Tips To Make Your Bouquets Last Longer

Posted by | Posted on 12:28 AM

By Claire Silva

Flowers are one of the meaningful gifts and liveliest decorations for nearly any occasion, all year 'round. Even offices and homes use them for decorations to make the place livelier and less plain. What makes these gifts of nature so great is that they look and smell amazing. They have unique shapes, bright colors, and they have the most wonderful scents only nature can give.

The downside? Fresh flowers don't stay fresh for long especially if you don't take care of them right. Not all of us are florists and gardeners, but here are some surefire tips that could make bouquets you receive last a little longer:

- If you receive flowers that are in a box, act as fast as you can. Drench them in water, or preferably in floral foam or flower food solution. These can be purchased from your florist.

- Remember to always use a clean vase with enough space, and use clear water every day. Once the flower food solution or water becomes cloudy, replace it all right away.

- No flower foam or flower food? You can make your own! Just add a teaspoon of bleach, a tablespoon of sugar, and a gallon of water. Viola! Your homemade flower food. Some gardening experts even say you can pour a 12-ounce can of non-diet Sprite or 7-Up in half a gallon of water The acid in the soda will slow down growth of bacteria in the water, while the sugar will feed the flowers.

- Re-cut your flower stems at a 45-degree angle using a sharp cutting tool, such as a sharp knife, good pair of scissors, or pruning shears. Cut the stems underwater to allow more water absorption instead of air. A 45-degree angle stem cut will also improve liquid absorption of the plants.

- Some flowers actually last longer than others in the arrangement. Once they begin to wilt, remove them from the vase.

- Get rid of leaves that will be below the vase's waterline, because leaves in water tend to promote bacterial growth.

- Remember to place your flower arrangement in a cool, dry spot, away from heat. About 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit is the recommended temperature for flowers, away from heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, on top of televisions or radiators, and away from direct sunlight. Failing to do so will cause your flowers to dehydrate and make them wilt prematurely.

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