Content
How to Extend the Life of Cut Flowers: 5 Tips from Florists
30.04.2023 04:30
Fresh flowers are a wonderful way to decorate your home and create a cozy atmosphere.
When flowers are cut, they quickly begin to fade and lose their beauty. But florists know how to prolong the life and beauty of bouquets.
Many of them share tips that can be used at home, because there is nothing complicated about them.
Tip one: prepare a vase
Before placing flowers in a vase, it is necessary to wash it thoroughly with warm water and detergent.
It is better to use laundry soap or soda, as modern detergents contain many chemical additives that are difficult to wash off. And their effect on the plant is unknown. You can also pour boiling water over the vase.
Such disinfection will help delay the time of infection of the stem by bacteria and fungi.
Tip two: prepare flowers
Before placing flowers in a vase, you need to prepare them - cut the stems, remove excess leaves.
Always cut the stems diagonally, preferably with a sharp knife at an angle of about 45 degrees. Scissors are not suitable, as they will crush the fibers. This will make it difficult for the plant to absorb water and nutrients, but it will make it easier for pathogens to eat the stems.
Note: It is recommended to repeat the pruning procedure every time you change the water.
Tip three: consider the characteristics of each flower
Most flowers require stems to be cut at a 45 degree angle anywhere. But there are subtleties that florists use.
- For flowers with nodes on the stem (carnations), the cut is made between the nodes.
- Bulbous plants (tulips, daffodils) need a straight cut so that the stem does not begin to rot quickly.
- If the plant has a woody stem (lilac, hydrangea), it should be cut at an angle on both sides. You should get a kind of spatula.
Tip 4: Avoid high temperatures
Flowers do not like high temperatures, so do not place the vase near heat sources such as radiators. Sun rays also significantly shorten the life of bouquets.
Tip 5: Pay attention to water
You need to change the water in the vase regularly. It is advisable to do this daily, as bacteria multiply there.
Most flowers tolerate water at room temperature well. But there are exceptions. For example, tulips like cold water. You can add a few ice cubes to it. But roses, on the contrary, like warmer water.
Adding nutrients to the water will also help extend the life of cut flowers. For this purpose, you can use special additives that are sold in flower shops.
