Flowers are the best gift you can give someone, but keeping them alive is the real challenge.
Whether it is a beautiful Campanula or a Blue Corn Flower, we all want them to last longer. I remember receiving bouquets that wilted faster than I had expected.
Having flowers is more than just aesthetic. It is patience and commitment, and the way they elevate the vibe of the place, be it the living room or balcony garden, made me eager to learn how to handle them well. Ever since I learned the very simple tips to care for my blooms, I have enjoyed buying and receiving flowers even more.
How to Make Your Flowers Last Longer?
Flowers bloom better if you give them the right care. It is a transactional relationship; the only difference is that they do not ask for much. Just do not leave them alone for too long, and look at how they elevate your mood and living room.
Here are the tips that will help your flowers live longer and better:
1. Be Mindful while Purchasing
Look for flowers that have firm and fresh petals. Avoid yellow wilted petals as they are less likely to have a longer life.
2. Clean Vase
Ensure the vase is clean, with no dirt on it. Wash it thoroughly with soap and water. A dirty vase encourages bacterial growth and premature wilting.
3. Add Flower Food and Water
Fill the vase with clean water and add the flower food to this water. The flower food provides all the essential nutrients, like sugar, lowering the water pH, allowing better water absorption.
4. Remove the Extra Foliage
Cut off the leaves that could be in contact with the water in the vase. The leaves that come in contact with water lead to bacterial growth and clogged stems, causing premature wilting. Also, remove the dead flowers for a better appearance.
5. Trim the Stems
Cut off the stem up to 3 cm at a 45-degree angle. This ensures that no air bubbles are formed to block the water absorption. Repeat this every week.
6. Change Water Regularly
Do not let them sit in dirty water for too long. As soon as you see the water turn cloudy, refill again with clean water.
They bloom better in cleanliness!
7. Keep it Cool
Unlike in the growing stage, cut flowers prefer shade. Direct sunlight makes them fade faster. So, avoid placing them near direct sunlight.
Keep them away from appliances that emit heat, like televisions, and also extreme airflow (ceiling fan). These conditions accelerate the process of respiration and evaporation, which leads to a shorter life.
8. Regular Pruning
Keep an eye on the dry and wilted flowers and cut them regularly. This not only helps in maintaining a pleasing look but also encourages new growth. The wilted petals might affect the healthier part of the flower.
Bonus Tip
You can store your flowers in a fridge overnight in a vase filled with water. Remove the ripening fruits and vegetables as they release ethylene, which kills fresh flowers and reduces their life span.
How to Revive Wilted Flowers?
Do you also look for how to dry flowers methods to preserve them even before you can admire them properly? I have been there, but what if I told you could preserve the fresh flowers for much longer than you think, even if they wilted.
Tips to revive the wilted flowers:
- Start by getting a clean vase.
- Cut off the steps to allow better water absorption and transfer them to the vase.
- Make sure the vase is filled with clean water and flower food. Flower food is extremely essential, not only to provide the right nutrients, but to prevent bacterial growth.
- Prune the extra foliage and the wilted petals. The dead petals will affect the remaining healthy part.
- Keep them away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
- Keep changing the water, trimming off the stem and wilted parts.
Conclusion
Flowers symbolise love, beauty, and purity. They make your day instantly better, and for that, you just need to give them a little attention every day.
Make sure you provide them with the right environment and nutrients.
Also, they like to keep it clean and cool around them. I believe taking care of flowers is a test of patience, but equally rewarding.
Can I keep my flowers in a refrigerator?
Yes, it is considered ideal for flowers to be kept in a fridge for a few hours, as it slows down the process of water loss. Ensure the flowers are in a vase filled with water, and remove all the ripening fruits or vegetables. They release ethylene and can cause premature wilting.
How often should I change the water in the vase?
You need to change the water every 2-3 days. Stagnant water encourages bacterial growth. The moment you see the water turn foggy, replace it with clean water to promote longer life.
Why do flowers come in bud form?
Florists do this deliberately. Flowers are the freshest in this form, and this way, you can see them bloom for a longer time.
Do cut flowers need sunlight?
No, cut flowers should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Sunlight is for growing flowers through the process of photosynthesis. Cut flowers prefer shade and cool surroundings.
What is the process of deadheading?
Deadheading is the process of removing faded and wilted flowers to promote growth. The wilted flowers stunt the process of seed production and impact the overall growth.
