When you bring beautiful flowers home, you want them to stay fresh for as long as possible.

While no one can guarantee that flowers will stay fresh forever, the following tips can help you extend their vase life as much as possible:

1. Reduce consumption

When arranging flowers, in addition to removing dead branches and leaves, trim unnecessary flowers, branches, and leaves based on compositional needs. This achieves a clean aesthetic and reduces the consumption of flowers, allowing water and nutrients to be concentrated on the remaining stems.

2. Increase uptake

This is a proactive measure. Expand the cut surface area of the flower stems as much as possible to ensure water and nutrient supply. Place the stems in water and make the cuts underwater to prevent air exposure. Cut at a slant to increase the absorption area, which can double the surface area compared to flat cuts.

3. Improve water quality

Fresh water is essential for maintaining flowers. Change the water daily, even every two days in winter. Rainwater is ideal for flowers, while well water, due to its alkalinity, is not suitable.

Additionally, adding aspirin tablets, a small amount of alcohol, potassium permanganate, alum, salt, etc., can help. Detergent and perfume have sterilizing effects and can dissolve in the flower's sap.

4. Clean cuts

Disinfecting cuts and removing mucilage are effective flower care methods. Boiling water can be used for delicate stems, soaking the cuts in water above 80°C for two minutes. For woody stems, cauterization can be applied.

5. Increase nutrition

When flowers are blooming, they require nutrients the most. You can add vitamin C and sucrose to the vase.

6. Improve the environment

Flowers require ample water but have limited uptake, so minimizing evaporation is crucial. Place flowers in a sheltered, shaded area to reduce dehydration caused by sunlight and wind exposure.

7. Moisturize stems

Before arranging flowers, soak the stems in water for several hours or overnight. After arranging, regularly mist them with water to keep them moist.

8. Keep away from ethylene

Just as the saying goes, one bad apple can spoil the whole barrel, but ethylene gas released by ripening fruits can also harm your fresh-cut flowers.

This hormone accelerates plant tissue aging, leading to wilting, browning, and petal loss. Even in office environments, away from fresh produce, there are other sources of ethylene, including cigarette smoke and car exhaust.

9. Consider lighting

Flowers tend to bend towards windows, away from your view. This phototropic tendency is common in cut flowers like tulips and sunflowers. Place these flowers away from direct sunlight to maintain the bouquet's uniform appearance.

By following these tips, you can extend the vase life of your flowers, allowing them to continue blooming and bringing joy and beauty into your life every day. May you enjoy the wonderful moments spent with fresh flowers!