All about flowers & flower arrangingCare of flowers
There are a few simple things you can do to make your flowers last longer, whether they were store-bought, out of the garden or given to you. The 4 main points to consider are temperature, ethylene exposure, ability to take up water and the quality of the water.
Conditioning flowers (and leaves too!)
This refers to the preparation of plant material before it is arranged. Preventing or reducing bacteria from entering the stems increases the 'vase-life' of flowers and wilting is less likely.
- If picking flowers from the garden or purchased, immediately place them in warm (not hot) water - 100-110°F or 38-40°C. Warm water has less air in it and will travel up the stem's xylem vessels more easily than when placed in really cold water.
- Ideally keep in water for a couple of hours in a very clean container, so that water may also be absorbed through the stems. If the stems have been out of water for more than 15 mins (less in hot climates) - recut them now.
- Rainwater or distilled water is preferable if available. Some flowers like gerberas and gladioli are sensitive to fluoride, which may cause discolouration on the petals.
- Recut 2.5cm off the stems at an angle with a sharp knife or floristry cutters.(Blunt scissors damage the stem) The reason for the angle is to allow a greater surface area for optimum uptake of water. If the stems are cut straight, they are likely to create a seal with the bottom of the container, and reduce water travelling up the stem.
- Remove all the lower leaves that are likely to be below water when placed in container. If left on, they will slowly rot and increase bacteria growth.
- Keep flowers and leaves in a cool place, out of draughts, direct sunlight and away from anything that generates heat. Doing this reduces evaporation through the leaves & dehydration.
A few flower exceptions & tips:
- Gerbera stems rot in deep water, so very little water is required.
- Chrysanthemums & bulb flowers like cold water
- Sticky sap flowers such as daffodils and agapanthus can be poisonous to other flowers, so it is best to keep them separate for at least a day.
- Tulips, Iris, Lilies and other flowers grown from bulbs should have the white part of the stems removed.
- Do not store plant material in metal containers as they can affect the ph of the water. Similarly, flower preservatives in metal containers can cause chemical reactions.
- Hollow stem flowers can be filled with water and plugged with cottonwool eg.amaryllis, dahlias & delphiniums
- Sunflowers with very thick stems benefit from being vertically slit at the bottom of the stem to encourage water up-take.
- Roses last longer with fewer leaves according to research.
Maintaining your flowers
- Commercial produced flower food sachets should always be used if possible as they contain the correct balance of ingredients to reduce bacteria, which in turn will make your floral masterpiece last longer.
- Containers or vases should be thoroughly cleaned with hot water and ideally a little bleach, to kill any lingering bacteria.
- When no flower food is used, changing the water daily will help promote longevity.
- Avoid placing near ripening fruit and vegetables, as they give off a gas called ethylene, which is detrimental. This hold true for dying flowers, so remove them once they are past their best.
Flower care myths
- Adding sugar or sugary drinks such as lemonade to the water actually promotes the growth of bacteria, so should be avoided.
- Woody stems should not be crushed at their ends, as this also encourages bacteria.
- Roses should have their thorns removed carefuuly so that bacteria does not enter the 'wound'.
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