| 1. Snip off the base of
the stem |
| This helps maintain the water flow up
the stalk of the flower. Sometimes the stems can have air pockets
that stop the water from reaching the flower head. The stems should
be snipped at least 2cm from the base of the stem at an angle. |
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2. Keep
flowers away from sun and heat
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|
The hotter flowers get,
the faster they release water (transpire). Their life is
significantly reduced when you put them near a window or close to
the heater.
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3. Change
the water
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|
Still water can build up
bacteria that blocks the flower of water up the stem of the flower.
The base of the stems start to rot and smell stale. Fresh, pure
water every few days can prolong the life span of your flowers for
up to a week.
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4. Add
preservatives
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|
Flowers are living plant
material and therefore need to be fed. Your local florist can
provide preserving mixtures when you buy an arrangement, or you can
add sugar and bleach. A dash of bleach stops algal growth. Sugar
provides energy to the flowers so they can continue to develop. This
helps them to last long enough for buds to fully open and for the
vase life of the flowers to be extended.
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5. Flowers
and fruit don’t mix
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Fruit gives off a gas
called ethylene. This gas speeds up the life of any produce around
it. Flowers can rapidly deteriorate when around fruit.
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6. Remove
leaves below waterline
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Any leaves sitting below
the waterline can rot and block the flow of water up the stem.
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