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Tip #
1. Always cut stems at a sharp angle.
This increases the surface area of the stem and
allows water to be better absorbed through the stem.
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Tip # 2.
Stems cut at an angle will
not rest flush against the bottom of the container;
thus they allow the water to penetrate the stem.
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Tip
# 3. After the end of the stem is cut, place
it directly into the water. It only takes
a minute for the stem to begin to dry and seal up.
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Tip
# 4. Thick stems and thin branches should
be cut at an angle, and then cut up the center for
better water absorption through the fibrous stems.
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Tip
# 5. Thick stems and thin branches should
be cut at an angle, and then cut up the center for
better water absorption through the fibrous stems. |
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Tip
# 6. Remove the extra bark
around the shattered part of the stem to prevent
contaminating the water. This will prolong
the vase life of the flowers. |
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Tip
# 7. Pull or trim all leaves and
thorns that will be below the water level
in the container. Allowing such materials to decompose
in water will allow harmful bacteria to shorten
the life of the flowers. |
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Tip
# 8. Scrape all of the small debris
on the stem — such as small thorns, branching
stems, etc. — with a sharp, curved knife to
thoroughly clean the stem before it is placed in
the water. |
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Tip
# 9. Clean stems should be placed
in the deepest water possible to promote
vase life. Water can be absorbed from the outside
part of the stem as well as the base, A nick or
crack in the stem left exposed above the water level
can create an air pocket and block water flow to
the flower. The deeper the water, the less likely
this is to occur. |
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Tip
# 10. In conditioning flowers,
the water temperature should be comfortably warm.
Submerge your hand to test the water. Cold water
is not as readily absorbed by the flower. Hot water
will penetrate the stem, but will almost shock the
flower. |
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Tip
# 11. Once flowers are placed in
water, they begin to decompose or break
down by releasing gases and forming bacteria. The
cleaner the stems and the less debris in the water,
the less decomposition occurs, and the longer the
flowers will last. |
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Tip
# 12. All the same kind of flower
in a vase or container will last longer
than a mix of different types. Certain flowers have
a different makeup and decompose by different means.
This mixed reaction can shorten the life of all
the flowers. The same kind of flower will break
down by the same reaction, Actually, a single flower
in a vase will last longer than several of the same
kind. |
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Tip
# 13. Cloudy or discolored water
is an indication of decomposition and bacterial
growth. Change the water in the container at least
every couple of days, using new, warm water. This
will open the stems to allow water to flow to the
flower. |
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Tip
# 14. Fresh, clean water is best
for the vase life of flowers. Some commercial
floral foods can lengthen the vase life as well,
but be very careful in measuring the amount. Using
too much can actually be harmful. Homemade versions
or substitutions, such as lemon lime soda, are not
a good idea, because sugar promotes bacterial growth
in the water. |
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Tip
# 15. Stems will develop a film and
become discolored from stagnating in the
water; this blocks water flow to the flower. Recut
the stems each time the water is changed to allow
water to penetrate the stem. |
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Tip
# 16. Mixed arrangements
are sometimes hard to disassemble to change the
water and to recut the stems. Flushing the container
with fresh water will help somewhat to prolong the
life of the bouquet. Use the tap or the spray nozzle
on your sink full force for a few minutes with warm
water to flush the container completely. |
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Tip
# 17a. Use a piece of heavy twine
to tie your arrangement at the top of the
container. Once the flowers are tied snugly, pull
them from the vase. Recut all the stems at an angle.
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Tip # 17b. Clean
the vase, and change the water. Hold the
tied bouquet upside down. |
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Tip # 17c. Place
back into the container and cut the twine. Your
bouquet should fall back into place. |
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Tip
# 18a. Many flowers will open in
the light. This does not mean they are
not fresh. It is the nature of that type of flower,
which will close again in the dark. Temperature
will also cause the same effect. |
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Tip # 18b. Warmer
temperatures will cause the flower to open,
and cooler temperatures will cause it to close.
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Tip
# 19. Flowers last best in temperatures
around 45 degrees. Misting flowers with
cold water a few times a day will cool them and
create this environment temporarily. Flowers can
also absorb this extra moisture through their petals.
