Table of contents:
- 1. Cut the stems
- 2. Put flowers in warm water
- 3. Add the nutrient mixture
- 4. Wait
- 5. Repeat the procedure
- In an emergency
2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44
Flowers wither for one simple reason: they lack water. You can bring a bouquet to life in just a few simple steps. Of course, you will not keep it forever fresh, but at least you will extend the life of the flowers by a few days.
1. Cut the stems
The most common problem is that the bottom edge of the stem dries up and no longer absorbs water. Take a sharp pair of scissors or a knife and make an oblique cut so that as much of the stem as possible gets the water. This will keep the flower on the sharp end, which will help the water flow into the stem. And to further facilitate the access of water, make a small longitudinal incision on the stem (2–4 cm).
2. Put flowers in warm water
Warm water moves faster along the stem and cleans the conducting vessels of plants, making it easier for flowers to get water. Of course, you don't need to pour boiling water into a vase, just open the hot and cold taps at the same time so that the water is slightly warm.
Please note that tulips do not tolerate warm water.
3. Add the nutrient mixture
This will prolong the life of the cut flowers and help revitalize a bouquet that has already begun to fade. You can buy a ready-made mixture or make it at home by mixing sugar, citric acid, or juice and some bleach. Sugar will nourish the flowers, citric acid will lower the pH of the water (which will help the water rise faster up the stem. Sugar and Acidity in Preservative Solutions for Field-Grown Cut Flowers.), And bleach will keep bacteria from growing.
Take 2 tbsp. l. lemon juice, 1 tbsp. l. sugar and ½ tbsp. l. bleach per liter of water. This mixture should be changed every day or every other day to prevent the development of bacteria. And don't worry about bleach damaging the colors: such a small concentration is perfectly safe.
4. Wait
Don't expect immediate effects. It will take at least a few hours for your bouquet to come to life.
5. Repeat the procedure
Prune flowers every two days, cutting off an inch from the stem. Change the water in the vase every day, or at least every other day, adding a new portion of the formula.
Do not leave the bouquet on the windowsill if your windows are facing the sunny side: in the heat, the flowers will wither faster. It is better to move the vase to a dark, cool place, at least while you are not at home.
In an emergency
If your bouquet needs urgent resuscitation, put the flowers in a bucket or other container of room temperature water for 30-60 minutes. This will restart the water absorption process. Then follow the first three steps above.
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