During the Lunar New Year, it’s customary to decorate your home with potted plants and fresh flowers. However, even the most vibrant blooms will eventually wilt. Is there a way to prolong the life of these colorful flowers and keep them looking vibrant longer?
By following these tips, you can ensure that your flowers will last well beyond the holiday season. There are two essential steps to extending the life of your floral arrangements: pre-treating the flowers before arranging them and proper maintenance afterward.
1. Pre-treating the Flowers
– Method 1: Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle, about 2.5 cm from the base of the flower. This increases the surface area in contact with water, allowing the stems, flowers, and leaves to absorb more water and stay hydrated longer.
– Method 2: Directly burn the stems over a flame, then soak the charred ends in alcohol for a minute. Rinse the stems with water and place them in a vase. This method helps prevent nutrient leakage and rot. Flowers such as hydrangeas, carnations, roses, peonies, chrysanthemums, and daisies can be treated using this method.
2. Flower Maintenance
During autumn and winter, change the water every 2-3 days. When changing the water, remove any wilted or yellow leaves and flowers. Recut the stems at a 45-degree angle to improve water absorption. Additionally, mist the flowers with water to provide extra moisture.
Tips for Longer-Lasting Flowers
1. Add a small amount of sugar to the water to promote flower blooming and extend their lifespan. For preservation, add 0.1% salt to the vase, and for extra nutrition, add 0.1% sugar. Sugar provides the flowers with energy, while salt in clean water inhibits bacterial growth, maintaining the flowers’ ability to absorb water and stay fresh. However, ensure the saltwater concentration doesn’t exceed 5%, or it will cause dehydration and accelerate wilting.
2. To encourage buds to open quickly, alternate between warm and hot water. First, cut the flower stems at a 45-degree angle, then place the flowers in a glass of warm water. After a minute, transfer them to a vase of cold water. This method will ensure that the flowers are fully bloomed within 20 minutes.
3. When flowers start to wilt, add a few drops of vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to the vase to revive them for another 1-2 days.
4. Place a copper coin in the vase to keep the water clean. Copper acts as an acid neutralizer, inhibiting the growth of mold and bacteria, thus keeping the water fresh and odor-free.
5. Adding an aspirin pill to the vase works wonders for prolonging the flowering period. Once the aspirin absorbs water from the stems, it can close the leaf pores and slow down water evaporation.
Notes for Prolonging the Life of Your New Year Flowers
– When purchasing flowers, select those with ample stems and leaves. Avoid flowers that are already fully bloomed, wilted, or have yellowing petals and sturdy petals. If the cut stem has a dark, discolored spot, it’s an indication that the flower was cut a long time ago, so choose a different one.
– To ensure your flowers stay fresh for an extended period, thoroughly clean the vase, inside and out, to remove any soap residue, as chemicals can alter the water’s pH, causing the flowers to wilt. Similarly, clean any mud or dirt from the stems, as they can cloud the water and cause an unpleasant odor.
– Remove all wilted, crushed, or damaged leaves, especially those that will be submerged in water, to prevent rotting, which can cause the flowers to wilt. When trimming the stems, use sharp scissors or pruning shears to make a quick, clean cut at a 45-degree angle, which will allow the flowers to absorb more water and stay fresh longer.
– Change the water daily to remove dirty, smelly water and provide fresh water to keep your flowers vibrant and healthy.
– Display your flowers in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and fans, to prevent dehydration. Also, keep them away from heat sources like televisions, refrigerators, and other electrical appliances, as these can accelerate wilting.
By An Nhiên – Vietnamnet
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