Flower Care

Flower Care

Lengthening the life of your flowers or bouquet
For Floral arrangements
Make sure to keep all arrangements in a vase which is filled to the brim with flower food obtained from your local florist. Replace the solution as soon as it becomes cloudy; this will prevent the growht of bacteria and other organisms in the water. Another way of preserving freshness is to re-cut the stems of your flowers by removing 1 to 2 inches with a sharp knife.

Keep your flowers in a cool dry place(ideally between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit). Remember to keep them away from direct sunlight and heating and cooling vents. Don't put them on top of radiators or televisions or directly under celing fans. Such appliances give off heat which can dry flowers up.
For loose bunches or boxed flowers
If you aren't able to put your flowers in a flower food solution right away leave them in a cool place.
Fill a clean deep vase with the flower food solution obtained from your florist. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
Remove any leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water promote bacterial growth.
Re-cut stems under water -- this allows the stems to draw in water rather than air -- and place the flowers in the vase solution you've prepared.






Useful tips - Always:
Cut the stems at an angle and remove any leaves that will be below the water line. This will ensure that leaves do not decompose in the water and contaminate it.
Prepare a clean vase of luke warm water with the flower food added.


Top up with water regularly (change water after one week).
Keep away from draughts, fruit and radiators. The cooler the room the longer the flowers will last.
DO NOT use metal containers as this can neutralise the flower food.


Flowers can experience stress in transit but will recover after being in water for a few hours.


Homemade Flower Preservative
Home mixes can be as effective as commercial preservatives. Here is an easy-to-make recipe.

1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon household bleach
2 teaspoons lemon or lime juice
1 quart lukewarm water
Special care for:
Carnations
These are normally sent out in bud, ready to open for maximum freshness and longevity. Always cut at an angle between the joints. Remove lower leaves and store in a cool room.
Lily
They may stay in water for 10 days. You need to take away low buttons during that period.
Peony
To preserve them from fast fading, put them in a cold dry place for 24 hours.
Tulips
Tulips fade rather quickly, but if you put their stems in hot water, they may recover. Leave them in hot water until they fully recover.
Roses
First of all you need to cut-off all thorns and low leaves. Some roses don’t have thorns. If roses are fading too quickly, cut the stems again and put the stems in hot water. Also, you may take away faded leaves.