There is nothing more decorative and pleasing to the eye than fresh cut flowers. Unfortunately, flowers do not last forever. When flowers are cut, they are no longer able to access water or food so they need to be put in a vase to stay hydrated. However, flowers also require nutrients or they will wilt and die much sooner. When decorating the home or office, there are a number of methods that can be utilized to help prolong the life of the flowers.
Next time you recieve flowers, you can try to ptolong their life. In flowers recieved on special occasions such as birthday flowers can be preserved forever. The following are a number of useful tips to prolonging a flowers life:
1. One helpful tip is to mix a tablespoon of sugar in the water in the vase. It is important to make sure the water is luke-warm, unless the flowers are spring flowers such as tulips, irises, and daffodils which thrive best in cold water. The sugar provides the flowers with a source of energy which will sustain them for a longer period of time. Also, adding a floral preservative will help the flowers last much longer. There are pre-made preservatives available at gardening supply stores or you can make your own formula. Homemade recipes can include mixing lemon with couple drops of bleach in the water or instead of lemon, add a teaspoon of sugar with a few drops of bleach to the water.
2. If the flowers are for a special occasion and you would like to keep them, you can press the flowers and then display them using a method such as in a frame. All that you have to do is cut the flowers to the length that you prefer or you can just cut off their tops. Once they are cut, place them between two pieces of wax paper. Lay them on a flat surface such as a cutting board or cookie baking sheet. Place a heavy flat item such as a phone book on top. By doing so, the flowers will flatten evenly. After a day or two the flowers should be completely flat and dry. It may possibly take a week for them to completely dry. Once dry, you can remove them from the wax paper and place them in a frame or other preferred display. Once they are pressed and dry they will remain that way. You can use spray adhesive to seal the flowers to the frame mat.
3. To extend the life of the flowers, it is important to remove any wilted leaves that have fallen into the water. It is important to change the water every couple of days. This will prevent harmful fungi and bacteria from growing which will shorten the life of the flowers. Make sure that you add additives each time. You can re-cut the flowers to ensure they continue to absorb the water and food. When cutting the stems, make a couple of inch slit up the stem from the base and on an angle. Always keep the flowers out of direct sunlight and in a cool area. Do not mix daffodils with other flowers as daffodils release a substance that is toxic to flowers and will cause them to wilt and die much quicker.
4. There are a couple of unique ways to preserve flowers in a vase. One such method is to put an aspirin to the water. As well, many florists find that adding two teaspoons of mouthwash in 4 liters of water will make the flowers last longer. Adding one tablespoonful of bicarbonate from soda to 4 liters of water and then spraying the plant every couple of days with the mixture will help get rid of fungus. Other unique formulas for preserving flowers include adding baking soda to the water and even dropping a copper penny in the vase of water.
Flowers add beauty and elegance to a home or an office. Wheather you send flowers or recieve them, sharing information on caring for them can prolong their beauty. Once the flowers are set up and properly cared for, you will enjoy them for a much longer period of time.
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