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. Here are some 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.)
