How To Keep Floral Arrangements, The Importance Of Water For Fresh Flowers

Although very pretty trying to keep fresh cut flowers can be frustrating. You can do a few simple things to help keep them fresh and looking good. Never underestimate the importance of water for fresh flowers. Making sure that they have water for as long as you have them will extend their life considerably. Fresh flowers that are well watered will not fade early or wilt.

When you first bring your flowers from the florist or store you will want to cut about an inch from the end of the stem. This helps the flowers take in water when you put them into a vase. While a cut flower is being shipped or stored the end of it will heal a over. This stops the water from getting into the stem of the flower. When you make a cut it will open up the flowers stem and allow it to drink.

Make sure the stems are cut at an angle to make sure that the flower has enough surface area exposed. If you cut the stems under warm running water it will be better in the long run. You can also fill the vase with warm water in order to keep the pores of the stem open.

If you are cutting the stems with a dull knife or scissors it will crush the stems instead of opening them up. Make sure that you use a sharp instrument to cut the stems. This will open up the stems which is what you want to accomplish. After putting them in warm water you will want to put your flowers in a cool place out of the sun. This will make your flowers last longer and wilt less.

You can use either bleach or a small amount of alcohol in the water to make sure that the flowers do not grow bacteria or fungus. Sometimes the food packet that they provide with cut flowers will also have a antibacterial or anti fungal agent in it. Bacteria or fungus will stop your arrangement from getting water. If this happens you will loose your flowers faster than if it is stopped.

If you do not have a food packet, food can be purchased from where you got the flowers or most grocery stores with a floral department. If you cannot find food for cut flowers you can make some as long as you give them the right food. It can be made from simple ingredients.

There are some that swear by one third of a can of sprite for food. There are others that say you can use two teaspoons of sugar to make a substitute plant food. There are other ways to do it but sugar is said to work the best.

There are a lot of different opinions on hydrating cut flowers. You should never underestimate the importance of water for fresh flowers. It will keep the flowers alive longer and provide you with a longer lasting arrangement. If your flowers came with care instructions always follow them because certain types of flowers need different or special care once they are cut.