| Flowers: How to
Lengthen the Life of Your Arrangement
A little extra care can make a big
difference for any size flower arrangement or fresh flower bouquet.
Most floral arrangements last 4-7
days or longer, depending on the flowers used and the care they
receive. The Society of American Florists provides these tips for
longer-lasting, more vibrant flowers:
For floral arrangements:
- Keep the vase filled (or floral
foam soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by
your florist. Flower foods make flowers last longer but it is
important to follow the mixing directions on the flower food
packet. Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a
quart of water. Flower foods should not be diluted with more
water than is specified on the packet.
- If the flower food solution
becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with properly mixed flower
food solution. If possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two
inches with a sharp knife. Be sure to use a sharp knife or
clippers that will not crush the stems. Immediately place the
stems into solution.
- Keep flowers in a cool spot (65
to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or
cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of
televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off
heat, which causes flowers to dehydrate.) Most flowers will last
longer under cool conditions.
For loose bunches or boxed
flowers:
- Keep your flowers in a cool
place until you can get them in a flower food solution. Don't
forget how important it is to follow the mixing directions on
the flower food packet.
- Fill a clean (washed with a
detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution), deep vase with
water and add a flower food from your florist.
- Remove leaves that will be below
the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial microbial
growth that may limit water uptake by the flower.
- Re-cut stems by removing one to
two inches with a sharp knife. Place the flowers in the vase
solution you've prepared.
- If you purchase loose flowers
for your own arrangements you should also consider these tips:
- When selecting flowers, look
for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to
open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age.
- When using woody stems and
branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem
with sharp pruning shears. Place them in warm water
containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening.
Plant Care Tips: Green Thumb Not
Required
Not only are green and flowering plants a great enhancement to any
home or office decor, they are also beneficial to your health. The
results of a study by the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) show that common houseplants are powerful,
natural air cleaners - all the more reason why you want to keep your
plants healthy with the proper care.
Most plants come with care
instructions specified for the type of plant. The Society of
American Florists provides these additional general guidelines to
keep most green houseplants thriving:
Keep plants in medium-light
locations - out of direct sunlight
Natural light is best, but some plants can also thrive in office
fluorescent light. Most flowering potted plants should be placed in
areas with the most light in order to maintain good flower color and
promote the maximum number of flowers to open. Foliage plants will
do well under lower light levels and can be placed in areas
providing reduced light.
Plant soil should be kept moist at
all times
Plants should not be allowed to dry out or wilt. Be careful to avoid
overwatering - do not allow plants to stand in water. Avoid wetting
plant leaves.
Avoid excessive heat or cold
Plants should be kept in a cool spot (between 65 to 72 degrees
Fahrenheit) for best performance. They should be kept away from
direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling
fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like
televisions give off heat, which causes plants to dehydrate.) |