I don't know a single person who dislikes receiving flowers. Flowers are happy! And while fresh cut blooms are relatively low maintenance, there are a few things you can do to make them last longer. Here are a few tricks I've used at home to make these pretty sprouts last a week or more:
1. Cut the stems on an angle
Typically, you'll have to give flowers a little trim before arranging them in a vase. When you do, cut the stems diagonally with a pair of shears. This maximizes the surface area of the stem that's submerged in water, and it helps the flower absorb the nutrients it needs.
2. Shears, not scissors
So this one isn't a deal-breaker if you don't have shears, but typically, florists don't recommend using household scissors on these tough stems. The reason is, classic household scissors aren't strong or sharp enough to easily cut the stems, which can lead to a poor cut — and then your bloom gets less water. On second thought, it's probably not very good for your household scissors, either.
3. Change the water frequently
This is a biggie. If you've ever washed out a vase, you know flower water isn't always the most clean or best smelling. To keep it fresh, change water every day (or at least every 2-3 days), and remove any flowers that are looking limp. You'll keep the vase's ecosystem clean and the bulbs that are blooming will last longer.
4. Use lukewarm water... most of the time
Florists usually recommend lukewarm water, but I also learned a trick from my friend Cassie at the Ozark Mtn Flower Truck. If you have a bloom that you're wanting to live a little longer, you should use cold water to revive it — even going as far as to put an ice cube or two in the vase! I had never heard that before she told me, and it has worked so well.
5. Consider flower food
If you buy grocery store flowers, or stems from a flower truck, they'll usually include a packet of preservatives — or "flower food". If you find yourself with a gorgeous set of blooms but no flower food, I read a recipe for making your own plant preservatives here. I spotted the above grocery store flowers at my friend Alex's house, and I couldn't resist taking a few photos of 'em. Too pretty!
What are your favorite flowers to keep at home? I'd love to hear. xo!
1. Cut the stems on an angle
Typically, you'll have to give flowers a little trim before arranging them in a vase. When you do, cut the stems diagonally with a pair of shears. This maximizes the surface area of the stem that's submerged in water, and it helps the flower absorb the nutrients it needs.
2. Shears, not scissors
So this one isn't a deal-breaker if you don't have shears, but typically, florists don't recommend using household scissors on these tough stems. The reason is, classic household scissors aren't strong or sharp enough to easily cut the stems, which can lead to a poor cut — and then your bloom gets less water. On second thought, it's probably not very good for your household scissors, either.
3. Change the water frequently
This is a biggie. If you've ever washed out a vase, you know flower water isn't always the most clean or best smelling. To keep it fresh, change water every day (or at least every 2-3 days), and remove any flowers that are looking limp. You'll keep the vase's ecosystem clean and the bulbs that are blooming will last longer.
4. Use lukewarm water... most of the time
Florists usually recommend lukewarm water, but I also learned a trick from my friend Cassie at the Ozark Mtn Flower Truck. If you have a bloom that you're wanting to live a little longer, you should use cold water to revive it — even going as far as to put an ice cube or two in the vase! I had never heard that before she told me, and it has worked so well.
5. Consider flower food
If you buy grocery store flowers, or stems from a flower truck, they'll usually include a packet of preservatives — or "flower food". If you find yourself with a gorgeous set of blooms but no flower food, I read a recipe for making your own plant preservatives here. I spotted the above grocery store flowers at my friend Alex's house, and I couldn't resist taking a few photos of 'em. Too pretty!
What are your favorite flowers to keep at home? I'd love to hear. xo!
