Tips for Preserving Cut Flowers

Floral bouquets are beautiful. But unless you take time to preserve them, they won't last more than a few days. Here are some tips for preserving cut flowers.

Cut flowers only last for a few days before they start to wilt and die. Most florists and grocery stores include preservatives with a purchase of cut flowers. However, when you cut your own or buy them at a local farmer's market, you don't receive any plant food with your flowers.

Making Homemade Plant Food

Plant food doubles your bouquet's life. What should a good plant food mixture do? Basically, a good preservative plant food needs to kill bacteria, as well as include sugar for energy and nourishment. It also must lower the pH of the water, making it more acidic. A normal pH is 7. Therefore, any substance lower than 7 is considered acidic. For example, take the obvious sources of citric acid, found in citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and limes. But because fruit juices contain bright colors, even better choices for an acidic base are sodas such as Sprite and 7-Up (which are neutral in color.)

What's more, carbonated sodas also contain sugar (except for diet sodas), so you've solved two problems in one step. A good mixture is half Sprite (or 7-Up) and half water, which you should change every day. If you don't have any Sprite or 7-Up at home, there are other acidic items you probably have stored somewhere in your house.

Don't worry if your sodas are flat as this doesn't affect the acidity. Other items also found in your kitchen could include lemon juice or vinegar. In your bathroom, sources of acid could range from crushed aspirin to mouthwash. Just be sure to add sugar to your mixture.
Cut Stems under Water with Sharp Knife

To stop air bubbles forming in the stem, it's best to cut stems under water with a sharp knife. Too often, people cut flowers with scissors or even pruning shears. This can squash stems, resulting in damage to the tiny tubular vessels carrying water. Instead, cut the stems with a razor-sharp knife, cutting at a 45 degree angle. Doing so allows for water to reach the upmost surface area of the flower.

Use Clean Glass Vases

Make sure your vase is clean, free of any bacteria. If your vase is dirty, clean it with bleach. It's also better to use a glass vase rather than a metal one because some metals can somewhat alter the pH of the water. Wash it thoroughly with hot water, adding a drop (or two) of antibacterial soap, and then rinse well.

Fill the vase with warm water as the warmer the water, the quicker the water moves into the stems of the flower. (Do not use chemically softened water.) Avoid cool or drafty areas, as well as placing near heat sources or in direct sunlight because this can make the flowers dry out faster. And, as the bouquet grows older, perhaps add a couple of drops of light-colored food coloring to keep the water from looking dingy.

Finally, before your beautiful floral bouquet begins to die, be sure to take pictures. Or if you're artistic, save the moment with a drawing or painting. This way you'll preserve the memory, even if the flowers won't last forever.
Originally published on Suite 101.




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