Fresh flowers add a pop of color and breathe fresh air into your indoor living space, and cutting and arranging the perfect bouquet can be a rewarding process that results in a lovely centerpiece for your dining room table or kitchen countertop. But how do you keep them looking their best? These simple hacks from the experts at Rich Mar Florist in Allentown, PA, can help your flowers stay fresh and healthy in your home for as long as possible.
Make Sure Your Vase is Clean
Always use a clean vase for your fresh-cut flowers. Wash the inside with warm, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly before each use. This eliminates bacteria and harmful microbes that can make plants wilt more quickly.
Once the vase is clean, fill it with clean, lukewarm water. Tap water is excellent.
A dirty, dusty vase can leave your water looking cloudy. It can also introduce bacteria to the fresh-cut stems, which can quickly be absorbed by your plants, clogging the delicate pathways so that water can’t make its way to the blooms.
Clear Your Water of Any Foliage
As a general rule of thumb, cut all leaves and foliage that will be below the water line. Submerging them creates the perfect breeding ground for microbes. When bacteria are present, they can block the xylem vessels in the stems of your flowers. These blockages make it difficult for the plants to absorb the water and nutrients they need to survive.
Pro tip: cut foliage from the bottom parts of your stems while you’re outside. This allows the leaves to decompose in the soil, adding nutrients for other plants to grow. It also keeps unnecessary waste from going into the garbage and landfills.
Plant Pruning
Always use sharp scissors or a knife to cut each stem before putting it in the vase. Cutting at an angle allows the stems to absorb water more efficiently. Some people like to do this under running water, but it isn’t necessary.
Carefully make each cut, making sure you don’t tear the stem in the process. This can create more points of entry for harmful bacteria.
To make your flowers last longer, change out the water every couple of days.
Re-cut the stems at this time to prevent bacteria from growing.
Find the Right Flowers For Any Occasion!
Flowers are a universal language that expresses deep feelings of sympathy, gratitude, love, and joy.
At Rich Mar Florist, we’re a second-generation business that prides itself on creating beautiful bouquets for any occasion.
If you’re looking for the perfect arrangement for your next event, we’d be honored to help.
Visit one of our three locations in Allentown, PA, or Bethlehem, PA, ororder online.
We’re always here to answer questions about the right flowers for each occasion and how to make flowers last longer.
Contact us today to get started building your custom bouquet.
Image credit: Parkin Srihawong & New Africa / Shutterstock
