Flowers, with their vibrant colours, shapes, and scents, have a unique way of brightening a space and expressing emotions that words often can't capture. In today's increasingly digital world, the simple joy of receiving a bouquet remains a cherished tradition.
Learning how to care for fresh flowers after delivery will help them continue to spread beauty and warmth in your home.
With the right attention, some flowers can last for weeks, prolonging their charm and enhancing their value. A little effort goes a long way in keeping the memory and sentiment of the occasion alive.
1. Unpack Carefully
When you receive a fresh bouquet, handle it gently to avoid damaging the delicate petals and stems. Flowers are prone to bruising, and even minor bumps can cause lasting harm.
Supporting the stems as you take them out of the wrapper can prevent them from bending or breaking. Be mindful of any thorns or sharp edges, especially with flowers like roses, and remove any protective covers like foam or water tubes carefully.
2. Put Them Into A Vase Of Water
Once the flowers are unwrapped, give them a quick trim. Cut about 1 to 2 inches off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle.
This increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stems from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase, which can block water uptake.
Always use sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid crushing the stems. Fill a clean vase with room-temperature water, as cold water can shock the stems, while warm water may encourage premature wilting.
Ensure the water level covers at least half the stems but doesn’t submerge the leaves.
3. Use The Flower Food
Many flower deliveries come with a small packet of flower food, which is essential for maintaining their longevity.
This mixture usually contains three key ingredients: sugar for energy, acid to lower the pH level (which helps the stems absorb water), and a biocide to kill bacteria. Mix the flower food into the vase water as instructed, and stir to ensure it dissolves completely.
If your bouquet didn’t come with flower food, you can make a homemade version with a teaspoon of sugar, a few drops of bleach, and a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar.
4. Select The Right Spot
Where you place your flowers can significantly impact how long they last. Avoid spots exposed to direct sunlight, drafts, or heat sources like radiators, air conditioners, or appliances.
These conditions can cause the flowers to dehydrate or wilt faster. Cooler environments help flowers maintain their moisture and freshness. Also, try not to place flowers near windows where temperatures can fluctuate, as this stresses the blooms.
5. Regular Maintenance
To keep your arrangement looking its best, always maintain it regularly. Every two to three days, change the water to prevent bacteria from building up, which can shorten the lifespan of your flowers.
At the same time, re-cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to encourage better water absorption.
Remove any flowers that are wilting or showing signs of decay to keep the remaining blooms fresh. Dead flowers can release ethylene gas, which accelerates the wilting of surrounding flowers.
6. Use A Clean Vase
Before refilling the vase, make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned. Even small amounts of bacteria or residue from previous arrangements can contaminate the water and harm your flowers.
Wash the vase with hot, soapy water and rinse it well to remove any soap residue. A quick rinse with a mild bleach solution can further disinfect the vase and ensure a clean environment for your flowers.
7. Beware Of Fruits
Keep your bouquet away from ripening fruits like bananas, apples, and pears.
These fruits emit ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that speeds up the ripening process but can also cause flowers to age prematurely. Even if fruits and flowers aren’t in direct contact, the gas can still affect your blooms, leading to early wilting or browning.
8. Remove Leaves Below The Water Line
Leaves that sit below the water line will decay over time, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. This bacteria can clog the stems, preventing flowers from absorbing water and nutrients.
When you trim the stems, be sure to remove any leaves that will be submerged in the water. This simple step will help maintain the freshness of your bouquet and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Additionally, keep an eye on the arrangement and remove any foliage that looks wilted or slimy.
Facts About A Flower’s Lifespan
Now that you're equipped with the information on how to preserve flowers after delivery let's dive into a few quick facts about some of the most common flowers found in bouquets and their longevity:
Roses
Often considered the ultimate symbol of love and affection, roses are a staple in many floral arrangements. With proper care, including regular water changes, trimming the stems at an angle, and keeping them in a cool environment, roses can last between one to two weeks.
Certain varieties, such as garden roses, may have slightly longer lifespans due to their thicker petals. It’s also important to remove any leaves submerged in water, as they can cause bacterial growth, shortening the flower's lifespan.
Carnations
These tough and resilient flowers are known for their ability to thrive for extended periods. Lasting two to three weeks, carnations are among the hardiest flowers available. Their longevity is attributed to their dense, frilly petals that retain moisture well.
Carnations are also resistant to wilting compared to more delicate flowers. To maximise their lifespan, change the water every few days and ensure the vase is clean to prevent bacteria build-up.
Their variety of colours makes them a versatile choice for both formal and casual arrangements.
Lilies
Lilies are striking flowers that can last between one to two weeks, depending on the variety. Asiatic and Oriental lilies are among the most popular types for bouquets due to their large, showy blooms and sweet fragrance.
Proper care for lilies includes removing the pollen-laden stamens, as they can stain the petals and cause the flowers to age more quickly.
Additionally, placing lilies away from direct sunlight and ensuring they are kept cool can help extend their lifespan. Since lilies are sensitive to ethylene gas (emitted by fruits like bananas and apples), it’s important to keep them away from ripening produce.
Sunflowers
Known for their vibrant yellow petals and strong, tall stems, sunflowers typically last 7 to 10 days in a vase. Their ability to track the sun, known as heliotropism, makes them a symbol of warmth and positivity.
Sunflowers, like most cut flowers, benefit from daily water changes and trimming the stems every couple of days to ensure water uptake.
To extend their vase life, place sunflowers in a bright area but avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause them to wilt prematurely. A floral preservative added to the water can also help them last longer.
Orchids
Exotic and delicate, orchids are prized for their unique shapes and long-lasting blooms. Depending on the variety, orchids can last up to three weeks or more.
For example, Phalaenopsis orchids, often seen in arrangements, are known to last particularly long. With proper care, some orchid varieties may even rebloom.
To keep orchids thriving, mist them regularly to maintain humidity, avoid overwatering, and keep them in indirect light.
Orchids thrive in environments where the temperature is kept steady, making them ideal for indoor decorations. Their sophisticated and minimalistic aesthetic makes them a popular choice for modern décor and elegant settings.
Conclusion About Caring For Flowers
Flower care is not just about maintaining aesthetics; it involves prolonging the lifespan of a piece of nature's beauty and, in turn, the joy it brings. As you embrace these flower-care tips, you'll be a proud owner of a lasting bouquet and a conscious admirer of nature's bounty.
The true beauty of flowers lies not just in their vibrant colours and enticing fragrances but in their fleeting existence, making every day with them count. Through proper care, we extend the ephemeral presence of flowers, prolong their captivating allure and the sentimental value they hold.
Browse some of our best blooms and send them to your loved ones (along with this article!) and enjoy flowers for a much longer time.
Proper care after delivery can help your flowers last longer. For fresh flowers and care tips, check out Windflower Florist, the leading florist in Singapore and enjoy flowers for a much longer time!
Frequently Asked Questions About For Flowers After Delivery
What Is Flower Food?
Flower food, also known as a floral preservative, is a special solution that is added to the water when arranging cut flowers in a vase. It typically contains a combination of sugars, acidifiers, and bactericides.
Can I Place The Bouquet Near A Window?
Yes, if the window is in a cool spot and out of direct sunlight.
What's The Purpose Of Cutting The Stems At An Angle?
This increases the stem's surface area for water absorption.
Should I Spray Water On The Petals?
Yes, lightly misting the petals can help keep the flowers fresh, especially in dry conditions.