Here is MoonFlower Florist’s essential guide to getting the most out of your flowers.
- Find a Cool Spot
- Top Off the Water
- Trim the Stems, Change the Water
- Be Careful with Flower Food!
Find a Cool Spot
Displaying your flowers in the right place is just about the most important factor in making them last longer. Most flowers prefer temperatures between 18 to 22 degrees Celsius (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), or a cool room temperature.
Anything that gives off heat or causes air movement will dehydrate your flowers, so keep them away from direct sunlight, hot lights, vents, ceiling fans, television sets, radiators, and so on.
Also avoid placing flowers near ripening fruit, which releases tiny amounts of ethylene gas that can age fresh flowers prematurely.
Top Off the Water
Even in the perfect spot, some water will be absorbed by the flowers and some will evaporate. Check the level daily and add a little fresh water as necessary. Tap water is fine.
When adding water, keep the level below any foliage or branches on the stems of the flowers, as these could promote bacterial growth that can harm the flowers.
If the container has floral foam, you should keep the water level just above the foam for longer lasting flowers.
Trim the Stems, Change the Water
Every few days or when the water in the container starts to get cloudy, completely change the water and re-cut the flower stems. Snip 3/4″ to 1” from the bottom and cut at an angle for best water absorption. Also clip off spent or damaged blooms and any foliage that falls below the waterline in the vase.
Avoid mashing or crushing the stems, as this can destroy their water vessels. Use a sharp knife or scissors for the cleanest cut possible.
To avoid disturbing an arrangement, tie the flowers with twine just above the vase’s edge before taking them out of the vase. Hold the tied arrangement together to re-cut the stems, and then place it back all at once.
Before replacing the flowers, thoroughly clean the container, refill the vase, and add flower food to the water. Tap water is fine, preferably at room temperature. But take it easy on the flower food …
Be Careful with Flower Food!
Flower food may come with your order and it contains ingredients to nourish the flowers, encourage buds to open, and suppress bacteria which can block the stems and prevent them from absorbing water. It’s one of the best and easiest ways to extend the life of your flowers, but be sure to read the directions on the package carefully.
Too much flower food can do more harm than good! Flower food contains a fertilizer that can actually “burn out” your flowers. If in any doubt, use just 1/4 teaspoon. You may have to change the water just a little more often, but your flowers will last longer.