From Bloom to Room: Tips for Making Your Cut Flowers Last
Being a florist is more than just arranging pretty flowers - it's about creating joy and happiness for our clients and their loved ones. There's nothing quite like the feeling of seeing a big smile on someone's face when they receive a beautiful bouquet. But, as much as we love our floral creations, it can be a bit nerve-wracking to let them go out into the world and not know how they're doing. Do they miss us? Are they still looking fabulous?
We get a lot of questions from our clients about how to keep their flowers looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible. And let's be real, it's not always easy - especially here in Bali with our tropical climate and unpredictable weather. That's why we include a little care instruction card with every bouquet we send out. We want to make sure our floral friends are in good hands, even after they leave our shop.
So, if you've ever found yourself staring at a bouquet of flowers and wondering how to keep them alive and kicking, we've got your back. Check out some of our top tips for prolonging the life of your cut flowers. Trust us, your flowers will thank you (even if they can't actually speak).
TOP FIVE TIPS FROM FLORISTS
Cool and Collected: Ideal Temperatures for Floral Bliss
First off, think of your flowers like you think of your friends - they don't like the heat! So, don't put them in direct sunlight or near a heat source, like your Auntie Maya’s hot flashes. Instead, find a cool and shady spot for them to chill out in and simply bloom.
Cleanliness is Next to Flowerliness: The Importance of a Tidy, Comfy Vase
Next, make sure you give your flowers a clean and comfy place to stay. Choose a vase that's big enough to let them spread out and breathe. Don’t forget keep the vase clean and fresh by changing the water daily. Speaking of water, your flowers need it like you need your morning coffee or tea. So, keep the water level topped up and add some plant food to give them a little extra boost. It's like a spa day for flowers!
Little Snip Goes a Long Way: The Art of Stem Trimming
Cutting the stems of your flowers daily is a key step in helping your bouquet last longer. When a flower is cut, the stem's natural defense mechanisms are activated, causing the stem to seal off its water supply. This process can shorten the life of your flowers. By trimming a small amount from the bottom of the stem each day, you can prevent this sealing process from occurring and allow your flowers to continue to absorb water and nutrients. It's important to use a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears to make the cut at a 45-degree angle. This angle creates a larger surface area for the flower to absorb water, which can help prolong its life. Don't worry, it's not like giving your flowers a trim will hurt their feelings.
Trim the Dead Weight: The Art of Pruning
Your flowers are like party guests - you want them looking their best for as long as possible! But just like that one guest who won't stop coughing and spreading germs around, dead leaves and petals can promote the growth of bacteria and bring down the whole bunch. So show your flowers some love and remove any decaying bits, giving them a little grooming while you're at it by removing any leaves or foliage that will be submerged in the vase water. By keeping your stems trimmed and clean, you can help your flowers stay fresh and vibrant for longer.
Forever Blooming: The ‘Simple’ Art of Drying Flowers Organically
If you really want to get fancy, you can even try preserving your flowers by drying them out. Who knew flowers could have a second life as decoration? You can check our earlier blog article on how to dry your own flowers at home here.
So, there you have it - some simple tips to help you be the best floral parent you can be. Just remember, if all else fails, you can always blame the weather. After all, it's not your fault if it's too hot or too humid outside, right?