How to prolong the life of cut flowers

2024-07-19 22:56:11

Beautiful bouquets that smell amazing — it is always a pleasant and relevant present. There is a misconception that such a gift — one-day, which will not last even a few days in the conditions of an apartment or a hot house. However, this is not the case. Proper care and simple recommendations of florists will allow you to preserve the wonderful appearance and aroma of the buds of the flowers you received for a long time.

Recommendations of experts

Experienced florists who have worked in this field for as many years as we have, know perfectly well how to take care of freshly cut plants. Proper care allows you to preserve their appearance for a long time, without resorting to complex manipulations. Here are some basic recommendations that everyone can use:

1. Put the bouquet in the vase immediately after bringing the flowers home. It is important that the flowers are provided with optimal humidity. There are times when it is impossible to find a vase, glass or mug here and now. There is a way out even in this situation. The composition can be covered with cellophane or wet newspaper. This will create an optimal level of humidity for the buds. In addition, excessive heat should be avoided, as this will lead to the rapid death of plants.
2. Remove the wrapper. It is not recommended to leave flowers in paper and cellophane after placing them in a vase. By leaving them in this form, you create a barrier in the way of fresh air, which is necessary for flowers.
3. Clean the lower part of the stem. It is necessary to remove excess leaves and thorns from the stem of the flower exactly to the length of the stem that is in the vase. This will ensure proper water circulation through the stem. In addition, leaves in water quickly begin to rot, which will lead to the multiplication of bacteria and the premature death of the plant.
4. Cut off the tip of the stem. It is necessary to cut off approximately 2.5 cm. It is important to remember that for flowers with soft stems, an even cut is required, and for flowers with hard — oblique.
5. Create optimal temperature conditions. You should not put the bouquet in the hottest and sunniest place. Each type of flower has its own advantages, but it is better to choose a cool penumbra. For bouquets, the optimal temperature is +18-19 degrees Celsius. For the night, if possible, you should choose a cooler place. You should also avoid drafts and the close location of any heat sources.
6. If necessary, properly process the ends of the slices. After cutting, many plants secrete a sap that can spoil the water. To prevent this effect, it is recommended to immerse the tip in boiling water for a couple of seconds. Some flowers (for example, calla lilies or gerberas) are recommended to be treated with salt.
7. Increase the liquid suction area. If the stem is quite dense or covered with a crust, it can be cleaned, slightly crushed with a hammer or cut across. This will increase the area of ​​moisture absorption and extend the life of plants.
8. Change the water daily. It is important not only to replace it with a new one, but also to thoroughly wash the vase and the stems of the plants themselves. Daily trimming by 1-2 cm will prolong life and slow down the spread of bacteria. At the same time, it is better not to touch the stems with your hands, but to make the cut under a stream of water, which will prevent air from entering and disrupting water circulation.
9. Remove withered flowers. Whether it is the buds of the same flower or a part of wilted plants in a bouquet — it is important to sort through the composition in a timely manner, leaving only live and healthy buds. This will provide them with full and proper nutrition and prolong the life of the fragrant bouquet.

Little tricks for individual plants

There are many types of flowers, and each of them has its own recommendations for care. Let's consider the most popular flowers and tips for preserving their appearance and aroma for a long time:

• Roses. These flowers love spraying. At the same time, you should avoid getting moisture on the buds themselves. Also, roses will like cold night baths, which can preserve their original beauty.
• Tulip. Due to their seasonality, these flowers like extremely cold water. You can even add ice cubes to it. A piece of charcoal or a few manganese crystals will prevent rotting and extend the life of plants.
• Asters. For these gorgeous fluffy flowers, adding a few drops of alcohol to the vase will be useful. At night, you can put it in a solution of water with a small amount of sugar.
• Chrysanthemums. These flowers are easily revived by placing the tips of the stems in hot water with a little sugar. After that, the stems are placed in cold water with an aspirin pill. It is also important to know that the stems of such plants are split by 5-10 cm.
• Hydrangea. After cleaning and trimming, it is recommended to lower the stems for half a minute in hot alcohol/vinegar for about 5 cm. Then the bouquet can be placed in cold water.
• Lily. In addition to splitting the ends, it is important to remove all dust on the stamens. Thanks to this, the bouquet will last much longer.

These simple tips will help you enjoy the gift bouquet for longer.