| 1 |
Snip the Base |
| |
This helps maintain the water flow up the
stalk of the flower. Sometimes the stems can have air
pockets that stop the water from reaching the flower head.
The stems should be snipped at least 2cm from the base
of the stem at an angle.
|
| 2 |
Keep cool |
| |
The hotter flowers get, the faster they release water
(transpire). Their life is significantly reduced when
you put them near a window or in a closed up house.
|
| 3 |
Clean the Water |
| |
Water can build up bacteria that blocks the flower of
water up the stem of the flower. The base of the stems
start to rot and smell stale. Fresh water every few days
can extend the life of your flowers for up to a week.
|
| 4 |
Feed |
| |
Flowers are living plant material and therefore need
to be fed. Your florist will have preserving mixtures
when you buy an arrangement, or you can just add sugar
and bleach. A dash of bleach stops algal growth while
sugar provides energy to the flowers so they can continue
to develop.
|
| 5 |
Flowers and fruit don’t
mix |
| |
Fruit gives off a gas called ethylene. This gas speeds
up the life of any produce around it. Flowers can rapidly
deteriorate when around fruit.
|
| 6 |
Remove leaves below waterline
|
| |
Any leaves sitting below the waterline can rot and block
the flow of water up the stem.
|
 |
Expert tips
Just as bananas and strawberries require
different care, some types of flower respond well to their
own brand of T.L.C. Try these tips for the best flowers
ever!
|
|
Floppy stems: Flowers
such as tulips will soon droop. Flowers spilling out from
the vase can look effective, but if you wish to keep the
flowers upright, wrap a bunch of stems in damp newspaper
and stand in water overnight.
|
|
Milky stems ooze
sap, which can form a waterproof seal and stop the flow
of water up the stem. Singeing the cut stem will help
prevent the problem.
|
|
Woody stems:
Slice bark from the bottom of the stem and make a vertical
slit in the base to permit a greater water intake.
|
|
Hairy stems
such as gerberas, generally don’t like deep water. Place
hairy-stemmed flowers in water no more than 7cm deep.
|
|
Bulb flowers:
Flowering bulbs include hyacinths, daffodils and tulips.
Cut away the white part of the stem, which does not take
up water effectively and cut stems at an angle.
|
|
Wilted flowers
can often be revived by submerging the whole flower in
tepid water for a few hours. Roses and woody plants often
respond to the hot water technique, where the flower is
covered with a paper bag and the stems immersed in an
inch of near-boiling water. This also targets bacteria.
With a bit of care, flowers will look better, longer.
Some flowers last particularly well as a cut bloom, including
gerbera, lisianthus, protea and chrysanthemum. Some others
must be appreciated for their fleeting beauty. |
