(Image courtesy of hello-julie)
Fresh cut flowers can be a great addition to your home decor by introducing a pop of color and a light fragrance. During the winter, it’s nice to have something green and blossoming around to lighten the mood and remind us that winter won’t be here forever.
Adding fresh cut flowers to your decor, though pretty, can get expensive after awhile - it only takes a few days for them to begin wilting. We all know that fresh flowers aren’t going to live forever, but there are ways to increase the time before they begin wilting. This article from renters.apartments.com walks you through the best ways to perserve your fresh cut flowers. Keep reading to learn more:
Give the water an added ingredient
There are several additives that can bolster the staying power of your flowers. According to ApartmentTherapy.com, just 1/4 tsp each of aspirin, sugar and vinegar can help your flowers last longer. The vinegar works as an antibacterial agent that slows the growth of organisms that speed up the decay of your flowers. In place of vinegar, a little bleach and even vodka can be used.
Cut stems at an angle
Cutting each flower's stem at a 45-degree angle makes it easier for the stem to take in water and any other nutrients present in the water. To maintain this absorbing power, re-cut the stems every day -- the fresh opening will do a better job of transporting water up through the stem and nourishing the flower itself.
Add a penny to the water
Pennies are made of copper and nickel. When placed in water, the copper acts as a natural fungicide and slows fungal growth throughout the vase's water.
Keep flowers away from bad influences
Flowers need to be kept away from a few different objects commonly found in homes. Fruit and other plants can accelerate a flower's wilting and decay because of a gas known as ethylene. The farther flowers are kept from these plants, the less ethylene they will encounter, which will preserve their longevity. Other heat-producing devices, including computers, televisions, toasters and heating implements, can dry out flowers and force them to wilt early. Keep flowers at room temperature and be mindful of their exposure to heat -- including even direct sunlight.
Give it some hairspray
Hairspray is great for protecting your hairstyle and keeping your hair in its proper place. A similar effect is had on flowers, according to Reader's Digest. When you apply a thin layer of hairspray onto flower blossoms, the hair spray will help them maintain their form and fresh appearance. Just make sure you don't overwhelm the flowers -- apply hairspray just on the underside of the petals, and from at least one foot away.
Remove soaking leaves and dead flowers
One bad seed can quickly ruin the rest of your flowers. Cut away any leaves that become soaked or submerged in the water, and clip off any flowers that are dying or dead -- these can release ethylene to their neighboring blossoms.
By using just a few of these tricks, you should be able to extend the life of your flowers and preserve their beautiful appearance for days. Just make sure you enjoy them while you last.
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