Foliage and flower that have wilted
in the sun, or have been out of water for along time,
can be reviled by re - cutting the stem ends under water
with a sharp knife, cut the stems at 45 degrees to expose
the largest area of plant tissue that allow then to
drink the new moisture source ( the water or soaked
florist's foam in your arrangement. ) Remove a ? " -
1 " portion of the stem, plus and leaves that will below
the water line. After a few days change the water, recut
the stem before replacing in the vase ( see directions
below )
For rose, always recut under water to prevent air
bubbles from forming within the stem.
Make a diagonal cut with a very sharp knife, holding
the flower head towards you and drawing the knife, blade
parallel with the ground, away from you down the flower
stem
Tender - stems - Need handing with special care, Pick
of leaves of this Kind one by one. Not to shop off the
flowers.
Woody - stems - Must be serapes at the ends to remove
the outer tissue to prolong vase life.
Thick - stems - Such as Sunflowers need splitting at
the ends so that they can absorb water.
Thin - stems - Sush as Snapdragons,strip off the lower
leaves and pleace them in cool water.
After cutting :
As soon as possible after cutting
the stems of flower foliage, bracts, and berries, please
them in a deep container of cool water. Then treat all
the stem.
Floral foam
Avoid "Crispiness" meaning less cell
damage to delicate flower stem ends.
Metal containers :
Metal containers can cause reactions
with many flower preservatives. This can lead to the
preservative being far less effective in solution.
Ripening fruit and vegetables :
Perhaps one of the biggest enemies
of cut flowers is ethylene gas which is given off by
ripening fruit and vegetables. It speeds up the dying
process of many flowers. Some of the more sensitive
varieties to ethylene gas are Carnations, Roses, orchids,
Lilies, Sweet Williams and Gypsophila.
Crushing or splitting of flower stems :
Unfortunately in the past, many people
have been led to believe that the crushing or splitting
of flower stems is a good way of extending their vase
life. Recent tests have shown that this method generally
does not work. It actually does tremendous damage to
the tiny tube-like Vessels in the stems, blocking the
flow of water up to the flower heads, and leads to a
faster discoloration of the vase water.
Direct sunlight :
Flowers which are subjected to direct
sunlight can easily become overheated, resulting in
an increased rate of respiration and the drying out
of petals etc, leading to reduced vase life.
Air conditioning :
It has been noted that usually with
air conditioning ( especially in large offices or stores
), fresh flowers tend to dry out very quickly. This
is particularly the case with flowers that have large,
exposed petals.
Floral preservative :
Mix the floral preservative with room
temperature water, in the proportion recommended on
the package. Floral preservative provide sugars, balances
pH, and limits bacterial growth - you flowers will live
longer, avoid metal containers can cause reactions with
many floral preservative, This can lead to the flower
food being far less effective in solution you can get
pack of preservative from almost any florist or
One table spoon of sugar and ? teaspoon of bleach
per gallon is widely used preservative or
Tonic water or lemon - line soda ( Not diet ) at the
rate of 2 parts water to one part soda or tonic works
well as a preservative.
Container :
When you start to arrange the flowers,
check that all containers and any other decorative elements
are clean, For the vase can be done by cleaning it with
bleach on the inside. This Kill any bacteria and algae
that has formed in the vase. If the vase is simply left
to dry and the used, the bacteria lives on and multiplies,
reducing the life of your flowers.
On - going water :
Make sure that cut stems in any arrangement
have an on - going water supply. Top up the water level,
and make sure that it is always clean.
Flower to wear :
Metal containers can cause reactions
with many flower preservatives. This can lead to the
preservative being far less effective in solution.
Carry corsages and other body flowers in the florist's
box to your destination. Pin or put them on once you've
inside.
Guard flower from sudden exposure to cold or hot air.
Always wear flower blossoms up, stems down.
Spary
your arrangement with a fine mist
of cool water form a plant sprayer once a day;
Cold conditions below 4 degrees Celsius :
Conversely, actual internal flower
cells can easily become damaged if subjected to very
low temperatures. Flowers grown in tropical areas, such
as Orchids and Anthuriums, are particularly susceptible
to low temperature damage. Never put your flowers in
a freezer or anywhere that is below 4 degrees Celsius.
Other dead flowers :
When flowers are arranged in a vase,
some of the flower heads will naturally die before others.
It is a good idea to remove these heads quickly, because
if left on the stems, they not only look unsightly,
but will often give off small amounts of ethylene gas,
which will diminish the life of any remaining flowers.
Dirty water :
If water looks cloudy or has uncle
sant? smell, it needs changing completely. Dirty water
Provides a perfect breeding ground for microscopic bacteria
to breed rapidly. These bacteria attach themselves to
the stem ends and block the flow of water up to the
flower heads. You should always change the vase water
regularly or use a good cut flower food which will decrease
the rate at which these bacteria breed.
Hot weather :
When flowers are exposed to heat,
they respire at a greater rate than at lower temperatures.
Respiration is basically what causes aging in most living
organisms. Flowers have high rates of respiration, making
them one of the most perishable of all agricultural
crops. The cooler the room or location they are displayed,
the longer they will last.
Draughty positions :
Draughty positions are also unfavorable
spots to locate your flowers. The petals tend to dry
out and respire more quickly in these areas. A corner
position preferable to a hallway or near open doors.
