How To Cut Fresh Flowers And Make Them Last

• Cut off all leaves below the water line. Submerged leaves will rot and block the flow of water up the stem and flowers will wilt faster.
• Cut flower stems at an angle. This is to increase the surface area for water absorption.
• When using a foam for flower arrangement, soak it in water until it feels heavy.
• A preserving solution should include sugar, lemon soda and chrorine bleach mixed with water or use abut 2 tablespoons of white distilled vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sugar to a quart of water in a vase.
• Flowers with long and soft stems tend to droop easily. The drooping posture obstructs water absorption and therefore hasten the withering process.To help the flowers stay upright and fresh, snip open a straw and enclose the straw onto the upper part of the flower stalk. The straw helps to maintain a smooth flow of water supply to the flower and at the same time minimize water evaporation from the stem surface. Suitable for gerbera daisies and tulips.
• When putting flowers in a non-watertight container, line the container with a zip-lock bag and fill it with enough water. Zip the bag to keep the flowers in place, when necessary.
• When the stems are hard, use hot water. For soft stems, use cold water. If mixing the two stems, use warm water.
• Do not mix flowers with fruits because they give off ethylene, a gas that speeds up the deterioration of cut flowers.
• Never put flowers under direct sunlight or near any heat source such as electrical appliances. The hotter the flowers, the more water they give off.
• When flowers droop because the room is hot, put them in a cooler spot and they should perk right up.

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