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Tip
# 20. Keep flowers out of direct
light. Flowers will last longer in a place
of low to indirect light. Light creates heat and
speeds up the life cycle of the flower. However,
flowers with a green tinge owing to early cutting,
or tightly budded flowers and branches, will need
a strong light source to develop. Once the flowers
show full color, put them in a place with less light
so they will last. |
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Tip
# 21. Most flowers are accustomed to the
outdoors, so air circulation is important
for their vase life. Keep them in a place
with good airflow. Cigarette smoking is harmful
to flowers. |
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Tip
# 22. Many believe that placing flowers
in the refrigerator at night helps them
last longer. However, many foods may cause a negative
reaction in the flowers from the gases they release
in the breakdown process. Placing your flowers next
to a window or in a cool room at night is a good
idea. |
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Tip
# 23. Purchased cut flowers
will usually be wrapped in paper or cellophane to
protect them. It is a good idea to leave them wrapped
and hydrating in deep water for about an hour when
they are brought home before conditioning or arranging
them. This ensure the flowers will be upright. |
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Tip
# 24. Pinching or trimming off spent
blossoms and leaves encourages other blossoms
to open and makes the flower last longer. The spent
blossoms take some of the energy the flower has
to stay alive. Trimming these away allows the flower
to channel the energy to the healthy parts. |
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Tip
# 25. Some flowers, such as carnations and
dahlias, have separations or nodes along their stems.The
stem is thicker and more fibrous at these parts.
Cut the stem between the nodes to allow water to
penetrate the stem. |
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Tip
# 26. Branching or spray flowers
will last longer if the stems are separated at their
base. This allows for water to be directly absorbed
by each blossom. |
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Tip
# 27a. Some flowers secrete sap
or latex when cut. Singeing the ends will keep this
fluid contained in the stem. The fluid is what the
flower needs to last. |
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Tip # 27b. Some
believe that placing the end in boiling
water will seal the stem. This works, but
the hot steam is not good for the flower itself;
burning the end works the best. Try using a gas
flame on a stove, or a candle with an extra-thick
wick. Singe about one-half to one inch of the base
of the stem. |
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Tip
# 28. Poisonous flowers
are best used alone in their own container. These
flowers secrete latex that is harmful to other flowers.
Condition by standing them in deep water with a
drop of bleach for 24 hours before mixing with other
flowers. |
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Tip
# 29. Tall or heavy flowers, such as lilies
and hybrid delphiniums, may bend or break before
they are completely hydrated.Tie the tip of the
flower and the middle part of the stem to a branch
or stick loosely with twine to support the flower
for proper hydration. |
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Tip
# 30a. Flowers with hollow stems,
such as amaryllis, are designed to draw water up
through the outer layers of the stem. Some believe
that filling the stem with water and plugging the
end will help the flower last longer,This may help,
but it is unnecessary because of the way the flower
is designed. |
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Tip # 30b. Hollow
stems will crack and break more easily
than solid stems. Support them by slowly inserting
a stick into the end of the flower. A clean branch
or bamboo works well. Covering the stick with a
soft, water-absorbent material will protect the
inside of the stem and provide extra moisture as
well. |
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Tip
# 31a. Bent or cracked stems
and flowers that bend owing to their heavy heads
can be salvaged with floral wire. Insert the wire
partway into the strong area above the bend or break,
or under the flower head. Also see arranging
tip 18. |
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Tip # 31b. Support
the stem with the wire and straighten it
to the upright position. |
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Tip # 31c. Gently
wrap the wire around the rest of the stem. |
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Tip # 31d. Wrap
the stem or the point of incision with floral tape
to keep air from blocking water to the stem. |
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Tip
# 32. If flowers wilt or droop prematurely,
cutting them short and placing them in slightly
warmer water should revive them. Both the cutting
and water temperature help the blossom absorb water
more quickly. |
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Tip
# 33. Some flowers bend or droop because
their flower heads become too heavy for their stems.
The stems become waterlogged and stop conveying
water to the blossom. A tiny prick just below the
head of the flower will release air, thus increasing
the water flow. |
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Tip
# 34. Wilted flowers can
also be revived by completely submerging them in
cool water. Do this by filling a deep bucket or
tub with cool water. Place the flowers lying down
in the water and weigh them down with a weight of
some kind, like a brick. Let the flowers stay submerged
for a few hours. |
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Tip
# 35a. Some flowers bend or droop owing
to light, temperature changes, or just because
it is the nature of that flower. |
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Tip # 35b. Gently
roll the paper around the flowers, forming a cone
shape. |
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Tip # 35c. Secure
the paper with twine or with staples so that the
paper braces the flowers. |
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Tip # 35d. Mist
the flowers and paper to keep them damp.
Place the cone of flowers in deep water for several
hours.
Tip # 35e. Unwrap
the flowers and they will be upright
again. |
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