The questions people ask the most when purchasing flowers are "How do I take care of them?" and "How long will they last?" A little extra care can mean a big difference. The base life of most floral arrangements is from 4 to 7 days depending on the types of flowers and the care they've received.
What to do?
1. Always make sure you are buying your flowers from a reputable source.
2. Make sure that flowers are well wrapped for protection. If for some reason you cannot put the flowers in water immediately, keep them in a cool place and away from direct sunlight.
3. Cut the stems at an angle, remove the excessive foliage and avoid the leaves to fall into the water to prevent bacteria formation. This provides a bigger area for the stems to take up more water.
4. Use lukewarm water. Flowers open up better since lukewarm water contains less oxygen avoiding the formation of bubbles in the stem that may block water intake. Tulips and other spring bulbs can be placed in cold water. Make sure you are using clean vases, remember that bacteria kills the flowers.
5. Ask about flower food. If not available use a teaspoon of salt, a teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of white vinegar. This will help the flowers to feed properly and the buds to open. Flower food also keeps bacteria at bay and lengthens the life of flowers (bacteria blocks the stem and prevents the water uptake).
What not to do?
1. Do not put flowers near ripening fruit since the ethylene gas released ages the flowers prematurely. Dying flowers also release tiny amounts of ethylene gas, remove them from the vase.
2. Do not pierce the stems or use blunt scissors as this will inhibit the water intake by destroying the flower's water vessels causing bacteria and stressing the flower.
3. Do not add aspirin, bleach or copper coins into the water, they don't work and they do more harm than good to the flower.
4. Do not place flowers on bright sunlight as this will allow bacteria to grow. Keep them away from central heating.
No comments:
Post a Comment