#caringforflowers

Expecting a bouquet this Valentine’s Day? Know the right way of caring for fresh flowers so you can enjoy your floral gift for a longer period of time. Here are six tried and tested ways to make those gorgeous blooms stay fresh for a few more days.

1. Use lukewarm water. Keep the water temperature between 1000F to 1100F. Professional florists and commercial growers alike swear by this technique. Why is this effective? Because water molecules in warm water move faster than the molecules in cold water, it makes water absorption easier and more efficient for flowers. Remember it is important that water and its nutrients should reach the head of the flower as quickly as possible. But wait, there’s an exception. Tulips, hyacinths and other bulb flowers need cold water.

2. Feed your flowers. You can get the conventional flower food from your trusted florist or just simply make one at home! Mix a teaspoon of household bleach, a teaspoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and 1 quart lukewarm water. This solution has the acidifier, biocides and carbohydrates needed by the flower. An alternative would be a solution of apple cider vinegar and sugar.

3. Add vodka. For antibacterial action, which means fresher and cleaner water for a long time, add a few drops of vodka. But remember, you still have to change the water often – every day if you can.

4. Use a lemon-lime soda like 7UP and Sprite instead of water. Citrus soda is sugary and acidic which means it can feed the flower and keep the pH of the plant stable.

5. Check and identify the stem type and re-cut accordingly. Use clippers or a sharp knife and not scissors so you won’t crush the stem and its vascular system.

Marigolds and other flowers with hearty or solid stems have to be cut diagonally for better water absorption.

Dahlias, amaryllis, delphiniums and other hollow-stemmed blooms need more water. It would help if you’d plug a small piece of cotton at the end of the stem.

Roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, lilies and other flowers with woody to semi-woody stems require a sharp-angle cut.

6. Don’t remove all the leaves. Take away the leaves at the stem that will be submerged in water and let the rest of the foliage stay. Be careful when removing leaves as breaks and gashes on the stem could be a door for bacteria to enter. Don’t forget to also gently remove wilted petals.

7. Keep your flowers away from apples, bananas and ripening fruits. Fruits emit ethylene gas which causes flowers to wilt.