So you bought some flowers, you love them, and you want them to last as long as possible. You've heard different instructions about how to cut stems or perform small chemistry projects in the vase to prolong the life and vigor of your flowers.
Though it's not rocket science, those with a green thumb have a bit of an advantage here by understanding simply what happens to the flower once it's cut. Here are a few tips that will help you make sense of the reasons why you tear this off and put that in, etcetera.
The Stems
Cut at a slant? Under running water? What's the point?
At a slant? The idea here is to create as large a surface area for rehydration as possible. While cutting at a slant can't hurt, it isn't necessary for a healthy stem. What's important is to recut the stem every day or two to keep fresh water feeding the blossom.
Under water? It's important to begin the rehydration process before the stem naturally begins to seal once again. Immediately getting the flowers into a vase of lukewarm water will achieve the same effect.
The Vase
Look at your flowers. Look at your vase.
You don't want the flowers fighting to peak over the top, and you don't want them flopping over because the vase is too small. These are problems you'll want to solve before you cut the stems. Find a vase that reaches about 2/3 the length of the flowers, make sure the width is adequate, and before any trimming takes place, take a dry run.
Be sure to keep fresh water in your vase and remove any foliage that might rest under the water line. Stagnant, mildewy water will shorten your flowers' vase life and is just gross in general. This is why it's important to use clean water in a clean vase. Flower food or a couple of drops of bleach will also keep the bacteria level low.
The Flowers
Some specific varieties have specific needs:
Tulips should be hydrated in the sleeve in which they're purchased, or wrap them gently in paper. Leave them for about 6-8 hours while they soak up water and they will stand up straight. If you're feeling experimental, leave a stem unwrapped and put it directly in water after the cut. It may simply upright itself, or it may begin a weaving pattern, keeping its original flop but then correcting itself as it rehydrates.
Roses looking a little brown around the edges? If they were shipped in a box, they probably still have their guard petals on. Do what a florist would do and remove the outer protective petals to reveal the true beauty underneath.
Lilies. Take a Casablanca Lily, arguably the most beautiful and fragrant of its breed. It's stark white, offset by the most amazing crimson anthers. Not familiar with the anthers? Most likely you've seen a lily plucked of nature's calling card. After all, it's the anthers that attract the insects that gather the pollen that makes more lilies. An antherless lily is a neutered lily.
Yes, the pollen can be messy, but don't fret if you get a little on you. Lily pollen won't ruin your clothes forever. A few minutes in direct sunlight can make the pollen magically disappear, or try blowing the pollen off or lifting it gently with a piece of Scotch tape.
Daffodil stems emit latex, appropriately called "Daffodil Slime," that can be harmful to other flowers. If you want to add Daffodils to an arrangement, be sure to let them soak separately for 24 hours and don't recut their stems.
For more information about individual flower care, visit:
Flower Details
