Water from the faucet or tap is generally hard water and has a lot of minerals in it which makes it alkaline, unfortunately alkaline water does not easily travel through the stems of your cut flower and can shorten their vase life tremendously.
Distilled or de-ionized water can overcome this problem, or simply put the flower food that comes with your gift into the water, which will acidify the water.
Cut the ends of the stems with a sharp knife to achieve the desired height, cut on a diagonal, and remove any leaves that lie below the water level, as this foliage will help to promote bacteria, often the cause of leaves wilting or flowers never opening.
So, use a clean vase and luke-warm water and always add the flower food you received with your cut flowers to the water, avoid metal containers which can neutralize the effects of flower food.
Keep your fresh flowers away from any ripening fruit, vegetables and dying flowers, as these items give off ethylene gas which can cause premature ageing of your fresh flowers.
Keep flowers away from any drafts, direct heat or sunlight and remove any flowers or leaves that are wilting.
Top up the water level daily as required.
Following these easy basic rules of cut flowers care will ensure you get the maximum enjoyment from your floral display. |
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