Flower Care

How to care for your cut flowers, to ensure they last as long as possible.

• Cut off the bottom of the stem. This lets the water keep flowing from the stem to the flower. It removes any blockages such as air pockets. The stems should be cut at least 2cm from the base of the stem at an angle. Use a sharp knife, rather than scissors.
• Keep cut flowers away from sun and heat. Sun and heat cause water to evaporate and the flowers to droop.
• Change the water every day or two. Sitting water can develop bacteria that blocks water flow. When you change the water, trim the base of the stems again.
• Take care to keep water levels constant. Keeping your vase full of water ensures that no air can enter the stems, creating "air locks". Air can enter through the sides of the stems if a thorn had been removed or a small lesion exist.
• Add preservatives. Florists often provide a small sachet of preservatives to stop bacteria growth and feed the flower for optimal flower care. Alternatively you can try a dash of sugar (for food) and bleach (for killing bacteria), although you need to take care not to overdose the bleach.
• Keep flowers away from fruit such as bananas. As fruit ripens it produces a gas that will age your flowers.
• Remove leaves below the waterline. They will rot and make the water smell.
• To keep flowers standing upright after they have gone limp, wrap a bunch of stems in damp newspaper and stand in water overnight.
• With woody stems, after trimming the base make a vertical slit in the base to permit a greater water intake.
• Hairy stemmed plants generally don’t like deep water. Place hairy-stemmed flowers in water no more than 7cm deep.
• Peel back and remove any protective guard petals that appear darkened along the outside of a rose.

Following these tips for flower care should help keep your flowers looking fresh longer.