Always cut stems under running water. If you do not cut the stems under water, when you put them in the vase an air bubble can form which will block any nutrients from getting to the flower, often times when flowers start drooping too early, it is because they are not getting any nourishment.
Cut about half an inch from the bottom of the stem at a slant with a sharp blade and remove any leaves that will be submerged in water—Keep the thorns on roses though.
THE WATER:
The stems of flowers are like tiny little porous sponges that suck up the water (and whatever is in it) and deliver it to the flower. It is key to minimize the growth of bacteria in the water and to provide nourishment to replace what the flower would have gotten had it not been cut from its roots. Aunt Kim’s tip is to change the water every 2-3 days and to put new flower food each time the water is changed.
What’s that? You’ve run out of the flower food that came with your flowers and you cant get to the store to pick up another pack? Not a problem. Flower food consists of biocide (which helps kill bacteria in the water), an acidifier and sugar.
How can you make it at home?
- Apple Cider Vinegar & Sugar – 2 Tbs of each
- Bleach + Sugar
the sugar offers up nutrients to keep the flowers healthy and alive.
- Vodka & Sugar
water (duh) and the sugar, you know the drill with the sugar by now.
- Soda
- Sugar
sugar in your water (amounts will change depending on how much water you’re using). If you decide
to go this route, make sure you are changing the water very frequently so that you keep bacteria levels
low.
The rules never change, you always want to change water frequently, keep bacteria levels in the water low, have an acidifier in the water and make sure you are getting the flowers the proper nutrients. That being said, other interesting tricks from Aunt Kim:
- Aspirin
Tulips and it worked like a charm.
- Pennies
with your flowers will help them stand more upright and keep them looking nice. This trick has been
known to work very well with Tulips in particular.
Oh by the way, you’re welcome.
Xoxo, The Don