How To Keep Flowers Alive

Keeping flowers alive can sometimes be a bit challenging, but with proper care, you can prolong their freshness and beauty. Here are several tips and tricks for maintaining their vitality:

1. Fresh Water:

• Clean Vase: Ensure your vase is clean to start with a good environment.
• Water Level: Fill the vase with fresh, cool water. Change the water every 2-3 days to keep it clean and oxygenated.

2. Flower Food:

• Commercial Floral Food: Use the packet of flower food that often comes with cut flowers. Follow the instructions on the packet for proper mixing.
• DIY Flower Food: If you don’t have commercial flower food, you can make your own:
  • Mix 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of household bleach, and 2 teaspoons of lemon or lime juice with 1 quart of warm water.

3. Proper Cutting:

• Trim Stems: Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to increase the surface area for water absorption.
• Recut Stems: Trim 1-2 inches from the ends of the stems every few days.
• Under Water: Try to cut the stems under water to prevent air bubbles from entering the stem, which can block water uptake.

4. Remove Leaves:

• Submerged Leaves: Remove any leaves that will be below the waterline in the vase to prevent bacterial growth.

5. Temperature:

• Cool Environment: Keep flowers in a cool place, away from direct sunlight, heaters, or air conditioners.
• Refrigerate: If possible, place them in the refrigerator overnight to extend their lifespan.

6. Avoid Harmful Elements:

• Ethylene Gas: Keep flowers away from fruits, especially apples and bananas, as they release ethylene gas, which accelerates aging.
• Drafts and Heat: Avoid placing flowers near appliances that generate heat or in drafty areas.

7. Refresh Flowers:

• Mist Flowers: Lightly mist flowers with water each day to keep them hydrated.
• Deadheading: Remove wilted or dead flowers to encourage the rest to stay fresh longer.

8. Special Cases:

• Hard Stems: For flowers like roses with woody stems, you can lightly crush the ends of the stems to aid water absorption.
• Bulb Flowers: Tulips, daffodils, and other bulb flowers should be placed in only a couple of inches of water, and it should be refilled rather than completely changed.

9. Prepare the Vase:

• Lukewarm Water: Fill the vase with lukewarm water, as it is more easily absorbed than cold water when you first arrange the flowers.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your flowers looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible.