How to keep cut flowers longer?

A pleasant gift for March 8, a birthday, a wedding has always been and will be a bouquet of flowers. Putting it in a vase, I want it to please us as long as possible. But any living organism, including flowers, has its own life span, especially cut ones. Then, how can flowers extend their life? The main rule: you must be able to properly care for them. Techniques for restoring and preserving freshness are not complicated, they are available to everyone. And this will be discussed today.

Why do flowers fade quickly?

Flowers, like any other plant, grow and bloom thanks to the nutrients they receive from the soil through the root system. Cutting off the flowers, thereby losing the plant nutrition and the possibility of further development. Depriving the plant of its roots, the stems do not have the same absorbing power as before. Because of which the metabolism is disturbed, the concentration of toxins increases, the cytoplasm of cells changes its structure.

Since the vessels quickly become clogged in the cut stem, the possibility of access of water further into the plant ceases. It is here that various putrefactive bacteria accumulate and actively multiply, further destroying the flower tissue.

In a cut plant, moisture is actively evaporated. In the absence of water in their own tissues, the flowers cannot make up for the loss of water and begin to die gradually. A sharp change in temperature (from heat to frost, and from the street again to heat) for a bouquet of flowers is also fatal.

How to keep cut flowers longer

These general helpful tips should be followed no matter what flowers are presented to you. With little effort, the flowers can last for several days or even weeks. Only depends on you

• preparing a vase before putting flowers in it,
• appropriate storage temperature
• processing of freshly cut flowers,
• care for a bouquet.

Flower vase

The vase where you are going to put the flowers must be clean. Despite the routine and simplicity of the advice, treat it with special care. Microbes entering the plant along with water noticeably shortens their life span and gradually kills the flowers.

Therefore, before putting the bouquet in water, rinse it thoroughly with a liquid detergent, and then rinse thoroughly.

Temperature mode

Flowers are very afraid of sudden changes in temperature. Therefore, be careful when transferring flowers from a warm store to the cold outside, and then back to the warm home. Ask the seller in the winter to wrap the bag in wrapping paper. For many flowers, the duration of stay at a temperature of -2 -4ºС for 10-15 minutes is fatal.

Also, flowers do not tolerate prolonged heat and stuffiness, especially in direct sunlight. In such conditions, they will not stand even one day. Keep the bouquet away from sunlight and heating appliances, protect from drafts.

Absolutely all flowers love cold water, so before we put the flowers in a vase, we make a fresh cut of the stem and put it in a vase. The less you touch the flowers with your hands, the longer they will stand. Because when you touch a flower, there remain violations of the surface layer (dents) through which moisture evaporates.

Bringing the bouquet home from the frost, do not rush to immediately put them in a vase with water. Wait 10-15 minutes, let the flowers get used to a different temperature.

Cut flower processing

First of all, remove all leaves from the bottom of the stem and update the slices. Place the stems under a stream of warm water and make oblique long sections with a garden knife or secateurs. Thanks to water, air does not have time to penetrate into the vessels of the flower. The plant will then better absorb water, since purchased flowers are often dehydrated.

If you want to preserve flowers with woody stems, for example, jasmine, lilac, chrysanthemums, then pour them over with hot water. The oils contained in the stiffened structures of the stem will close the lumen of the vessels through which bacteria do not enter. Salt is added to the water of such plants as a conservative, per 1 tsp. on 1 liter of water.

Flower care in a vase

Change the water in a flower vase daily; add fresh water if necessary. Otherwise, spoiled water will quickly lead to wilting. When changing water, do not forget to wash the vase as well. Spray flowers periodically with spray water.

But the flowers are different, therefore, their care will be different.

When choosing roses, you should give preference to those with green sepals. The best time to buy roses is in the early morning, such roses are saturated with moisture and can stand much longer than evening ones. Do not ask the seller to process the lower part of the stem, it is better to do it yourself at home. Simple rules help keep roses longer.

1. Roses bought in the cold, do not immediately put in water. Put them on the table and leave for half an hour. Only then proceed with their processing.
2. The lower leaves, which will be under water in the vase, are removed to avoid rotting and deterioration of the composition of the water.
3. Cut the stalk with secateurs into a basin with water or under running water. Each time we cut the stem obliquely so that the water penetrates into the stem.
4. If you want the flower buds not to fade longer, shorten the stem to 30-40 cm. The closer the water is absorbed in the stem to the bud, the faster it will reach the bud and the flower will not fade longer.
5. The stem of a rose is immersed in water to half its length.

Tulips are another attribute of the women's holiday. The life span of a fresh tulip is short, only 3-5 days. But it can also stand longer if you pay attention to the following points when buying.

• The bud should be large enough and well colored,
• Leaves are resilient, without damage and even green.
• Do not buy buds whose petals are attached with an elastic band. As soon as you bring them home and remove the lock, the petals will fall off in a few hours,
• Also, do not buy tulips from cars on the street. On holiday, due to high demand, they even sell them out on the street. Usually on the street, tulips are sold already frozen, since in March the temperature is still minus. When buying, they look beautiful, but at home, when warm, they quickly thaw, wilt and become like rags.

Chrysanthemums

The most tenacious flowers are chrysanthemums, but they also need help. After processing the stems before placing them in a vase. Change the water in a vase with chrysanthemums daily. The main thing for chrysanthemums is clean water.

Folk remedies for preserving flowers

In order for the flowers to stand for a long time, follow the main condition. The water in the vase should always be fresh and cool. Biologically active substances can be added to water. Almost every of the listed products has a disinfecting property, which means that bacteria in the water will not be able to multiply, thereby prolonging the life of flowers.

• Charcoal - better in the form of a powder, it has a preservative effect. Crushed coal can be replaced with 2 tablets of crushed activated carbon,
• Ammonia - add a few drops to the water, wait a couple of minutes before placing flowers there,
• Aspirin - 1 tablet added to the water will not only allow the flowers to stand longer, but will help maintain their fresh appearance,
• Laundry bleach . Many purchased plants are already so used to household chemicals that they cannot exist without them for a long time. Therefore, a couple of drops of bleach added to water will save the situation,
• Potassium permanganate –2-3 crystals of potassium permanganate added to water disinfect water and destroy microbes,
• Vodka - 2 tbsp. l add to 1 liter of water, providing a disinfecting effect,

It should be noted that adding sugar to water, as advised on some online resources, is not necessary. The fact is that sugar in warm water leads to fermentation and accelerated reproduction of microbes that cause decay. Experienced florists also do not recommend replacing water with mineral sparkling water.

How to save longer flowers cut in the summer

In summer, too, they give flowers no less. But by September 1, all teachers receive a huge number of beautiful bouquets, which I also want to keep longer. Teachers have extensive experience in preserving bouquets. Their bouquets are sometimes stored up to 1 month. Therefore, they share their experiences with us.

Asters . Leaves are removed on the stem, flowers are placed in a vase, 1 tbsp is added. l alcohol per 1 liter of water. In such a cocktail, flowers cost 2 days. After changing the water to clean, add 1 tablet of aspirin. After a week, you can repeat the story with alcohol.

Gladiolus - the most not picky flowers. The main thing is that the water was 2/3 of the volume of the vase. And so that the buds do not fade for a long time, add 0.5 tsp. salt and 2 tablets of coal.

Dahlias - The second most popular flowers by September 1. Handle the stalk correctly first. At the dahlia, it is hollow, so the lumen of the stem is plugged with cotton wool so that no harmful microbes get inside. Add 1 tsp to water. vinegar, and put (if possible) a sprig of spruce in a nearby vase, it acts like an antiseptic.

Lilies - split the stem and place in cold water.

Peonies - process the stem by removing leaves that will be in the water, make an incision in the stem. Strongly blossomed flowers, first put in hot water for several minutes, and only then place them in a vase.

Clove - add a spoonful of alcohol to the water.

Gerbera - First put in salt water for 1 hour, adding 1 tsp. salt. Then update the slice and put in clean water, adding 1 tbsp. l alcohol per 1 liter of water.

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Why do cut flowers fade?

It has been argued that plants are less sensitive than humans. This is not entirely true. Plants, like all living organisms, are prone to stress. But they do not have the ability to say so. When the flowers are cut, they lose their nutrients and water. This is stressful for them.

The flowers begin to fade, as the amount of sugar and moisture in their tissues decreases, which leads to dehydration. This is because the vessels of the plant are clogged with air bubbles.

How to extend the life of cut flowers? To do this, put them in water, having previously prepared a container, liquid and plants. Then ensure proper care.

When to cut flowers?

The best time for this is early morning. Fresh flowers cut at this time still retain dew drops on leaves, petals, stems. Plants will not undergo the cutting process as painfully as they are saturated with moisture. They can be cut in the evening when the dew falls. In heat, flowers evaporate large quantities of water. In such plants, dehydration will begin earlier, and they will not stand in a vase for a long time. This time of day is not suitable for composing a bouquet.

There are a lot of flowers, they have different cutting times. Irises, peonies, tulips, gladioli, lilies, roses are cut during the formation of buds. But marigolds, dahlias, phloxes, asters - when the flowers bloom.

You always want to collect a bouquet of different flowers, but you should know that not all of them get along with each other. Adjacent to the bouquet - yes, but not everyone agrees to live together. Cloves, lilies of the valley, primrose should not be placed next to other flowers, especially not placed in one vase. They are poisonous and adversely affect their neighbors. You do not need to make a bouquet if it contains together tulips, daffodils, lilies, roses. Tulips will fade. But if you put them in the same vase with a cypress, they will last longer.

Cornflowers, poppies, daisies will begin to fade quickly if lilies are placed in the same vase with them. But there are flowers that must always be set separately, otherwise they will destroy all the plants in the vase. These include roses, lilies of the valley, cloves, bird cherry.

Preparing flowers for life in a vase

To prevent air from entering the stem and clogging the pores through which nutrients enter, a section of the stem must be made without removing it from the water, at an oblique angle and with a sharp knife. After this, the plant should always remain in the liquid.

Many flowers are distinguished by the presence of thick and hard stems. In this case, their tips need to be split about five centimeters up the length of the barrel. It is recommended to insert a match in the middle, so moisture will be more actively absorbed. If the stems of the flowers are soft, in the lower part they need to be scratched or cut to increase the area through which moisture will flow to the plant.

How to keep cut flowers with hollow stems for a long time? They should be properly prepared. To do this, pour water into each stem, and plug the hole with cotton wool. It happens that a lot of milky juice flows from the plant. In this case, you need to lower the stems into boiling water or burn their ends with fire.

Many flowers have long stamens. If their anthers are carefully removed, the flowers will last longer.

Stalk processing

To extend the life of cut flowers, the following recommendations should be observed:

• On that part of the stem that is in the water, you need to remove the leaves, otherwise they will begin to rot. Such an environment is favorable for the growth of bacteria that will damage the entire plant.
• The tip of each stem needs to be trimmed at an angle. This increases the moisture absorption area. The cut is made with a sharp, disinfected knife, after which the stem must be immediately immersed in water. Stems of flowers such as roses should be cut off immediately under water to prevent clogging of the vessels with air.
• To preserve flowers for a long time, you need to subject them to a hardening procedure. For this, the plants are placed in hot water, the temperature of which reaches forty-four degrees. In this case, a vase of flowers should be put for two hours in a cooler place. Water molecules of this temperature move faster along the stem, and thanks to the cool air of the environment, the flowers will lose moisture in smaller quantities. This extends the life of the flowers in the vase.

• If the cut flowers are not subjected to a hardening procedure, they must be placed in warm water, which they absorb better. But for bulbous plants, it is better to use cold water.
• The stem needs to be processed throughout the life of the cut flowers. As soon as rotten, slippery leaves appear, they must be peeled off, the stem and vase should be washed, the water changed, and only then put the flowers in a container for them. When the flowers that secrete ethylene wilt, they must be removed immediately, otherwise the rest will be the same.

Water preparation

Based on experience, it is noted that soft water extends the life of cut flowers. It is better to take it from a spring or accumulate rainwater. If not, melt or tap water is used, but not immediately from the tap. It must be poured and left for a day for the weathering of chlorine.

Bacteria are more dangerous for flowers. Their reproduction occurs very quickly, which significantly shortens the life of the flowers in the vase. To save them for a longer time, you need to add to the water substances endowed with disinfecting properties:

• Silver coin.
• Detergent in a small amount.
• Charcoal.
• A pill of streptocide or aspirin in six liters of water.

Per liter of water:

• Salt - a teaspoon.
• Boric acid - one hundred milligrams.
• Soda with lemon juice - a tablespoon.
• Sugar with vinegar - the same amount.

What is needed to preserve the beauty of flowers?

In most cases, people donate or cut their own flowers right away in vases. But so that the beauty of the plants remains the same, cut flowers should be placed in a cool place with a temperature of five degrees heat for a period of five days. You can use a refrigerator for this.

However, it should be borne in mind that each variety of flowers has its own individuality, therefore, storage conditions will not be the same.

Tulips and irises are stored at a low temperature, which reaches two degrees of heat. Orchids, on the contrary, prefer warmer conditions; for them, a temperature of eight degrees and above is comfortable.

Cut flowers of most varieties are stored immediately with the ends of the stems immersed in water. It is not necessary to put the plants in a large vase, any tank, even a very small one, will do. The main thing is that the stems enter into it without compromising on quality.

Although for chrysanthemums, tulips and carnations, water is not needed during storage. But roses are demanding on moisture. They are placed in storage in a standing position and stalks dipped in water. In addition, they are tightly wrapped in paper. The optimum temperature is five degrees.

Anemones and hyacinths need a fairly low temperature, two degrees above zero. Moreover, the former are stored with water supply connected and in an upright position. For peonies, gerberas and lilies, the general temperature regime for cut flowers is suitable.

Top dressing cut flowers

The most commonly used sugar is that many flowers respond well, including carnations, tulips, daffodils. Можно самостоятельно приготовить питательные растворы с использованием различных компонентов.

For chrysanthemums, cyclamens and gerberas, a mixture, in percentage terms, of aluminum alum, sodium and potassium chloride, sugar, respectively, is suitable: 0.08, 0.02, 0.03, 1.5.

Roses and carnations respond well to the composition, in milligrams, of aluminum sulfate, citric acid, silver nitrate, sucrose, respectively: 500, 150, 50, 30.

Today, many drugs are sold that can extend the life of cut flowers, one of which is the "Bud". Its constituents simultaneously disinfect and nourish plants. Flowers last twenty-five days longer.

Place for a bouquet

Cut flowers, the photo of which is presented for review, will stand much longer if properly taken care of. In many ways, their freshness is affected by the place that they were given in the house. To keep the flowers longer, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

• Choose a place with natural light for the flowers, but to prevent direct sunlight from falling on them.
• The room should be cool and no drafts.
• Bouquets and fruits should not be placed next to each other, since the fruits produce ethylene, which accelerates rotting.
• It is necessary to consider the compatibility of plants in a bouquet. So, it is better for lilies, roses, lilies of the valley, daffodils, daffodils, orchids to live separately in a vase. And vice versa, thuja and geranium, always welcome guests for any flowers, they preserve their freshness.

How to care for flowers?

To cut flowers well preserved, you need to provide them with decent care. You do not need to immediately remove the packaging from them, just release the stems from it and lower them into water. If the packaging is made of cellophane, you need to replace it with paper. Then moisten with water and wrap the flowers again. Only after that they are put in a cooler place. This is necessary for the acclimatization of plants in the new microclimate.

