Florists and Floral Designers understand the great importance of cleaning and processing their fresh flowers. The life of a flower is dependent on the variety, but even the most delicate bloom will benefit from a little tender loving care and regular maintenance in order to keep flowers fresh looking for as long as possible. Not only does it add value to their flowers, but it also makes a stronger impression on whoever receives or views them.

Getting Flowers in Water Immediately Makes A Difference!

As soon as fresh flowers are cut, it is vital to give them water. Fresh stems inner fibers are still moist and open to let water flow into the rest of the parts of the flower. These passages dry up quickly without moisture, so providing the water needs to be done quickly in order to preserve the life of the flower.

Keep It Cool

Temperature also makes a difference in keeping flowers lasting longer. By placing flowers that are in a water filled container, such as a vase, in a cool shaded area the water evaporation is slowed down, and keeps the flowers from being dried out. Alternately, an open shelf in a refrigerator would work, as long as it was not being crushed or in danger of easily being knocked over.

Flowers Love Clean, Clear Water!

Flowers, like many plants, flourish using clear, clean water. Purifying the household water probably is not necessary, however adding a small drop or 2 of bleach to water helps greatly to keep any bacteria away. Also change the flower’s water every other day, and it will help preserve the blooms and maintain a firm surface and soft petals.

Clean, clear water also helps prevent bacteria, fungus and very small insects from eating away at the petals, leaves and stems. It is easy to tell if bacteria or fungus is building up by simply smelling the water in the container. If it is foul, cloudy or has a slight yellow tint, it is definitely time to change the water. By consistently refreshing the flower container’s water you can add extra days to the life of your flowers!

Trim The Stem And Petals

Florists and Floral Designers know, for the flower to make use of the clear water, it needs to have an open stem to be able to absorb it into all the fibers and eventually the petals and leaves. The stem will naturally try to close to prevent bad bacteria and or harmful elements. Even though providing daily fresh water helps, it is also a good idea to trim the end of the stem every other day just before putting the stems in water because it takes less than a minute for flower stems to close. for example roses close in 40 seconds- so technically they should be cut underneath running water and then immediately put in a vase. One half of an inch is usually enough to keep an opening in the stem. In addition, trim off dried up leaves or petals and remove them from the water, there should be no greenery allowed under the water level because it encourages bacteria growth more quickly.