The most important thing that can be done to flowers so they last longer is providing them with proper care. Starting with the time they grow, gardeners add different products to the ground to feed the plants so they produce beautiful healthy flowers. This is especially true for finicky flowers like orchids. Then they cut them properly before sending to florists who take further care of them. Continuing, the florists place the flowers into water and add more “feeding” there so the flowers wait patiently for you to buy them and for them to bloom at your house.
Of course, flowers need to feed on light and might need artificial sources, but what else is done to feed the flowers well?
Handling and Feeding the Stems
Many people wonder what is the best thing to do to the stems to help them remain healthy – burning, putting into water, searing, or anything else? The most recommended procedure by the professional florists is to put the stems of the flowers that begin to flop into boiling water. The time depends on the flower (from 10 to 60 seconds) – the woodier the stem is, the more time it needs. Make sure you don’t boil them, and don’t pour more than 2.5-5 cm of water into a mug or a vase.
You should sear about 10% of the stem, about as much as you’ve cut prior to it. If the stems are very short, make sure you avoid the steam damaging the heads of the flowers. Put them into paper or any other material that will keep them away from the hot environment. Searing usually helps even when the flowers are severely flopped, and they stay for much longer.
As for the feeding, you need to add some to the water you have in the vase. You can buy some flower food or make your own if you wish – anything will suffice if the brand is reliable. The feeding should contain some acids, like bleaches, vinegar, or lemon juice. This will prevent the bacteria from developing in the water and damaging the flowers. Usual tap water is usually alkaline, and it’s a perfect environment for bacteria that make the water stink and damage stem ends.
For an average 30-cm vase, a teaspoon of bleach or about 5 tablespoons of vinegar will suffice. Some people also add aspirin that contains salicylic acid, or lemonade that contains citric acid and sugar.
Sugar, by the way, is another popular contaminant of many flower foods, but you also need to remember that it may feed the bugs too. It means you need to use some acid in any case, and put the food as written in the instructions.
To Sum Up
Feeding flowers is crucial for their wellbeing, just as for ours, so it’s important to provide the food to them during all their lifespan. Gardeners add special products to the ground so the flowers become stronger and more beautiful. Florists also use special techniques, and some of them can be continued by you at home. Simply adding some acid and sugar to the water will prevent bacteria from developing and feed the flowers so they stay fresh for a longer time.