When is the time we go for Flowers most? The answers are anybody’s guess – from Valentine’s Day to birthdays, anniversaries, convocations and home decor. However, the toughest job is to keep them staying fresh for days so that they keep fascinating us with their bloom and fragrance. Here are some household tips that will make you keep your flowers flourish longer.
Soda: Once you have had your soda tonic in the evening, don’t make the mistake of throwing away those last drops of soda. Instead, pour about one-fourth cup of soda into the water in a vase containing cut flowers. It is the sugar in the soda that will make the blossoms last longer. Should you be having a transparent vase and want the water to remain clear, use a clear soda, like Sprite or 7-Up.
Hair Spray: We know you love putting your hair sprays before going on for a date or a meeting. A spritz of hair spray when sprayed from a distance on the undersides of the leaves and petals can help even your cut flowers look fresh longer.
Vodka: The health secret of the flowers looking good for a longer duration is when the growth of bacteria in the water has been minimised. Add a few drops of vodka (or any clear spirit) to the vase water along with 1 teaspoon sugar. Remember to keep changing the water every other day in order to refresh the vodka and sugar each time.
Aspirin: Put a crushed aspirin in the water before placing your flowers. This will help the flowers to radiate freshness for a longer duration.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons sugar into the vase containing water before you add the flowers. To increase the longevity of the flowers, keep changing the water.
Bleach: Add 1/4 teaspoon bleach in 1 liter of vase water. You can also add 3 drops of bleach and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1 liter of water. This will not only help in keeping the water from getting cloudy but also inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Coins: Add a copper penny and a sugar cube to the vase water. The copper in pennies is believed for its acidifier effect, which prevents the growth of bacteria.
Sugar: Dissolve 3 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons white vinegar in 1 liter of warm water. Once the vase gets filled, make sure the cut stems are covered by 3-4 inches. While the sugar nourishes the plants, the vinegar inhibits bacterial growth.
Conditioning: Allow flowers to have a good drink for four to five hours, preferably overnight before arranging them. This step is called conditioning which allows the stems to fill up with water and the flowers to become crisp.
Preservative: Using a flower preservative will help destroy bacteria in the water. They are usually available in garden centers or supermarkets.
Making flowers last longer will not only add to your enjoyment, it will also do away with the danger of their withering and wilting fast.