Flower Care

Taking care of your flowers isn’t quite as difficult as it may first seem. Once you’ve covered the basics, your plant will stay healthy very easily. However, when you’re unsure of what to do, it can be an uphill battle keeping your plants alive. If you’re tired of throwing your bouquet out the same day you got them, finding the right way to care for your flowers is vital

To make sure those flowers get a little more time, we’ve put together some tips on what you can do to keep your bouquet looking fresh.

Change the Water At the Right Time

Flowers tear through water, so make sure to keep it topped up once you’ve put them in a vase. On average, it takes about 2-3 days for a decent-sized bouquet to absorb all the water in a vase. It’s also important to remember - it’s not only about filling the water, but also about changing it.

Once those stems sit in soiled water for too long, bacteria are introduced into the mix, which doesn’t help the flowers at all. So, try to change the water every few days, even if there’s water still yet to be soaked up.

Regulate the Light

Sunlight is very important, but of course, you cannot control how sunny it is and on what days. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a plant that can thrive under fluorescent light. If not, you’ll have to look for areas in your home or office that are not exposed to direct sunlight. Besides extending their lifespan, moderating sunlight goes a long way to maintaining the plant’s colour.

Trim the Tips

It's crucial to take at least an inch off the flower’s stem before placing it in a vase. You also have to do it every time you change the water. The sad truth is that once those flowers get snipped, they start dying. As such, the ends keep drying up, making it harder for the flowers to absorb water. If you want those flowers to last a bit longer, be observant and take off the tips every couple of days when you notice that they’re drying up.

Feed your Flowers

Most packaged floral arrangements come with flower food packets that are just as important as water itself. These are great if you’re a bit on the forgetful side because you can get away with not changing the water as often as you should. A significant component in these food packets is a bacteriacide - this keeps the water fresh for a little while longer. When you’re doing this, keep in mind that not all flowers respond well to the solution, so do your research before pouring it in.

Pick Healthy-looking Plants

When you’re picking out flowers, go for the best ones you can. This will give them a better chance of surviving longer. Make sure they aren’t bending over, and that they stay away from fully bloomed flowers. The younger they are, the longer they’ll last wherever you choose to put them.

This article was published by Direct2Florist - A family business specialising in flower delivery via independent local florists.

Winners of the BFA Floristry Service Providers of the Year Awards 2018 and 2019

By Miles Warner 08 October 2020