3 Ways to Make Flowers Last for Weeks
BY ERICA MULLER
I’m a sucker for a beautiful bouquet of flowers; whether they are from Trader Joe’s or the Farmer’s Market, I always want them to hang around forever. Luckily my mom has a green thumb, and I’ve learned a thing or two from her when it comes to making cut flowers last and last.
Try these, and you’ll be able to enjoy your flowers for weeks.
PUT A PENNY IN THE VASE
Copper is a fungicide. When added to a vase of flowers, it prevents bacteria from growing in the water and on the stems. One penny is all you’ll need.
ADD ONE CAPFUL OF BLEACH TO THE WATER
One capful or 1/4 teaspoon of bleach to 1 liter of water will keep your flowers fresh. Bleach is a disinfectant and will help with bacteria growth; it also acts as a cleansing agent and works to keep the water clear in your vase. Remember, a little goes a long way – don’t overdo it with the bleach, or you might accidentally kill the flowers.
WASH THE STEMS
This one is a little more tedious, but I swear by it (I have made a bouquet last over 4 weeks using this method). Change the water in the vase every other day. At the same time, trim the stems, separate the arrangement, and under cool water, rinse each stem as you add it back to the vase. This washes off any bacteria and icky slim that prevents flowers from absorbing the proper amount of water they need.
Bacteria growth in the water is what makes your flowers fade at an exponential rate. All three are of these options are different avenues to keep the water clean. When you refresh the water in the vase (every 1-2 days is best), always wash the vase out thoroughly and clip the ends of the stems about one inch and at a diagonal angle. This allows the plants to pull water up through the stems for adequate water absorption and never let leaves on the stems touch the water – this accelerates bacteria growth, rip or cut them off instead.
Your flowers will thank you, and you’ll get to enjoy them longer!
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