Tips To Make Your Bouquets Last Longer

By Claire Silva

Flowers are one of the meaningful gifts and liveliest decorations for nearly any occasion, all year 'round. Even homes and offices use them for decorations to make the place livelier and less plain. These gifts of nature look and smell amazing, which makes them so great. They have bright colors, unique shapes, and they have the most wonderful smells only nature can give.

The downside? Fresh flowers don't stay fresh for long especially if you don't take care of them well. Not everyone are florists and gardeners, but here are some surefire ways to make bouquets you receive last a little longer:

- If you receive flowers that are in a box, act as fast as possible. Drench them in water, or preferably in floral foam or flower food solution. These can be provided by your florist.

- Remember to always use a clean vase with enough space, and use clear water every day. Once the flower food solution or water becomes cloudy, replace it all immediately.

- No flower food or flower foam? You can make your own! Simply mix a teaspoon of bleach, a tablespoon of sugar, and a gallon of water. Viola! Your homemade flower food. Some gardening experts even say you can pour a 12-ounce can of non-diet 7-Up or Sprite in half a gallon of water The soda's acidity will slow down growth of bacteria in the water, while the sugar will feed the flowers.

- Re-cut your flower stems at a 45-degree angle using a sharp cutting tool, such as a sharp knife, good pair of scissors, or pruning shears. Cut the stems underwater to allow more water absorption instead of air. A 45-degree angle stem cut will also improve the plants' liquid absorption.

- Some flowers will last longer than others in the bouquet. Once they wilt, take them from the arrangement.

- Remove leaves that will be below the waterline of the vase, because leaves in water tend to promote bacterial growth.

- Remember to place your flower arrangement in a cool, dry spot, away from heat. About 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit is the recommended temperature for flowers, away from heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, on top of televisions or radiators, and away from direct sunlight, to avoid premature dehydration and wilting.

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