How to keep cut flowers fresh?

 

1. Use Dark Coloured or Ceramic Vase

Dark coloured or ceramic vase prevents sunlight into the water which can increase the stem’s decay rate. 

 

2. Clean Vase

Make sure that you have a clean vase to keep the cut flowers. Prepare the vase by washing off all dirt, oil, dust or any filthy material from the inside wall. Dirty vase can harbour bacteria which cause the flowers to deteriorate.

 

3. Clean Water

Pour in room temperature water to fill about half of the vase or container. This will stabilize the vase and not topple over due to the top-heavy weight distribution.

 

4. Flower Food

Dissolve some flower food with water and pour the mixture into the vase or container.

 

5. Remove the Lower Leaves

Remove the leaves at the bottom of the stem. Leave will compete with the flowers for water. Only leave a few leaves at the top near the flowers. Leaves below the water line will deteriorate quickly and cause mold and bacteria to grow. Alternatively, you can also completely remove all the leaves.

 

6. Cut the Stem

Cut the stem at an angle before you place the flowers into the vase or container. Cutting about 1cm is good enough to open the stems up to water. This will allow easier absorption of water. Do cut the stems each time you change the water.

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7. Submerge the Rose in Water

After removing the leaves and cutting the stem, fully submerge the whole rose – stem, leaves and flower, into a tub of water and leave it for about half an hour.

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8. Regularly Change the Water

Change the water at least once every 2 days. Remember to put in the flower food each time you change the water. You can also clean the vase to remove any debris or grime when changing the water. This will keep the flowers fresh. Stale water in a vase creates perfect conditions for bacteria growth therefore you should regularly change the water.

 

9. Location

Place the vase in a cool place away from heat.

 

 

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Home-made flower food

You can also try your own homemade flower food. Ingredients are:

• 1 liter of clean water

• 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon of sugar

• ½ teaspoon of bleach

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Direction:

Mix well all the ingredients and pour the solution into the vase.

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Caution:

Do not use this mixture in a metal container as it can cause discolouration. Chemical reaction with metal can affect the beneficial properties of the solution.

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