While the flowers are saturated with moisture, you need to thoroughly wash the vase with detergents and fill it with prepared water. After a few hours, the flowers are placed in a container, having previously updated the slices.

Care for cut flowers consists in changing the water. It is better to change it daily. Each time the vase is washed, disinfectants and nutrients are added to the water. The stems are processed from beautiful leaves, and the slice is updated.

2. Do not leave flowers without water

Water supports the life of flowers. The longer the flowers are left without water, the less they will stand. Therefore, if you yourself buy flowers and want to keep them longer, listen to these three recommendations:

• Ask to pack the bouquet in an individual container with water.
• Take a container of water with you to immediately put flowers in it after purchase.
• Wrap the base of the stems in moist paper towels.

3. Remove any wilted petals and leaves.

To keep the water in the vase longer clean and fresh, remove all rotten leaves and petals. Thoroughly peel off that part of the stem that will sink into the water.

Leaves in water contribute to the formation of bacteria that are harmful to flowers. Moreover, when the leaves fall into the water, it becomes cloudy, acquires a putrefactive smell.

4. Cut the stems more often

Before placing flowers in a vase, pay attention to the base of the stems. You may notice that some of them have dried out. It is necessary to cut off such places.

Cut the flower about 3-5 cm. Do this under running water or immerse the stems in a container of water. This is necessary so that air bubbles do not clog the vessels of the plant tissue and do not interfere with the absorption of water by the flower. Cut the flower at an angle of 45 degrees to increase the area of ​​the suction surface of the flower.

A good idea is to cut the stem a little (about 1 cm) daily or every other day. This will enable the flowers to stably receive an influx of nutrients and water.

7. Change water more often

Some flowers grow even after they have been cut. For example, anemones continue to grow and consume huge amounts of water every day.

Look at the hydrangeas in the picture above, and you will notice that they absorbed three quarters of the water in the vase in a day.

We are used to pouring tap water into a vase. This is not a big deal, but if you want to extend the life of the flowers, then pour the purified water from the salt into the vase. It can be obtained by driving water from the tap through the filter, which today is in almost every home.

8. Feed the flowers

Once the flowers are cut, they no longer receive nutrients from the soil. And that becomes our concern if we want to extend their life.

In any flower shop you can buy a special powder to preserve freshly cut flowers. You can add a little soda to the nutrient powder (¾ teaspoon per liter of water). This will help keep the water clean and transparent and slow down the formation of bacteria and microorganisms that are harmful to the flowers.

Just do not overdo it with soda, otherwise you will destroy the flowers that you so want to save.

10. Store flowers in cool places.

Flowers last longer in cool places. Move them there overnight and always keep away from fireplaces, batteries, heaters, and direct sunlight.

Temperature also matters at the moment when the flowers are cut. If you do it yourself, do it in the morning when the air is cooler.

Additional tips

I have a few more recommendations that are not on the list above. They are from the category of people's councils, so I am talking about them for informational purposes.

• You have probably heard that you can extend the life of flowers by adding aspirin or vinegar to the water. But there is another interesting method - soda water. If you pour soda in a vase, then the flowers can look great up to two weeks (according to eyewitnesses). I have not tried it myself. If you tried, let me know in the comments.
• Simple copper coins dipped in a vase of water can also help preserve flowers. Copper will act as an oxidizing agent and slow down the growth of harmful microorganisms.
• Another tip is for tulips. Immersing the stems in ice water every morning and shortening 1 cm per day will allow you to save flowers longer.
• Hydrangeas consume a lot of water, so instead of spraying, you can simply quickly dip them in a bowl of cold water.

So, now in your collection there are enough tips to help you keep the next gift bouquet for much longer. And if something is forgotten, our video will help to quickly refresh them in memory. :)

By the way, on our YouTube channel you can find many more useful tips that will make your life easier and better. ↓

If you have any tips that were not included in our list, or experience on how to extend the life of flowers, please share in the comments. I am sure everyone will be interested to know about them.