That special someone brought you some fresh-cut flowers? How sweet! Now it’s time to make sure they maintain their beauty. With a little TLC, you can make sure they’ll be perky for at least a few days. Here’s a look at some tried-and-true methods:
First, make sure you have the right size of vase. The stems need room to breathe. If you don’t have the ideal size, you could always separate them into arrangements.
Next, you’ll want to make sure the environment is conducive to preserving the flowers. To kill bacteria that can make them rot, you could try one of a few hacks. Putting a penny in the vase is a great alternative to using chemicals. Copper is a fungicide and acts to preserve the water from too many yeasts and fungi. Aspirin is known to do the same thing. There’s also the lemon juice trick. Simply add 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar to 1 quart of water.
There are also a few other techniques you can employ to extend the life of your pretties. Some people like to place them in the fridge for six hours immediately to add some life. Be sure to place them in cold water, not warm, as this can dehydrate them. But hot water (up to 200 degrees) isn’t so bad for wilted flowers, believe it or not!
Last, don’t forget to do some maintenance. Cut the stems every day and change the water, especially if there are leaves. You’ll also want to keep them away from the sun, as they do best in cooler temperatures.
Know that sometimes flowers do not last as long as you’d like, as they are a perishable item. But with these tips, they’ll last a little longer!