How To Extend The Life Of Cut Flowers

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

7 secret additives that will significantly prolong the life of a bouquet of flowers

Fresh cut flowers are a bright but short-term decoration for any interior. And to keep them fresh and bright longer, you can use special additives.

Potassium permanganate solution

Potassium permanganate has antiseptic and deodorant properties. A small amount of it in a vase of flowers kills all germs and bacteria, so that the bouquet stays fresh longer.

A weak solution of potassium permanganate is useful for tulips and daffodils, the main thing is to use a light pink liquid (about 1 g of crystals per 5 l of water). It is recommended to dilute this substance until the crystals are completely dissolved, otherwise there is a risk of getting burned to both humans and plants. The disinfecting properties of the solution persist for 3-4 days.

Activated carbon

This product absorbs excess trace elements from the water, so the liquid stays fresh longer. To do this, you need to throw 1 tablet of activated carbon into the vase.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a food preservative. It kills all germs and bacteria, which means it keeps cut flowers alive. To do this, dilute half a teaspoon with 1 liter of water.

Sugar

Sugar crystals contain glucose, which is a source of energy for many of the life processes of flowers. For 1 liter of liquid, you will need about 20-30 g of sugar. However, sweet water is a medium for the active reproduction of putrefactive bacteria, so this liquid in the vase needs to be changed more often than once a day.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice has disinfectant properties, so a small amount of it kills the bacteria in the water. In addition, the acid helps to reduce its hardness. Add 2-3 drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice to 1 liter of liquid.

Aspirin

Acetylsalicylic acid promotes the formation of naturally activated substances such as interferon in cut plants. Thanks to the latter, the bouquet will retain moisture and nutrients for a long time. For 1 liter of water, 1 tablet of aspirin is enough.

Special preservative

In addition to improvised means, you can also use special ones that are sold in flower shops. These include "Bud" and "Flora Aktiv". They are used to store large quantities of cut flowers in specialized stores. Dilution proportions are indicated on the packaging. As a rule, 7 g of preservative is enough for 1 liter of water. However, it should be understood that the purchased bouquets have already been treated with chemicals before transportation, therefore they may be insensitive to such preservatives.

Regardless of the additive used, the flower bouquet must be prepared before being placed in the vase, for example by removing the lower leaves and cutting the stem at a 45 degree angle. And we must not forget about the daily change of water. These comprehensive measures will help extend the life of cut flowers.