The cast-iron skillet that has been in your family for generations may well last forever, but sadly, fresh-cut flowers don’t possess the same staying power…
There’s one thing that flowers do well—they totally brighten a room. Fresh flowers remind us to appreciate things while they are here, even if they may not last more than a few days. These tips will help your precious petals persevere as long as possible.
All in the Angle
Before placing your flowers in water, cutting the stems will ensure they don’t go thirsty. Aim for an angle of 45 degrees and repeat the process every couple of days. The water should also be changed every second day. It’s not just flowers that need to keep hydrated—here’s a friendly reminder to drink some water.
Nutrients and Nourishment
As they are no longer attached to roots, your blooms will rely on water for their nutrient intake. Help them out by adding some flower food to the vase of H2O. Bouquets typically come with a sachet of the stuff, but just in case not, sugar will do. 2 teaspoons of sugar per quart of water should keep your flowers happy.
Please Leave
Something you don’t want in the water, however, are leaves. As a rule of thumb, remove all bits of foliage that fall below the water line and any loose leaves or petals that decide to go for a swim.
Bye-Bye, Bacteria
Bacteria are not invited to this shindig. Unwanted microorganisms may gravitate towards the sugar in the water, so block their path by lowering the pH level. This can be done by adding 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per quart of water to the vase.
Keep It Cool
Fresh flowers tend to do better in cooler climes. A trick to keeping your blooms cool, no matter the weather, is to add ice. A few cubes in your vase should do the trick.
