Here's some great advice about keeping those beautiul flowers in good shape as long as possible. It helps keep the good feelings alive longer, too.
Care for Valentine flowers
Care for Valentine flowers
By Dennis L. Patton, M.S., County Horticulture Agent, K-State Research and Extension/Johnson County
OLATHE, Kan. — The most popular day to give flowers is fast approaching with the arrival of Valentine’s Day on February 14. Many people will be sending that special someone a bouquet of fresh flowers, and, by far, roses are the most popular gift.
Proper care is important for extending the life of fresh flower arrangements. Following are a few guidelines which will make this symbol of love last longer:
Water is vital.
Keep the vase or floral foam soaked with water at all times. Add fresh water daily and use warm water as this aids in uptake. If the water turns cloudy, replace it immediately with fresh water. If possible, re-cut the rose stems every day by removing one to two inches. Use a sharp knife. If at all possible, this cut should be made under water as this allows the stem to draw in water instead of air.
Keep Valentines flowers cool.
Warm temperatures shorten the life of the blooms. Avoid direct sunlight and heating vents. Warm air from ceiling fans will cause the flowers to fade. Appliances like televisions and computers give off heat causing the flowers to dry out.
Floral trick for wilted or droopy flowers
Try this trick if the flowers start to wilt, remove the stem from the arrangement and re-cut the stem. Next, submerge the entire flower in warm water. Leave it in the water for one to two hours. This treatment should perk the flowers up and extend its life for a couple days. This trick works well for cut roses.
Care of flowers received wrapped in paper or a box
If you give or receive loose stems of flowers keep them cool as long as possible before delivering to your sweetheart. Fill a clean vase with water and add flower food from the florist. Follow packet instructions for mixing.
Before placing the stems in the vase remove all foliage that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water promote bacterial growth which decreases life. Re-cutting the stems under water with a sharp knife is recommended before placing in the vase. Follow the same guidelines for arrangements for longer lasting flowers.
Care for potted flowering plants
Potted plants are also a popular gift. Like arrangements, keep them in a cool location and avoid heat drafts or dry air for longer color. Most plants will require even moisture so check the soil daily and water if dry to the touch. Do not let the plants stand in water. This will harm the root system.
Potted flowering plants will last anywhere from a few days in the case of forced bulbs to several weeks. For example, under good conditions, expect azaleas, exacum cyclamen, and kalanchoes to last up to four weeks.
Keep the vase or floral foam soaked with water at all times. Add fresh water daily and use warm water as this aids in uptake. If the water turns cloudy, replace it immediately with fresh water. If possible, re-cut the rose stems every day by removing one to two inches. Use a sharp knife. If at all possible, this cut should be made under water as this allows the stem to draw in water instead of air.
Keep Valentines flowers cool.
Warm temperatures shorten the life of the blooms. Avoid direct sunlight and heating vents. Warm air from ceiling fans will cause the flowers to fade. Appliances like televisions and computers give off heat causing the flowers to dry out.
Floral trick for wilted or droopy flowers
Try this trick if the flowers start to wilt, remove the stem from the arrangement and re-cut the stem. Next, submerge the entire flower in warm water. Leave it in the water for one to two hours. This treatment should perk the flowers up and extend its life for a couple days. This trick works well for cut roses.
Care of flowers received wrapped in paper or a box
If you give or receive loose stems of flowers keep them cool as long as possible before delivering to your sweetheart. Fill a clean vase with water and add flower food from the florist. Follow packet instructions for mixing.
Before placing the stems in the vase remove all foliage that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water promote bacterial growth which decreases life. Re-cutting the stems under water with a sharp knife is recommended before placing in the vase. Follow the same guidelines for arrangements for longer lasting flowers.
Care for potted flowering plants
Potted plants are also a popular gift. Like arrangements, keep them in a cool location and avoid heat drafts or dry air for longer color. Most plants will require even moisture so check the soil daily and water if dry to the touch. Do not let the plants stand in water. This will harm the root system.
Potted flowering plants will last anywhere from a few days in the case of forced bulbs to several weeks. For example, under good conditions, expect azaleas, exacum cyclamen, and kalanchoes to last up to four weeks.
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