How to Care for Cut Flowers
There's something exceptional about fresh-cut flowers gracing your home. Whether they’re a gift from a loved one, a self-care treat, or fresh from the garden, it's always a joy to have them around. But once they’re arranged in a vase, the goal is to keep them looking beautiful for as long as possible. With a few simple steps, you can maximise the lifespan of your blooms. Here’s how!
🌸 Start with a Clean Vase
The first step to keeping your cut flowers vibrant is to start with a clean vase. Any residue from previous arrangements can harbour bacteria, which can shorten the life of your flowers. Wash your vase with warm, soapy water, then rinse thoroughly before filling it with fresh water.
🌸 Use Fresh, Lukewarm Water
Fill your vase with lukewarm water, as most flowers absorb it better than cold water. Change the water every 2-3 days to keep it fresh and reduce the risk of bacteria growth. Use filtered or dechlorinated water if possible, as it’s often more flower-friendly.
🌸 Trim Stems at an Angle
Before placing your flowers in the vase, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle. Cutting at an angle increases the surface area, making drinking water easier for the flowers. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears for a clean cut—scissors can crush the stems and inhibit water absorption. Re-trim stems every few days to maintain optimal water uptake.
🌸 Remove Leaves Below the Waterline
Any leaves submerged in water will decompose quickly, encouraging bacteria growth that can spoil your flowers. Strip any foliage below the waterline to keep your arrangement fresh and clear.
🌸 Feed Your Flowers
Many flower bouquets come with a packet of flower food—use it! Flower food contains essential nutrients that help sustain the flowers and deter bacterial growth. If you don’t have flower food, you can make a homemade solution: mix one tablespoon of sugar, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and one litre of water. The sugar nourishes the flowers, while the vinegar keeps bacteria at bay.
🌸 Keep Flowers Out of Direct Sunlight and Away from Heat Sources
Direct sunlight and heat can cause your flowers to wilt prematurely. Keep them in a cool, shaded area of your home, away from windows, heaters, or vents. Flowers also don't like to be near ripe fruits, as the ethylene gas from ripening fruit can speed up their aging.
🌸 Remove Fading Flowers
As some flowers begin to wilt, they release ethylene gas, which can accelerate the aging of the remaining fresh blooms. Remove any fading or dead flowers from the arrangement to help extend the life of the others.
🌸 Mist Your Flowers
Some flowers, like roses and hydrangeas, benefit from a light misting with water. Mist them daily to keep them hydrated, especially if they appear to be drying out.
🌸 Choose Your Flowers Wisely
Certain flowers naturally last longer in a vase. If you’re aiming for a bouquet that will last, go for hardy varieties like carnations, alstroemeria, chrysanthemums, or lilies. You’ll have a beautiful arrangement with some staying power when paired with fresher seasonal blooms.
Caring for cut flowers is a delightful part of enjoying their beauty indoors. Following these simple tips, you can maximise their lifespan and keep your home filled with nature’s colourful touch. Remember, a little care goes a long way toward prolonging the joy of fresh flowers!
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