How to Lengthen the Life of Your Arrangement
Two of the
top questions Americans ask when purchasing flowers are "How do I take care of
them?" and "How long will they last?
Whether it's a single bud, a small bunch or an abundant arrangement, a little
extra care can make a big difference. Most floral arrangements last between 4-7
days, depending on the types of flowers used and the type of care they receive.
Our friends at the Society of American Florists suggests these tips for
longer-lasting, more vibrant flowers:
For floral arrangements
Keep the vase filled or floral
foam soaked with water containing a flower food provided by your florist. If the
flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely. If possible, recut
stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife.
Keep flowers in
a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or
cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or
radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, causing flowers to
dehydrate.)
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For more infomation about flowers and plant care, visit the following sites:
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For loose bunches or boxed flowers
If you can't get
your flowers in a flower food solution right away, keep them in a cool place.
Fill a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food obtained from your
florist. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.
Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote
bacterial growth.
Recut stems with a sharp knife. Do this underwater -- this allows the stems
to draw in water instead of air -- and place the flowers in the vase solution
you've prepared.
If you purchase loose flowers for your own arrangements you should also
consider these tips:
- When selecting flowers, look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds
beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age.
- When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac),
cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place in warm water containing fresh
flower food to promote flower opening.
Green Thumb Not Required
Not only are green and
flowering plants a great enhancement to any home or office decor, they are also
beneficial to your health. The results of a study by the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA) show that common houseplants are powerful,
natural air cleaners -- all the more reason why you want to keep your plants
healthy with the proper care.
While they usually come with care instructions specified for the type of
plant, the
Society of American
Florists offers these general guidelines to keep most green houseplants
thriving:
Most plants need medium-light locations
Natural light is
best, however, some plants also can thrive in office fluorescent light. Most
flowering potted plants should be placed in areas with the most light in order
to maintain good flower color and promote the maximum number of flowers to open.
Foliage plants may do well under lower to moderate light levels and may be placed in areas
providing reduced light.
Plant soil should be kept slightly moist at all times
Plants
should not be allowed to dry out or wilt. However, avoid overwatering; do not
allow plants to stand in water. Avoid wetting leaves.
Avoid excessive heat or cold
Plants should be
maintained between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit for best performance.
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