How to Extend the Life of Cut Flowers

Do not remove flowers from water<p>Air clogs the plant vessels, so it's better to minimize contact between the cut stem and the external environment. Ask the bouquet to be packed in a container with water or simply wrap the stems in a damp towel.</p><img alt="Photo: style, Floristry, Tips – photo on our website" src="/storage/_kopilka-sovetov/2023-10/GBFP_DFIRhXFDbxRdGon_qmH.webp"><p>Trim the stems</p><p>The key to long-lasting freshness is regular trimming of the stems. Newly brought flowers can be trimmed by 3–5 cm, and then every day trim 1–2 cm during water changes. Cut flowers at a 45-degree angle to increase their contact area with water.</p><img alt="Photo: style, Floristry, Tips – photo on our website" src="/storage/_kopilka-sovetov/2023-10/QK5SctcxsRf2B1hyitwHjeiD.webp"><p>Prepare the water</p><p>Tap water is too heavy for flowers, so prepare settled or boiled water for the bouquet. The problem can be solved with a tablespoon of vinegar or citric acid added directly to the vase. Another unusual solution is to use flat soda for flowers.</p><img alt="Photo: style, Floristry, Tips – photo on our website" src="/storage/_kopilka-sovetov/2023-10/K-OWEkxl3a0nQT54aNcfvVbL.webp"><p>Fight bacteria</p><p>To prevent flowers from rotting, remove lower leaves—only stems should be in the water. Wash the vase with hot soapy water, and add disinfecting <em>products</em> to the water—such as a couple of aspirin tablets or a small amount of alcohol. You can also use copper coins—just drop them into the bottom of the vase.</p><img alt="Photo: style, Floristry, Tips – photo on our website" src="/storage/_kopilka-sovetov/2023-10/X4GICtFNsCTmKE2qPgWV3keF.webp"><p>Maintain temperature control</p><p>If you brought flowers from the cold, don't put them in a vase immediately. They need at least half an hour to acclimatize in a cool room. Cut flowers don't like excessive heat—don't place them near radiators or in direct sunlight.</p><img alt="Photo: style, Floristry, Tips – photo on our website" src="/storage/_kopilka-sovetov/2023-10/HoYdXOn_p75XfU4e4D_278kS.webp"><p>Feed the flowers</p><p>Cut flowers lose their ability to absorb nutrients from soil, so you can feed them with fertilizer. For those who regularly decorate interiors with flowers, there is a special nutritional powder available. You can buy it at any flower shop.</p><img alt="Photo: style, Floristry, Tips – photo on our website" src="/storage/_kopilka-sovetov/2023-10/K-OWEkxl3a0nQT54aNcfvVbL.webp"><p>Ask for advice</p><p>Don't hesitate to ask a florist for advice when buying flowers. They can guide you on how to care for specific types of flowers. For example, hydrangeas actively consume moisture, so they need frequent water refills, while tulips only need to be kept in ice-cold water for a short time. In any case, a specialist knows exactly how to keep any flowers fresh for as long as possible.</p><img alt="Photo: style, Floristry, Tips – photo on our website" src="/storage/_kopilka-sovetov/2023-10/Vfc5J242OAPEb_sf7GB6gL_u.webp">