Flowers actually have different vase lives, which is the ability of flowers and foliage to retain its fresh appearance in a vase. It may vary from a week to as long as four weeks depending on the flower species. You may not believe that rose, despite its hard-wearing beauty and appeal, isn’t actually the most durable of cut flowers. It’s the orchids that can last a month or more even if they really have dainty petals and stems, but of course that’s all with provision of proper care.

Extending the vase life of your flowers isn’t really difficult; rather it requires attention and techniques to make it successful. But then again, think about the difference in variety because different flowers and foliage will also yield different vase lives. You can expect in a mixed bouquet of roses, tulips, and lilies, tulips are going to wilt first, then roses, and lilies to be the last. This can provide you options whether you separate them in individual vases or leave them together in single vase.

Here are important tips in making the most out of your flower bouquet and cut flowers:

1. Clean Vase

This is to avoid contamination of water and the flowers themselves. The last thing we don’t want to happen is bacteria and fungi infesting the flowers, which may also contaminate the place.  So to keep the vase clean, make sure to wash it with hot water and soap and do this every time you change the water.

2. Fresh Water

Always check the level of the water which should always be halfway the container and not overfill it as flowers only drink from the stem’s end, add whenever the water decreases in great amount especially during midday and summer season. Change the water in a regular basis (two to three days at least) to keep bacteria and fungi at bay. The best water is distilled because it’s fresher and warm because flowers can take it up more readily. However, use cold water when misting the flowers’ bloom to keep them fresh.

3. Cutting the Stem

Cut the stems at least one inch from the end after three to four days and make the cut in a slant direction to increase the area for absorption. Do this regularly which means it’s practical to have longer stems. But when the stems are already too short you can attach them to clear, narrow drinking straws while keeping them immersed in water. Also remove the leaves around the stem to avoid them polluting the water when they rot.

4. Food

Don’t forget to add flower foods in water because they simulate the natural environment from which flowers originally get their nourishment for growth and development. These foods can be bought from flower shops but you can also use homemade recipes like lemon-lime sodas, lemon juice, mouthwash, and cleaning bleach in solution to do the work. Do this every time you change the water.

5. Cool Environment

Hot, dry air is never good for flowers as they easily wilt from it. It’s best to keep the flowers away from where the sun shines directly and anything that emits heat. Speaking of environment, flowers should also never be placed near fruits because fruits emit ethylene gas which promotes early aging in flowers.

Again, giving proper care to fresh flower bouquets and cut flowers is important because at the moment you order flowers and they come right at your doorstep, they’ve already spent a day or few being in their harvest form and not as the flowers which continue to get nutrients from soil. Remember, ordering from shops especially from online flower delivery service requires time for shipping.  Although it’s nothing to worry about because flower growers and florists employ special flower treatment so that flowers can withstand the rigors of the environment and to ensure that you receive them ultra fresh and vibrant. You just have to give extra life to them so that you may still enjoy the professionally handled and beautiful flowers which captivated you from the start.