| Topic | Key Points |
| Harvesting Time for Flowers | – Best time is when the weather is cool, e.g., early morning. |
| – Ensure flowers are fully bloomed or in an optimal state for longevity. | |
| Trimming Flower Stems | – Daily inspection and trim stems at a 45-degree angle with a sharp knife. |
| – Promptly return trimmed flowers to the vase to prevent air entry into the stems. | |
| Changing Vase Water | – Change water daily with clean water at the same temperature as the environment. |
| – Remove debris and fallen leaves from the vase. | |
| – If using floral foam, soak it in water daily for sufficient water absorption. | |
| Avoidable Locations for Vase Placement | – Place the vase away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and avoid proximity to fruits releasing ethylene. |
| – Avoid placing the vase under a ceiling fan. | |
| Temperature for Flower Preservation | – Keep cut flowers in a cool temperature; refrigerate during hot seasons for a few hours each day. |
| Additional Tips for Flower Longevity | – Pour one-fourth cup of soda in the vase. |
| – Use a whitening solution in the vase. | |
| – Refrigerate flowers for an extended lifespan. | |
| – Immerse flowers in clean 43-degree water for 2 hours after harvesting to reduce water loss. |
“The bouquets or flower stems you acquire from florists have a specific lifespan. However, there are methods you can use to preserve the freshness of the flowers until the end of their useful life and enhance their visual beauty. Here are a few tips on caring for cut flower stems:
1.Proper Trimming of Flower Stems Proper handling of flower stems
When caring for cut flower stems, it’s essential not to overlook the stems’ role. The stems play a crucial role in the longevity of cut flowers. Once you bring the flowers home, start by cutting the flower stems at an angle.
When cutting the stems, make sure to use a sharp tool. If the knife or pruning shears you use for cutting stems are dull, the stems can be damaged, resulting in a shorter lifespan for the flowers.”
“For daily or periodic care of cut flower stems, remove the flower bouquet from the vase and trim a few centimeters off the stem in an angled cut.”
2. Removing Leaves from the Stem
After trimming the plant stem at an angle, it’s time to focus on the leaves. Trim any excess leaves and avoid allowing leaves to go inside the vase.
Before placing the flowers in the vase, use a sharp tool to trim the leaves.”
read more: best popular purple flower (17 purple houseplants)
3. Choosing the Right(suitable) Vase for Preserving Cut Flower Stems
When selecting a vase, pay close attention. In the first step, it’s preferable to choose a transparent vase because transparency helps you be aware of any dirt when the vase becomes dirty.
Additionally, having a vase that doesn’t allow the flower stems to touch the bottom is more suitable. This is because the contact of flower stems with the bottom of the vase can hinder the delivery of nutrients to the plant.”
4. Suitable Water for the Vase of Cut Flower Stems
Always use clean water for the vase; if the water is dirty, it creates an environment for bacterial and fungal growth, increasing the likelihood of flowers wilting faster.
5.Restricted Locations for Preserving Cut Flower Stems
To choose the best location for preserving cut flower stems, avoid a few places. The first inappropriate environment for cut flower stems is direct sunlight. It’s better to keep the vase in a location where direct sunlight does not reach it.
Separate the vase from fruit bowls because fruits produce ethylene, which can cause the flowers to wither.
Another forbidden location is placing the vase near a radiator, heater, fireplace, or any heating or cooling devices. Never place the vase near these items as they can cause the flowers to wilt quickly.
6.Daily Inspection of Flowers!
Check the flowers every day, and if you notice any wilting, it’s better to remove the affected flower from the vase.”
7. Cleaning the Vase Regularly
Regarding the vase, the first thing to consider is choosing an appropriate one. Select a vase that perfectly accommodates the size of the cut flower stems. For example, if the flower stems come into contact with the bottom of the vase, it is not suitable for these flowers.
The next point regarding the vase is its cleanliness. Check the vase daily, and whenever you notice it’s dirty, be sure to remove the cut flowers, clean the vase thoroughly, refill it with suitable lukewarm water, and then place the flowers back into it.”
8. Appropriate Temperature for Preserving Cut Flower Stems
For optimal growth and longevity, it’s better to keep cut flower stems in a cool temperature. Also, note that during the hot season, you can refrigerate the flowers for a few hours each day.
Key Tips for Increasing Longevity and Keeping Cut Flower Stems Fresh
One method to extend the life of cut flower stems is to pour one-fourth of a cup of soda into the vase.
You can also use a whitening solution to preserve cut flower stems; pour a small amount into the vase.
For an extended lifespan, you can refrigerate the flowers. To do this, remove the flowers from the vase, place them in a plastic container, and store them in the refrigerator.
After harvesting the flowers, immerse them in a container with clean 43-degree water for 2 hours. This process helps the flowers lose less water.”
Harvesting Time for Flowers
The best time to harvest flowers is when the weather is cool because in cool conditions, flowers retain more moisture; for example, early morning is an ideal time for picking flowers.
Another important point regarding flower harvesting is to ensure they are ready to be picked. For instance, roses must be fully bloomed, and for lilies, it’s better to pick them before the buds fully open to enhance their longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Caring for Cut Flower Stems
How should we trim(prune) flower stems?
Inspect the stems daily and trim the end at a 45-degree angle, removing a few centimeters with a sharp knife. After trimming, promptly place the flowers back into the vase to prevent air from entering the cut stems.
Should the vase water be changed every day?
Change the vase water daily with clean water at the same temperature as the environment. Remove any remaining debris and fallen leaves from the vase. If your flowers are in floral foam, soak the foam in water every day to ensure sufficient water absorption.
Where should you avoid placing the vase during the preservation of cut flower stems?
Place the vase in a suitable environment, away from direct sunlight, heat sources like radiators or heaters, and avoid placing it near fruits that release ethylene. Additionally, avoid placing the vase under a ceiling fan.
Read the Thinning quote from the southern living plants website:
Thinning greatly improves appearance and flower size, and helps prevent disease. Shape and reduce the size of overgrown and bulky plants by cutting unwanted stems to the base of the plant or where stems meet. Typically, it is good to remove up to one-third of the stems, especially in overcrowded areas where the foliage is beginning to discolor or die. If the plant is simply invading the space of surrounding plants in a bed, just cut outside stems to keep the plant in its place.
Summary of Cut Flower Stem Care
Caring for cut flower stems at home or in the workplace can significantly elevate the energy of the space. Therefore, always decorate your surroundings with fresh and vibrant flowers to enhance both beauty and a sense of freshness on your skin. While cut flower stems may seem to have a limited lifespan, following these tips can extend their longevity. This article covers various aspects of caring for cut flower stems.
