How to Keep Your Flowers Fresh: 11 Tips for Preserving Cut Flower

Whether it's a birthday or an anniversary, flowers have arisen as a common gift for any and every occasion. And a bouquet of bright blossoms can cheer up almost any space and leave an ever-lasting impression, even when they're not there anymore.

However, the sad truth is that most of these freshly-cut flowers don't last forever. 

But, on the bright side, if you are taking proper care of them, their longevity may increase for a while. So, without any further ado, let's get started with it. 

Preserving Cut Flowers: How Should You Begin?

When it comes to preserving a flower bouquet, simply keeping them in a vase full of water isn't going to be much helpful. Besides, there are several other things that you have to do. 

Here are a few of them. 

Tip - 1: Make Sure that the Container is Clean.

Whether you believe it or not, almost every unclean container might consist of millions of fungi or bacteria as a whole. And, if you keep your flower in it, there's a high chance that it will deteriorate pretty quickly, maybe even within a week.

So, it's important to ensure that the container you're storing the flowers in is clean.

While you are cleaning the container, make sure to use warm, soapy water. Otherwise, it'll be impossible for you to disinfect it properly. You may also use a solution of diluted bleach in order to do the same. Just make sure to rinse it properly once you are done with it.

Tip - 2: Choosing the Type of Container is Important Too

Using a clean and fresh container to put your flower bouquet is a must, surely. However, in addition to that, you will also have to make sure that you are using the right type of vase. 

For instance, a fragile-cut or lighter flower strip should be kept within a taller vase. This, in turn, will ensure that they have enough space to spread out without getting constricted.

Also, if you are thinking about keeping heavy blooms in your house, don't forget to cut the stems shorter. Placing them in a low vase will also ensure that they have enough room.

Tip - 3: Check the Temperature of the Water

Fill the vase with fresh, lukewarm water. At skin temperature is preferable as it allows for better water uptake by the flowers and makes it easier to cope with the new environment. 

Avoid using cold water, as it might shock the flowers and impede their ability to absorb water. Fill the vase about two-thirds full to leave enough room for the stems.

We would also ask you to ensure that the water is clean and fresh before you are putting it in the vase. Otherwise, the risk of the flowers getting deteriorated will increase massively.

Tip - 4: The Importance of Trimming Stems

Before placing the flowers in the vase, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle using sharp, clean scissors. Using a well-doctrine floral shear can also be an option here for you.   

Cutting at an angle increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stems from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase. This, in turn, can impede water intake. 

Trim about an inch off the bottom of each stem, ensuring a clean and slanted cut. You need to also make sure that the cut is not too deep, as it might reduce the flower's longevity.

Tip - 5: Remove the Leaves Entirely

Remove any leaves that would be submerged in the water. After all, water-inundated leaves can decompose and create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to their deterioration.

Strip the lower portion of the stems of any excess foliage or branches. Instead, just leave a few leaves near the top to enhance the visual appeal of the arrangement.

Note: Removing the leaves of a plant or a flower is a very delicate task. Thus, if you aren't careful enough, you might end up damaging the plant in some way. So, if possible, it might be better for you to opt for an expert who can help you out with it.

Tip - 6: Checking the Water Level and Changing It

Check the water level in the vase daily and add more water as needed. Cut flowers have a high water requirement. Therefore, maintaining an adequate water level is crucial for their longevity. As the flowers absorb water, the water level will decrease, so make sure to top it up regularly to keep the stems submerged.

Now, let's talk about the context of changing the water of the flower. 

Every two to three days, completely change the water in the vase. It helps in preventing the accumulation of bacteria and other contaminants in the water, ensuring a fresh and clean environment for the flowers. Eventually, this will help them in living for a long period of time without any dire consequences as well. 

Note: Before you change the water, we'd ask you to take the opportunity to give the vase a quick rinse. This will help in removing any debris or residue that may have accumulated.

Tip - 7: Don't Keep Them Under Direct Sunlight

Plants need direct sunlight to get their food and grow properly. So, for that, it makes sense to keep the flowers under the same environment for a while. 

Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that.

After all, the flowers you're keeping there have been dissected from the plant. Therefore in that sense, it doesn't have the 'kitchen' it needs to 'cook' the food. Hence, keeping it under direct sunlight will only be detrimental for its health, nothing else.

But, where will you store it, though?

Place the vase of flowers in a location far away from direct sunlight. 

While sunlight is essential for plants, cut flowers are more sensitive to heat and direct light can cause them to wilt prematurely. 

Choose a cool spot in your home, preferably away from windows or direct heat sources like radiators. It will help the flowers stay hydrated and maintain their vibrant appearance for a longer period while offering some light fragrance too.

Tip - 8: Always Remove the Wilted Blossoms

As soon as you notice a flower starting to wilt or fade, remove it from the arrangement as quickly as you can. Otherwise, it might affect the other blossoms in the bouquet. 

And there's a scientific reason behind that as well. 

So, wilting flowers tend to produce ethylene gas, a naturally occurring plant hormone that accelerates the aging process in flowers. And this, in turn, can directly impact on the health of the other florals by reducing the water available in their stem.

