an environment. In addition, roses are highly sensitive to bacteria of all types. For this reason, it is wise to place the flowers in spring water as opposed to tap water.

Air bubble blocks that prevent flowers from obtaining adequate water are also a culprit in the premature wilting of roses. An effective way to prevent this from occurring is to cut a new end at the bottom of the flower's stem each day. This should be done while the stem is underwater, as this method causes a small droplet of water to form on the end of the stem, preventing the bubble from reforming.

Keeping Lilies Healthy

A vase of lilies makes a beautiful gift for almost any occasion. To keep lilies looking beautiful and fresh they should be kept from direct sunlight, as ultraviolet rays cause lilies to wilt quickly.

The water in which they are placed should be changed on a daily basis, and a drop of lemon-lime soda can be added to the vase, as this helps cut lilies to thrive. Additionally, lily stems should be recut at least every three days.

Unfortunately, flowers will eventually wilt regardless of the degree of care they are given, but the aforementioned tips will keep them fresher and healthier for a longer length of time.