If you’ve recently received a beautiful flower arrangement, you likely want to keep it vibrant for as long as possible. Fresh flowers, while stunning, can be a bit temperamental. Proper care is key to extending their life, but it’s easy to make mistakes without realizing it.
Here are 8 common gardening mistakes to avoid, according to two professional florists, to ensure your blooms thrive.
1. Placing Flowers in Direct Sunlight
Although it may seem tempting to let your flowers bask in the sunlight, experts recommend keeping them out of direct light. Sunlight can cause flowers to dry out and wilt faster. Instead, place your arrangement in a cool, shaded area for optimal growth.
2. Skipping the Fresh Trim
Always trim the stems at a diagonal before placing your flowers in water. This allows for better water absorption and helps flowers stay hydrated, ensuring they last longer. A clean, fresh cut is crucial to maintaining flower vitality.
3. Discarding the Entire Arrangement Too Soon
Don’t toss out the whole bouquet if a few flowers begin to wilt. Simply remove the wilting stems to allow the remaining flowers to continue thriving. Leaving wilting flowers in the vase can shorten the lifespan of the others and encourage bacterial growth.
4. Overwatering Your Flowers
More water doesn’t mean better care. Filling your vase to the top can lead to soggy stems, creating an environment for bacteria. Aim to fill the vase with just a quarter of water, making sure it’s clean and at room temperature.
5. Cutting Stems Too Short
Be cautious when trimming stems. Cutting too much off at once can make the arrangement harder to manage and reduce water absorption. Always take care to trim slowly, ensuring the stems are long enough for the vase while avoiding over-trimming.
6. Using Hot Water
Flowers prefer cool, room-temperature water. Hot water can cause bacterial growth and damage the stems. However, some flowers like hydrangeas and dahlias may benefit from a brief hot water treatment to revive them.
7. Letting Water Stagnate
Make sure to change the water in your vase daily. Stagnant water promotes bacterial growth and causes unpleasant odors. Fresh water helps keep your flowers hydrated and clean, ensuring their longevity.
8. Forgetting to Enjoy Your Flowers
Finally, remember to enjoy your fresh blooms. Flowers are fleeting by nature, so take time to admire their beauty while they last. Relish the joy they bring to your space and daily moments.
