For many people, happiness can be short-lived when their bouquet begins to droop after a mere few days following delivery. The amount of flower-quality is a factor but the state of the vase water has a far more significant impact than what most people would realise. If you are aware of some simple information about vase water, your flowers will be fresh for much longer.
Be it flowers bought from Florage in Launceston, or they are received as a gift, once you place them into the water proper care starts.
Why Clean Water Matters
Even after being cut, flowers regularly continue to draw up water. They use their little drinking-straw stems to suck the water up from the ground like a straw.
Bacteria start to multiply within a few hours if the water gets dirty. The bacteria clog the stems, obstructing flowers from taking in water. It makes them wither earlier than normal.
One of the simplest ways to prolong the life of your flowers is to change the water every couple of days.
The Vase Might Be Part of the Problem
There are lots of people who rinse a vase with water and believe it is clean. But invisible bacteria from old bouquets usually still cling to the inner surface.
Before arranging fresh flowers:
- Use warm, soapy water to wash the vase.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry it with a clean cloth.
- Change the water with new water before adding flowers.
A clear vase gives your bouquet a great start.
Trim the Stems Correctly
Even a short period of time between cutting and placement causes the plant debris to age; freshly cut & quoted stems diverge water far more effectively than those that have desiccated.
Trim the stems so that there is about a 2cm point of each stem before putting the flowers into water at an angle. You do this every few days to keep the water running through the stems.
This simple step is often performed by professional florists when preparing flower arrangements in vases to extend the duration of each arrangement.
Remove Leaves Below the Waterline
Leaves sitting underwater quickly decay. They promote the proliferation of bacteria that contaminate the water in the vase while they disintegrate.
By taking away any leaves that fall below the level of the water, it helps to keep the water cleaner and smells lesser.
Doing so is a very small step but it can greatly impact the lifespan of your bouquet.
Choose the Right Spot
Flowers are made to be vulnerable; even the rarest pristine rain water would not protect it from a harsh environment.
Keep your flowers away from:
- Direct sunlight
- Heating vents
- Air conditioners
- Ceiling fans
- Ripening fruit that emits ethylene gas
The indoor locations are cooler and so they help the flowers stay longer.
Flower Food Really Does Help
Most bouquets will have a small sachet of feed that you can use. So, it is not just an additional component, but nutrients for the flowers and substances that inhibit bacterial development.
As expert florists in Florage, Launceston, suggest, you should use the entire packet exactly as stated rather than home brews which may not provide the same balance.
Little Things Make a Lot of Difference
Flower arrangements in vases can last considerably longer with a few minutes of attention from you on a regular basis. Fresh water, clean containers, cut stems and a suitable location all combine to make flowers look their best.
Final Thoughts
Flowers did not just naturally fade: they also droop, wilt, and die for a variety of reasons from their surroundings, failing to thrive over the normal life span (that was way shorter than necessary) owing more often to lack of suitable vase care. When you utilise the science of clean water and healthy stems, you can look forward to more vibrant blooms for a couple extra days. Five minutes each day will do wonders keeping your flower display filled with colour, scent, and life.
