Flowers accompany us throughout life. Birthday, wedding, housewarming, christening – practically not one holiday is complete without flowers. Flowers evoke so many pleasant emotions, and, of course, everyone wants them to delight with their beauty as long as possible. If the presented or purchased bouquet is chosen correctly, the florist has already taken care of it, all that remains is to cut it and put it in the water, but so that the flowers stand as long as possible, we have prepared several recommendations. Of course, all flowers are different, some varieties stay fresh longer than others, but following simple care rules will help preserve the freshness of your bouquet as much as possible.
Basic rules for care:
- flowers are very sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. If it is cold outside, and the bouquet was brought into a hot room, you do not need to immediately put it in the water, let the flowers adapt a little by placing the bouquet for 5-10 minutes. in a cool place.
- prepare a vase, preferably a glass one, it must be clean. Metal vases are not suitable for storing flowers, ceramic and plastic vases are suitable, but only if there are no chips or scratches on the inner surface. The height of the vase should be 50-60% of the height of the bouquet. If the presented bouquet is larger, but the size of the vase was not found – feel free to shorten the stems – if there is not enough water, the flowers will not stand for a long time.
- the best water for flowers is tap water with dissolved dressing. You can use ice water if the flowers have been without water for a long time. Ice water dissolves air bubbles formed at the cut site, opening a way for water to be absorbed. Use cut flower food, available at any flower shop. In good flower delivery companies, a bag of dressing is always included with the bouquet.
- be sure to remove the shipping packaging, which is usually transparent cellophane or kraft paper. There should be nothing in the water except the stems, because leaves, paper or cellophane promote the growth of bacteria, which, in turn, cause decomposition of the stem tissue and the subsequent blockage of blood vessels. Remove all leaves below the edge of the vase.
- cut the stems with a knife or pruning shears by at least 2 cm, optimally 5-10 cm. Use only clean tools. The cut should be done at a slight angle to prevent damage or flattening of the stem.
- if you do not use top dressing, then you need to change the water every day, renew the cut and wash the vase. If using top dressing, you just need to add new solution as needed.
- only leaves can be sprayed in a bouquet. If water gets on the buds, botrytis (gray rot) may develop. Timely remove wilted flowers and flowers damaged by gray rot from the bouquet.
- do not place flowers in direct sunlight, in a draft, near heating appliances, ripening fruits, or in smoking areas.
By adhering to the listed recommendations, you will preserve the freshness and aroma of the gift for as long as possible!