Practical Tips to Make Your Flowers Last Longer
Flowers bring an air of freshness and extra color into our homes. To make a bouquet last longer and thus enjoy its beauty much longer, here are a few practical tips to make your flower last longer, easy to carry out and with visible effects:
First of all, cut the stems at a 45 degree angle every day using scissors. It is recommended you hold the stems underwater when cutting, preferably in a bowl with lukewarm water, to prevent air being sucked into the stem. Specialists say that flowers have dry stems due to shipping and once cut they will immediately absorb anything and this is why it is ideal they absorb water and not air bubbles which will later prevent them from feeding.
Add a spoon of sugar or a ¼ cup of soda into the water. The sugar will make the blossoms last longer and it mimics the sugar rush during the photosynthesis process. Replace the water and the nutrients after a few days and rinse the vase well. You can also add some type of antibacterial agent like vodka, vinegar or even a little bleach. Just a ¼ of a teaspoon is all you need.
Some say that a crushed aspirin added into the water will prolong the flowers’ longevity. But if you throw a copper coin into the water, the blooming process will be slowed down, according to Rd.com
The next step in the practical tips to make your flowers last longer is removing any leaf that is underwater. This will help the water stay clear and fresh for a longer time. Also, cull any dying flower.
It is also recommended you keep the flowers away from direct sunlight. Moreover, keep flowers away from appliances, like televisions and computers, which give off heat and can cause flowers to dehydrate and wilt sooner.
It may seem incredible to you, but specialists say that if you spray flowers with hairspray, their fresh look will be preserved for longer.
Last, but not least, keep your flowers away from fruit and other plants in your home. Other flora can give off the gas, ethylene, which can cause flowers to wilt prematurely.
