Fresh flowers are a beautiful and thoughtful gift, but they can be a bit tricky to take care of. Whether you've received a beautiful bouquet or a carefully arranged box of flowers, it's important to know how to properly care for them to keep them looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips for taking care of fresh flowers, including caring for floral bouquets and keeping box arrangements fresh.
Firstly, it’s important to keep in mind that not all flowers are created equal when it comes to their longevity. Some flowers, like roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums, can last up to a week with proper care, while others, like lilies and daffodils, may only last for a few days. Certain types of flowers, like hydrangeas and peonies, are also more delicate and require extra care to ensure they stay fresh for as long as possible. Orchids on the other hand are on the longer lasting end of the spectrum and can last up to a few weeks with the proper care. For more information about how long you can expect different types of flowers to last, see our post here: [].
How do I care for my floral bouquet?
- Clean and Fill Vase: Wash out a vase and fill it up to 2/3rds volume with room temperature water. Tap water will do just fine!
- Trim the Stems: Before placing the bouquet in a vase, drain any existing water, remove the packaging and trim the stems at a 45-degree angle with sharp scissors. This will help the flowers absorb water better.
- Change the Water: Change the water in the vase every two days to keep it fresh and clean. Make sure to clean the vase thoroughly before adding new water.
- Keep Them Cool: Place the vase of flowers in a cool area away from direct sunlight and drafts. Heat and drafts can cause the flowers to wilt faster.
- Remove Foliage: Remove any foliage that will be submerged in the water. This will help prevent bacteria growth and keep the water cleaner.
- Bonus Tip! Feed Them: Add floral food to the water. This will help the flowers stay fresh longer by providing nutrients.
How do I keep my flower box arrangements fresh?
- Keep Them Away from Heat: Keep the box arrangement away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators or fireplaces. Heat can cause the flowers to wilt faster.
- Water the Foam: If the box arrangement is using floral foam, make sure to water it regularly. Keep the foam moist to help the flowers absorb water.
- Refresh the Water: If the box arrangement is using a vase or water tube, change the water every two days to keep it fresh and clean.
- Re-Arrange If Necessary: If a flower wilts or dies, carefully remove it to inhibit bacteria growth. You can also rearrange the other flowers as necessary to keep the arrangement looking fresh.
How do I choose a vase?
When selecting a vase for your bouquet, opt for one that is approximately half the height of the flowers. If your arrangement is heavier at the bottom, consider using a more narrow vase, while a wider vase is preferable for top-heavy bouquets. Prior to use, ensure that your vase is clean, and allow it to air dry naturally. Refrain from using a towel to dry the vase as this could introduce bacteria, which can hasten the deterioration of your flowers.
Where should I keep my flowers?
To keep your flowers fresh for as long as possible, it's important to store them in the right location. Ideally, you should keep your flowers in a cool area away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat sources. Avoid placing your flowers near ripening fruits or vegetables, which release ethylene gas that can cause flowers to age more quickly. Also, be sure to keep your flowers away from electronics, as the heat they generate can cause the flowers to wilt faster. Bonus Tip: try to avoid moving your flowers around too much, as this can damage the stems and cause the flowers to wilt more quickly.
How do I care for roses?
In addition to the tips mentioned above, you can also
- Re-cut the stems: Every few days, re-cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to allow them to continue to absorb water.
- Remove wilted petals: If a rose begins to wilt or its petals start to droop, carefully remove it from the arrangement. This will help prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure that the remaining roses continue to look fresh and vibrant.
By following these tips, you can help your roses stay fresh and beautiful for longer.
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