Normally a bouquet or flower arrangement last 4-5 days, depending on the weather conditions, variety of flowers and the care they received. A little care can make a big difference for any kind of floral arrangement and extend their life. Simple neglect can ruin your flowers faster than you would think possible. Here are some simple tips.
1. Keep at Cool and
Dry Place - Keep your flowers in a cool place(65 to 72 degrees
Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, ceiling
fans, and the tops of televisions or radiators. They can cause flowers to
dehydrate.
2. Add Fresh Water
Every Day - In summer water is taken up at a surprisingly high rate,
so it is necessary to top up the vase or dampen the floral foam every day
. Use drinking water or rainwater. If the water in vase becomes cloudy,
replace it entirely with fresh water. If possible, re-cut stems by one or
two inches with a sharp knife, immediately place the stems into water.
3. Mist Occasionally-
Apply a mist-like spray above and around the arrangement once and
twice in summer. Do not spray close to delicate petals which may be
damaged by water droplets.
4. Remove unneeded
Twigs and Dead Heads - The vase-life of one flower may be quite
different from another species. Remove dead blooms and branches promptly
so that the display can continue to look attractive for many more days.
5. Keep Away from
Fruit - Do not place your arrangement close to a bowl of fruit.
Apples, pears etc emit ethylene – a gas which accelerates the ripening of
flowers.
Tips for Conditioning
the loose flowers & Foliage:
As materials used for
flower arrangement are primarily natural plants, whether you purchase from
florist or cut from garden ,they need to absorb water or the flower
arrangement will be ruined as the material will die. Here are a of few
commonest techniques:
1. When selecting
flowers- Look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning
to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age.
2. Cutting Stems Under
Water - The rules are same , whether you are dealing with garden
flowers or blooms from a florist. Cut the end of the branch two or three
times under water. This prevents any air from entering the vital ducts and
prevents bacteria from entering and contaminating the cut ends .
3. Crushing the End of
the stem – It is especially used for material with hard stems such as
chrysanthemum and hydrangea.
4. Soaking in Very Deep
Water - Unnecessary leaves or dead ones should be trimmed off as soon
as the branches are cut, wrap the heads and upper stems in news paper and
put them in bucket of deep water to allow them to have good long drink (6
~8 hours).
Before arranging in
a vase remove all foliage which will be below water line.
5. Use of Boiling Water
- Cut ends may be burnt or dipped in boiling water. It increases the
absorption of water. Burning the stem end carbonizes the end and makes for
better absorption. This method is often used with shrubs tree branches,
Roses, Chinese bellflower, poinsettia, hydrangea, peony etc.
6. Cut Ends of Branches Diagonally - Cut ends of each branch flowers or foliage diagonally to enlarge the suction surface. And The Ends of Big Branches are should be split four or more times to enlarge the suction surface.
7. Rubbing in Salt -
Mash cut end of branch and rub in salt to irritate or stimule the
ability of cut flower to absorb water.
8. Using Chemicals -
This method is also use to stimulate the ability to absorb water. Mash cut
ends and then rub in alum. This method is often applied to dahlia,
wisteria , poppy and peony etc.
9. Dipping in Alcohol
- Alcohol is most commonly used for gerbera, poppy, maple branch,
Aster savatieri, Kerria, narcissi, gypsophlia bind weed etc.
10. Use of Water Pump –
Water should be forced very slowly into these materials with hollow stems
such as : calla lily, lotus, water lily etc.
11. Cleaning the Foliage –
To remain fresh and shiny for long time -
Clean larg leaves with wet cloth and bushy branches deep bath is good.
Use of Flower Food
If flower
food is available with florist, mix in water and make a solution of it as
per instructions written on packet.