Hence, by removing wilted flowers, you may prevent the ethylene gas from affecting the other flowers and prolong their freshness. 

Also, there won't be any need to worry about bad odor coming out of the flowers.

Tip - 9: Mist Your Flowers Occasionally

Now, this is quite an interesting tip.

If you're living in a dry and cold area, there's a high chance that your house's ecosystem will have a low humidity level. This, in turn, can also cause the flowers to dry out quickly.

So, what's the solution?

If the air in your home is particularly dry, you can mist the flowers occasionally to increase humidity. Use a clean spray bottle filled with water and lightly mist the petals and foliage, being careful not to saturate them. 

This technique can help prevent the flowers from drying out too quickly and maintain their freshness. However, avoid misting flowers with delicate petals or those prone to damage from water, as it may cause spotting or discoloration.

Tip - 10: Use Some 'Flower Food'

Many flower arrangements come with a small packet of flower food. 

These packets contain a mixture of nutrients, such as sugars and preservatives, that can help prolong the life of the flowers. 

Follow the instructions on the packet and add the appropriate amount of flower food to the water in the vase. After all, it'll provide essential nutrients to nourish your flowers, And, it will also offer antimicrobial agents to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the water.

So, it's important to use them regularly, or as your florist has asked you to do.

Tip - 11: Re-Trim the Stems After a Week

When changing the water, take the opportunity to re-trim the stems. Remove the flowers from the vase, and using sharp, clean scissors or floral shears, make a fresh 45-degree angle cut about an inch from the bottom of each stem. 

This fresh cut will remove any potential blockages or air bubbles that might have formed, allowing the flowers to take up water more efficiently.

Interesting Ways to Preserve Cut Flower

Whatever we've mentioned earlier are certainly some of the ways that you can take care of your flower bouquet. However, in this section, I'll talk about some other 'interesting' ways that can help you out with the same thing. For example - 

1: Using the Mixture of Sugar and Apple Cider Vinegar

In this aspect, apple cider vinegar works as an antibacterial agent and sugar provides some additional flower food. So, if you mix them up and dilute it in the water, the flowers will be preserved and protected for quite some time. 

Note: Usually, you have to mix two tablespoons of vinegar with the same amount of water altogether at the beginning. Then, you can add a little bit of sugar in it as an additional tip. 

Also ensure that the water you're using for the purpose has a lukewarm temperature. Using cold water for your flowers might not be the right thing to do, as explained before.

2: Using Aspirin-Induced Water

If you are looking for another quirky solution, you can also mix one crushed aspirin in the vase you've been using. It, in turn, will lower the overall pH level of the same and allow it to travel through the flower much faster.

In some cases, it will also prevent the issue of wilting to some extent. However, there's no scientific backing available regarding the same. So, try it at your own risk. 

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we'll talk about some topics that we couldn't share before. So, without any further ado, let's get started with it right away. 

Q: How long do cut flowers usually last?

A: The lifespan of cut flowers can vary depending on the type of flower and how well they are cared for. Generally, cut flowers can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks. However, some flowers, such as roses and chrysanthemums, tend to have a longer vase life, while others, like tulips and daffodils, have a shorter lifespan.

Q: Can I use homemade flower food to extend the life of cut flowers?

A: While there are several homemade flower food recipes available, it's generally recommended to use commercial flower food provided with your flowers. Commercial flower food contains a balanced mix of nutrients and additives that help nourish the flowers, inhibit bacterial growth, and prolong their lifespan. Homemade solutions may lack the precise balance of nutrients needed or the additives that commercial flower food provides. It's best to use the provided flower food or purchase a suitable commercial flower preservative.

Q: Should I remove all the thorns from rose stems before placing them in a vase?

A: It's not necessary to remove all the thorns from rose stems before placing them in a vase. Thorns serve as a natural defense mechanism for roses, and removing them can potentially expose the stems to more bacteria and reduce their water uptake. However, you can remove any thorns or leaves that will be submerged in the water, as they can decay and lead to bacterial growth. Use gardening gloves or a towel to protect your hands when handling thorny stems.

Q: How often should I change the water in the vase?

A: Changing the water in the vase every two to three days, or whenever it becomes cloudy, is recommended to maintain the freshness of cut flowers. Cloudy water indicates bacterial growth, which can clog the stems and shorten the lifespan of the flowers. Additionally, when changing the water, be sure to clean the vase thoroughly to remove any bacteria or residue that may have accumulated.

Q: Can I use aspirin, bleach, or other additives in the water to extend the life of cut flowers?

A: While there are various household additives that people suggest using in vase water, it's generally best to stick with commercially available flower food or preservatives. Aspirin, bleach, sugar, or other substances may not provide the right balance of nutrients or may introduce harmful elements to the flowers. Using the provided flower food or a commercial preservative is a more reliable way to nourish the flowers, prevent bacterial growth, and extend their vase life.

The Bottom Line

Remember, even if you've chosen the best los angeles flower delivery service, the flowers are bound to get deteriorated. While following the tips we've mentioned before might  help you out to some extent, don't depend too much on it. 

Just make sure that you are changing the water daily, and they'll be fine.