Cut flowers can make an emphatic statement when they are displayed properly. Beautiful and vibrant, these decorations are in fact a symbol of life and joy that can last many days if the proper care is taken with them. Beyond the obvious of keeping them watered, there are a few other things that can be done to keep these lovely additions to the decor happy and living for a little bit longer. One thing to remember, though, is that even if left on the living plant, flowers only last a short time. Though they are ephemeral, they are well worth the effort to keep them healthy while they are in the home.
First and foremost is the necessity to help cut flowers absorb as much water as they can. Cut the stems on a diagonal so that the maximum area of the base of the stem can be in contact with the water. Make sure that the water is at or only slightly below the room’s ambient temperature and that the room’s temperature is pleasantly cool. If it is possible the flowers should be kept at fifty degrees F or below when they are not on public display to lengthen their colourful shelf life. A misting every several hours will help the leaves retain their sheen and color.
There are several different products that are available to help flowers retain their petals longer, but one that is not commonly thought of is Viagra. This chemical helps the veins in the flower conduct water efficiently much as it helps human veins carry blood efficiently. The better the water and nutrients reach the various parts of the flower the better the flower can keep its beauty over time. A baby aspirin can be useful as well, but be careful not to add too much of any additive and not to mix the additives since this can cause chemical burns that can easily destroy the flower before its time.
Cut flowers are a lovely touch for any home and following these simple steps can make them last longer for everyone’s enjoyment.