Cut flowers in a vase can last anywhere between 3 to 14 days. It depends on the type of flower as well as how it is cared for. When our friends and loved ones give us a flower arrangement for our birthday, anniversary, welcoming of a new baby, and other occasions, we want to keep it fresh for as long as possible.
Enjoy the beauty of fresh-cut flowers in your home or office from the people who care for you and think about you. But how do you make sure the flowers won’t wilt on the second or third day? How will you ensure the flowers stay as fresh as they were delivered to you after several days have passed?
In this article, we will be giving you florist expert advice into caring for your lovely blooms at home or in the workplace. A flower delivery arrangement can be enjoyed by the receiver for many days with a bit of care. Here are some tips from the experts:
- Start with the right container
You can choose a vase or any other clean container to place your flowers in. Some even use teapots and buckets. You can too. The important thing to consider is that the container you use to place the flowers in are clean and sterilized. You can disinfect the vase or other containers with soap and water to make sure it is clean. You may also use a bit of bleach.
- Water
You can use tap water for flower delivery arrangements, but if you want to extend the life of the flowers, then consider using filtered water. Peace lilies and moth orchids are known to stay fresh longer in filtered water. Also, the temperature of the water should be room temperature.
You may also be wondering, how much water is enough for flowers in a vase? The rule of thumb is the vase should be filled ¾ with water. The water should be replenished as often as daily or every other day to avoid bacteria growth.
- The stems
If you want to make sure the flowers will last longer under your care, it is vital to cut the stems every two to three days. Cut the stem ends diagonally, about an inch from the end. This is important because the opening at the end can close up to stop water absorption. Also, it is optimal to cut the stem ends underwater than expose it in the air to avoid air embolism.
- Flower food
Don’t be afraid to place the packet of flower food the florist gave you if the flower delivery comes with it. Flower food not only helps nourish the flowers, but it also extends its lifespan. Flower food contains essentials to nourish the plant, maintain its water pH level, and reduce bacteria in the water.
The rule of thumb is to sprinkle the flower food in moderation. Add a little at a time every time you change the water. Don’t dump the contents of the entire packet in one go. Remember, you have to change the water often.
- Placement of the flowers
Where you place a container with flowers is as important as its access to water. Keep in mind that fresh-cut flowers are light-sensitive. Be sure to put the vase away from direct heat from sunlight, doors, and heaters. Even your computer and other appliances can generate some heat, so keep a safe distance between them.
- Remove rotting or wilting parts
Make sure there are no flowers, thorns, and leaves submerged in water. You will have to trim leaves and flowers that are wilting or rotting to avoid harmful bacteria from developing in the water and cutting the life of your flower arrangement short.
- Household products
You can also use products you can find at home to extend the life of your flower delivery gift. These include:
- Fridge- You can place the bouquet of flowers in the fridge overnight (8 hours) to slow down the aging process.
- Vodka- Said to inhibit ethylene production that causes plants to mature fast and wilt even faster, vodka may help to keep flowers fresh longer.
- Bleach- There are those who swear by a wee bit of bleach to disinfect the water avoiding bacterial growth and extending the life of flowers. A quarter of a teaspoon of bleach should be enough to prevent water in vase from getting cloudy.
- Sugar and apple cider vinegar- Mix 2 tablespoons of each in the water before adding the flowers. Vinegar works as an antibacterial agent while sugar nourishes the flowers.
- Aspirin- Crushed aspirin may help lower the pH level of the water. This helps in absorption and prevents wilting.
Longevity of Flowers
Be mindful that flowers have a different lifespan that can affect how long it lasts even with proper care. Here are some points to consider:
- Roses typically last up to one week after being cut.
- Daisies can last 5 to 10 days in a vase.
- Cut orchids can last up to three weeks in proper conditions.
- Cut lilies can last 5 days to two weeks with great care.
- Hydrangeas can last between three days to a week in a vase.
- Carnations have a long vase life of up to 14 days when adequately cared for.
- Tulips last three to 7 days in a container with water.
- Cut chrysanthemums can last fresh for a long time, anywhere between 7 to 14 days.
