One of the most common gifts people give away during special occasions is flower bouquets. A bouquet of beautiful blooms can definitely bring happiness to anyone who receives it. What’s more, flowers also have their own respective meanings, making bouquets more sentimental. And, because of that special feeling you get upon receiving one, it’s understandable if you want to make the flowers last for as long as you can.
Unfortunately, like other living things, flower bouquets aren’t meant to last forever unless they’re made from plastic or other artificial materials. But, looking at the positive side, there are actually steps you can take to boost the longevity of your flower bouquets. You don’t need to compromise and switch to artificial flowers just to enjoy their beauty, as keeping the real ones alive for a long time is possible. 
To help you keep your bouquet of blossoms fresh and vibrant for a few more days, here are some steps you can take:
Cut The Stems Before Submerging Them In The Water
After receiving a bouquet, one of the common mistakes some people make is failing to cut the stems. Failure to cut the stems will only lead to your flowers dying quickly and prematurely. So, whether you received the flowers or purchased a bouquet for yourself, remember to cut the stems before submerging them in the water. This method will allow the freshwater to easily penetrate the stems, keeping the flowers fresh and alive for a few more days.
Moreover, make sure to cut the stems by an inch and at a 45-degree angle every two to three days to encourage the flowers to continue absorbing water. You can use a knife or garden shears to make a clean cut. Be careful not to tear or crush the stems during the cutting process, as this could restrict the stems’ water uptake. Do the same if you’re using flowers for your wreath. Cut the stems first and soak them for a full day before hanging them. Now, you get fresh flower wreaths to adorn your door.
Get Rid Of Extra Leaves And Foliage
Now that you’ve cut the stems as directed, make sure you also get rid of the extra leaves and foliage before placing the flowers on the vase. If you’ve noticed, most people working at the florist shops spend most of their day cutting off extra leaves from their flowers before selling them. So, whether you bought your flower bouquet or picked the flowers up on your own, remember to take time to eliminate extra leaves.
The foliage will only encourage microbial growth and clog the stems’ access to water if not removed before submerging the flowers into the vase. Overall, the time and effort you put into removing extra leaves and foliage will surely make your bouquet of blooms focus on absorbing water every day, making them stay fresh and live longer.
Pick The Right Vase Size
Did you know that the size of your vase matters to the life of your flower bouquets? But, the thing is that many people focus more on the vase’s design for their living room or bedroom decoration. When you use a vase that’s too small, the flowers’ stems would be squished and cramped due to the narrow opening. As a result, the flowers will wilt prematurely.
On the other hand, if the vase is too wide and large, your flower arrangement won’t form any shape. If you’re unsure which vase to pick, it’s best to ask a professional florist and let them give you recommendations. Lastly, make sure to use a clean vase and fill it with two-thirds of fresh cold water. If you’re trying to open the blooms, the warm water may work best, but to keep them fresh and alive longer, you need to replace them with cold water.
Condition The Flowers
Another step to remember before putting your flowers in the vase is to condition them first. Conditioning them means you need to keep them super-hydrated before arranging them in their final display. Put them in a temporary container and fill it with water, almost reaching the flower heads. Use warm water mixed with flower food (florists usually provide flower food during the purchase). After leaving the flowers for two hours or overnight, you can take them out and arrange them in your vase.
Refresh The Water
During the first day, your flowers are likely to absorb so much water from the vase. Thus, it’s essential to refresh and replenish the water when necessary. Most florists recommend changing the water every 1-2 days, especially if the water already looks cloudy. When refreshing the water, rinse and clean the vase first before refilling it with two-thirds of water. If you see any dying foliage, now’s the good time to get rid of them.
Remove Dying Flowers
Eventually, despite your efforts to keep them alive, some of the flowers will wilt and die first than the rest. To keep your flower arrangement looking healthy and fresh, you may remove the dying flowers and transfer the remaining ones into a smaller vase when necessary.
Takeaway
Whether they’re from your garden or you purchased them from a flower shop, keeping your flower bouquets fresh and vibrant is possible. With the correct handling and proper flower care routine, your favorite blooms will surely keep on beautifying your room for as long as they can.
