Flowers can dramatically brighten and liven up interior spaces and come with a slew of health benefits. Expertly designed floral arrangements can make a world of difference in the look and feel of a space, and if properly monitored and maintained, can be enjoyed for a long time. At PJ's Flowers, we offer a number of arrangements sure to instantly enhance a room and fit any budget or aesthetic. It can be frustrating for flowers to look beautiful when bought but then quickly wilt and lose their vibrancy, but a little time and effort can go a long way in preserving their health. If you are looking for some easy ways to lengthen the life and level up the appearance of your flowers, read on for some tips to ensure your flowers thrive all season long.
1. Trimming and Pruning
An important step in the care of your flowers is trimming them initially and keeping them pruned and free of dead petals. The stems of flowers dry out very quickly, and even by the time you get them home it can be difficult for them to absorb the necessary amount of water. A quick trim of at least a half inch can make a huge difference, and when cut at an angle ensures maximum water absorption. A sharp knife is often the best method, as scissors that are old or dull can actually crush the ends preventing proper hydration.
Varying the lengths of the stems you cut can also make an arrangement look more dynamic and put together, allowing more dramatic bulbs and petals to stand out. After the initial trimming, regularly pruning dead or wilted flowers also ensures your flowers look their best and do not spread mold onto other stems. Routinely clipping can promote new growth and ensure your flowers can conserve energy.
2. Replenish Water Regularly
Proper water levels are crucial in ensuring your flowers stay healthy and hydrated, and as flowers absorb a lot of water, frequent replenishing is essential. Filling a vase about two-thirds full of fresh water coupled with the flower food often included with bouquets is a great starting point. Topping up the water as needed is preferred to a complete refill, at least for the first few days, so that they can be sure to soak up the food for as long as possible. Make sure all your stems are submerged so that your flowers can benefit from much-needed hydration.
One easy household hack is to mix a little soda into the vase you keep your flowers in, as the sugar in carbonated soda can actually make them last longer and look better. A splash of a clear liquor like vodka can also cut down on bacterial growth, helping them smell better too.
3. Keep Your Flowers in Ideal Locations
Flowers do best away from drafts and extreme variations in temperature, and while some types might need direct light, others do better in partial or diffused lighting environments. While floral arrangements might look great in windowsills, full sun exposure can quickly overheat them, causing wilting and other undesirable side effects.
While many understand the importance of light control and keeping flowers away from excess heat and humidity, an often-overlooked environmental element that can impact the health of your flowers is fresh fruit. If your keep apples or bananas on your counter for easy access, consider moving your fresh flowers a safe distance away. As fruit ripens, it excretes a gas called ethylene, that while not a concern for humans, can actually harm flowers. In the wild, this gas signals flowers to drop their petals and bear fruit, but in home environments this means your flowers will wilt and fall much quicker than they normally would.
4. Vase Care
Vases are an easy and convenient way to hold and display flowers, but vases that are not cleaned or filled properly can harbor bacteria and shorten the life of your arrangements. Make sure your vase is thoroughly cleaned before inserting fresh flowers, either in hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher, ensuring any dust or leftover debris has not built up over time. This residual bacteria can make your flowers wilt much faster, and cleaning thoroughly between new additions can dramatically increase your arrangement’s lifespan so that you can enjoy them for as long as possible.
Why choose us?
PJs Flowers & Events is a premier, contemporary floral studio specializing in one of a kind corporate events, weddings and special occasion design. We are also pleased to offer custom floral creations and unique urban botanicals for everyday occasions, with delivery Valley-wide. Our award-winning design team is committed to offering you the finest in exclusive floral designs for all occasions — with top tier customer service and expert knowledge.
Get in touch with us regarding any questions about planning your next big event!
