A Guide on Caring for Flowers

By John Bear

Flowers, whether it be fresh flowers or silk flower have played an important role in our lives over the centuries; they bring happiness and warmth to any dull decorating space. However, we all know that one disadvantage of flowers that are fresh is that they don't last very long.

If you want to make your flower arrangements, floral bouquet, or even wedding flowers and wedding flower bouquet bearing an impressive floral design to last for days or even a week longer, there are a variety of ways to prolong their life span. There are a few simple steps on how to properly care for flowers to provide you the pleasure of them lasting so much longer.

Make certain that your water and vase for the floral arrangement are clean before use. It is advised that you clean your vases using hydrogen peroxide. The vase should also be in proportion to the size and amount of flowers you will be using for the flower arrangement.

Warm water should be used because flowers take up warm water more readily than cold water. It is also preferable to add preservative or flower food to the water. It will treat the water, nourish the flowers and make the water more suitable for flowers, as it keeps the bacteria away. Floral foods and flower preservatives can be purchased from the florist in your locale or garden centers.

Use a sharp knife or cutter in cutting the stems; scissors can crush the ends of the stems. You should cut the stems off at an angle about 3cm from the bottom underwater. Cutting at an angle opens up the stem and it provides a greater surface area flower can take on water. It also prevents the stem from becoming sealed against the bottom of the vase. An air bubble that gets into the veins in the stem of the flower would prevent it from getting water and nutrients; to prevent this, there is a need to cut the stems underwater.

The flowers only drink through the ends of the stems and not through the sides of the stems. For this reason, the vase or any container should not be filled right up to the top with water. Similarly, the foliage below the water line should be removed, as foliage left on stems below the water line will rot and pollute the water. Furthermore, flowers shouldn't be crowded together in a container, as too many flowers crowded together may cause the petals to become squashed and bruised.

You should remember to never place flowers in bright or overheated areas in your home. Strong heat and sunlight can cause an excess water loss and breed bacteria. You should also remove the dead leaves immediately, as they will breed bacteria, which will damage your flower. Always replace the water in the container after 2-3 days and always remember to re-cut the stem of the flowers underwater.

When you receive flowers or order flowers for someone or for your home in your favorite flower shop, or flower delivery services online, remember these tips so that your flowers will last longer than ever before so you can enjoy the warmth and beauty of nature in your home. For further information, consult the local flower shop or florist in your locale. - 20765

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