How to Make Your Flowers Last Longer
Now that you have your lovely arrangement from Manic Botanic, you’ll want to enjoy it for as long as possible.
Here are some little things you can do to help your fresh cut flowers last a bit longer:
- Cut the Stems
Use secateurs or sharp scissors to trim one to two inches off. Cut at an angle, which allows for better water intake since they aren’t sitting flat on the bottom of the vase. After the initial cut, give your bouquet a trim once every few days.
- Remove any leaves below the water line
This will not only make your bouquet look better, but will also prevent bacterial growth. Check your flowers daily for dead or loose leaves and remove them.
- Remove Outer Petals
Some flowers, like roses, have guard petals which are the two or three outermost petals of the flower. Removing these will allow your flower to open up fully.
- Clean Vase and Clean Water
Clean your vase with detergent or bleach and fill it with water at room temperature. Clean the vase again and change the water every two to three days.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight, Heat, Drafts – and ripening fruit!
Avoid displaying your flowers in direct sunlight or near appliances that generate heat. Try to also avoid drafts from open windows, heating or cooling vents and ceiling fans as they can cause the flowers to quickly dehydrate. Funnily enough, your flowers won’t last as long if they are close to a bowl of ripening fruit. This is because ripening fruits release tiny amounts of ethylene gas which will reduce the longevity of your flowers .
- Keep them Cool
There is a reason florists keep their flowers in the fridge! Your cut flowers will last longer in a cooler room, or even in the fridge overnight if it’s not set too cold (keep it above 10deg C)