Fresh flowers not only brighten up a space but also bring spiritual value, especially during holidays and festive occasions. It is therefore important to know how to keep them fresh for as long as possible, and the following tips will surely help you achieve that.
1. Choose Fresh Flowers
To ensure your flowers last longer, opt for freshly cut flowers that still have their stems and outer petals or sepals intact. The petals should feel firm and crisp when touched.
If you’re buying a bouquet, remove any wilted blooms to prevent them from affecting the rest of the flowers.
Avoid flowers that have had their outer petals or sepals removed, as they may have been handled too much and are no longer in their prime. Flowers with soft petals have likely been left out for too long or have been “refreshed” by the seller.
Choose fresh flowers
2. Clean the Vase
Before arranging your flowers, thoroughly clean the vase, especially the inside, to remove any soap residue or grease. Chemical residues can cause flowers to wilt faster.
Also, remember to remove any dirt or mud from the flower stems to prevent the water from becoming murky and emitting an unpleasant odor.
Clean the vase
3. Properly Cut and Trim the Stems
When arranging the flowers, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to improve water absorption. It is recommended to soak both the stems and flowers in water for about 5 minutes before arranging them in the vase.
Note: Use a sharp knife to cut the stems in one go to avoid damaging the stems.
Remove any excess leaves, especially those that will be submerged in water, as they can cause the water to rot and form bacteria, leading to faster wilting.
Properly cut and trim the stems
4. Remove Excess Leaves
Trim any excess leaves, especially those that will be below the waterline, to keep the water cleaner. Leaves submerged in water can rot quickly and affect the longevity of the flowers.
Remove excess leaves
5. Change the Water Regularly
Frequently change the water in the vase, at least once a day in the evening or twice a day in the morning and evening. When changing the water, be careful not to damage the petals and cut off a small portion of the submerged stem.
If you notice any signs of wilting, try soaking the stems in lukewarm water for a few minutes to revive the flowers and prolong their freshness.
Change the water regularly
6. Use Flower Food or Homemade Solutions
Lemon juice has a high acid content, which increases the acidity of the water and helps eliminate bacteria, keeping your flowers fresh for longer.
Use lemon juice to keep flowers fresh
Mouthwash can also be used to prolong the life of your flowers due to its antibacterial properties. Additionally, bleach can help eliminate bacteria, prevent buildup, and keep the water cleaner for longer.
Use mouthwash to keep flowers fresh
Vitamin B1 supplements can aid in water absorption by the stems. Crush a vitamin B1 pill and dissolve it in the water. This method is particularly effective for flowers with stiff stems, such as roses and hydrangeas.
Use vitamin B1 supplements to keep flowers fresh
Apple cider vinegar, with its high acid content, is another effective way to keep flowers fresh. Add two tablespoons of vinegar and two tablespoons of sugar to the water, and remember to change the water daily.
Use apple cider vinegar to keep flowers fresh
Aspirin has antibacterial properties and can inhibit bacterial growth. Crush a tablet and add it to the water to keep your flowers fresh, and remember to change the water daily.
Use aspirin to keep flowers fresh
Vodka can reduce bacterial growth in the water, especially after the flowers have been cut. When arranging the flowers, add a few drops of vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to the water to prolong their freshness.
Use vodka to keep flowers fresh
Soda can also be used to keep flowers fresh. Add a quarter cup of soda to the water to make the flowers bloom longer and stay fresh.
Use soda to keep flowers fresh
Hair spray can be used as an effective preservative. Spraying a small amount on the petals and leaves can help keep the flowers fresh for longer.
Use hair spray to keep flowers fresh
Bleach can inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause flower rot, keeping the water cleaner and the flowers fresher. Add a quarter teaspoon of bleach per liter of water or one drop of bleach with a teaspoon of sugar per liter of water when arranging the flowers.
Use bleach to keep flowers fresh
Sugar and a copper coin can also be used to keep flowers fresh. The copper in the coin can prevent bacterial growth, and adding it to the water along with a teaspoon of sugar can help prolong the life of your flowers.
Use sugar and a copper coin to keep flowers fresh
7. Keep the Flowers in a Cool Place
Heat and direct sunlight are the main causes of flower wilting, so always keep your flowers in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.
Additionally, to prolong their freshness, avoid placing them near electronic devices or objects that emit heat or cold.
Keep flowers in a cool place
8. Choose Long-Lasting Flower Types
Different types of flowers have varying lifespans. To make your flowers last longer, opt for varieties that are known for their longevity, such as:
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Roses
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Lilies
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Gerberas
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Alstroemeria
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Chrysanthemums
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Narcissus
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Sunflowers
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Orchids
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Carnations
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Willow
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Lotus
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Lilies
Willow and lilies are long-lasting flower types
9. Additional Tips for Longer-Lasting Flowers
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As soon as you get your flowers, soak them in water to maintain their freshness, as leaving them out will cause them to wilt faster.
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Flowers absorb water through their stems, so avoid filling the vase to the brim with water.
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Do not overcrowd the vase with too many flowers, as this will limit the oxygen supply to the blooms.
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To keep your flowers fresh for longer, add common nutrients to the water each time you change it, such as lemon juice, vinegar, mouthwash, etc.
Do not overcrowd the vase
Keeping flowers fresh is not difficult, and with these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy their beauty for longer. So go ahead and treat yourself to some fresh blooms without worrying about them wilting too soon!
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