Care and Handling of Cut Arrangements
Certain varieties of cut flowers last longer than others. Carnations, for example, can remain vibrant for long periods. Roses have a shorter vase life, but are prized for their special and delicate beauty. When buying flowers, be sure to ask your florist how long you should expect your arrangement to last. Whatever variety you choose, a little TLC will go a long way to keep your blooms looking fresh longer. Here are a few handy tips that can help add days to their beauty!
- Keep them in a cool spot (65-72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents and direct drafts from ceiling fans.
- Arrangements should not be placed on electrical appliances such as televisions and stereos to avoid dehydration.
- Water should be added to baskets and containers daily.
- Vase water should be added to daily and changed every other day with stems being re-cut to increase longevity.
- If water becomes cloudy, replace it entirely. If possible, recut the stem by removing one to two inches. Remove leaves that will be below the waterline.
For a longer lasting arrangement, choose bouquets with the following flowers:
- Alstromeria - five to ten days
- Lilies- five to ten days
- Carnations - seven to fourteen days
- Spray mums- seven to fourteen days
- Dendrobium orchids - five to ten days
Helping Problem Flowers:
Roses
- Remove all roses from the vase.
- Immerse the stems in several inches of lukewarm water.
- While stems are under water, cut off one inch using a sharp knife or scissors.
- Leave stems submerged for 30 to 60 minutes until the stems return to a straightened position.
- Transfer the roses immediately to a vase filled with lukewarm water and one half package of floral preservative.
- Check the water level daily.
- Remove one or two outer rose petals when necessary to improve appearance.
Lilies
- Removing stamens (the pollen heads) from the blooms as they open will increase the life of the flower as well as remove the risk of staining furniture and clothing.
- Cutting faded blooms will aid in the opening of smaller blossoms.
- These take in a lot of water. Check level daily.
Tulips
- A penny or two in the bottom of the vase will help drooping tulips stand up.
- Many tulip varieties open very quickly but will hold an open blossom for two or three more days.
Gladiolas
- Snapping the tops of gladiolas off will help open up lower blossoms quicker.
- Removing faded lower blossoms helps the higher blossoms open.