Your gifted bouquet can last longer than you think, with these handy tips
This table display was put together by DIY expert Nikki Kettle, for a stress-free affair
Having a beautiful bunch of fresh flowers in your home is known to boost energy, mood and productivity levels. All cut flowers will eventually spoil, but with care, you can extend their life and make them last longer.
Whether you’ve bought a bunch yourself or have had the thrill of a generous bouquet delivered to your door, looking after cut flowers will have them blooming in your home for days, even weeks.
However, taking care of them isn’t as easy as simply styling a beautiful arrangement and popping it in water. By following these five florist’s tips into your routine, your flowers will be as fresh as daisies (literally) for so much longer!
1. Trim the stems
Cut 2-4cm off the ends of the flower stems at a diagonal angle. This will increase the amount of base area that the flower has to stay hydrated.
To ensure a longer and healthier bunch, trim the stems each time the water is changed.
This delightful bunch of flowers perfectly complements the soft palette of this Waihi home
2. Add vinegar and sugar to the water
Is there anything apple cider vinegar can’t do? Along with benefitting your gut health, it also aids the growth and maintenance of your flowers.
Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and two tablespoons of sugar into the vase of water and stir.
This mixture holds the freshness of the flowers and provides essential nutrients. Make sure you change the water every few days and add a fresh amount of vinegar and sugar.
3. Clean the vase daily
Washing your vase and giving the flowers clean water every day (or at least every two days) is the most important step in caring for cut flowers.
Roses, in particular, need clean water daily. Wash the vase well and refill it with clean water, adding a sachet of flower food or a teaspoon of bleach to deter bacteria. Remove any spent blooms and leaves below the water line as these will promote decay of the remaining blooms.
A wild bunch to contrast this incredibly chic interior design in Mount Maunganui
5. Remove leaves and outer petals
By removing the leaves that are below the waterline, you save growing bacteria that would sabotage the growth of the flowers. It will also make your bunch look much fuller and brighter. If you are dealing with flowers such as roses, remove the outer layer of petals to allow the flower to blossom to its full extent.
6. Keep away from direct heat and sunlight
Flowers are kept inside because they often can’t handle an outdoor environment. It’s important to keep them away from windows where they’ll receive constant and direct sunlight and instead have them in a cool area where they can fully blossom.
Stunning vases for your flower bouquets
1. Basket Vase
from $175.00 at Shop Your Home and Garden
Made of white clay, this organic vase has been glazed only on the interior, leaving the outside raw and textured. Made to order, these pieces are crafted by hand to produce unique folds and creases, with slight imperfections.
2. Alturas Vase
from $24.95 at Freedom
The Alturas Vase, available in blue and green, adds texture, colour and life to your home decor. It’s simple, modern and effortless, and can be styled anywhere from the windowsill to the mantel, filled with your favourite florals or left empty to speak for itself.
3. Magnolia Lane Vase
$47.99 at Shop Your Home and Garden
This fine, wavy vase is the sweetest catch-all for small bunches. Think of the wildflowers you find on your walk back home or the bunny tails from the beach. Perfection.
4. Flora Vase
$397.74 at The Iconic
This truly modern vase, with its mirrored stainless steel, reflects the room as well as the flowers placed within it. This Scandinavian craftsmanship will be a centrepiece in your home for years to come.
Related articles:
- From floor to ceiling: The best mirrors to elevate your space
- 10 Gardening gifts for loved ones with a green thumb
- The secret to growing rosemary from cuttings
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