Freshly cut flowers transmit sweetness, beauty and positive energy, reasons why he makes sure to preserve his life as much as possible. But prolonging the existence of these plants is tricky when they’re not planted.
Pulling the flowers out of the ground accelerates their aging, which is evident through brown tones, warning that they will soon wither. Being ornamental plants, it is not enough just to immerse the stems in water. It is necessary to put into practice some precautions that prolong the good condition of the flowers.
Why do cut flowers wither faster?
The bulletin Disclosure Sheets attributes to bacteria the withered condition of the flowers. The investigation supports it these microorganisms penetrate plant tissues to infect them.
In the publication they explain that some microbes attack the underground organs of plants or the aerial part. And the consequences of bacterial diseases on flowers are wilting.
Depending on the species, some last longer fresh. The bouquets made with specimens cut from the garden last a maximum of 5 weeks; as long as they receive the appropriate care that increases longevity.
Among the flowers that survive several days in vases, the following stand out:
- coves.
- Zinnias.
- carnations.
- gladioli.
- Chrysanthemums.
Considerations for keeping flowers longer
There are some basic rules that help prolong the life of flowers inside a vase; one of them is to disinfect the container. Fill it with hot water, add some lye and let the mixture sit. After an hour you wash it off with soap and water.
You also need to document which species the flowers belong to, so you know which ones to combine. Some plants release harmful alkaloids, such as lycorine, so it’s best to separate the samples to prevent them from drying out.
As for the water, a couple of days is the best time to replace. When changing hydrations, wash and dry the vase before reintroducing the bouquet.
Do not display flowers near the window, because the direct incidence of sunlight depresses them ahead of time. A cool place away from drafts or heating devices is preferable.
The best tricks to keep cut flowers longer
If you want to keep cut flowers longer, select the buds that begin to open, those with greener leaves and those with firm, colorful petals. With the best specimens in the garden, put the following tips into practice to broaden their freshness.
1. Feed with sugar
This ingredient provides plants with the nutrients they need when they leave the soil. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the water in the jar and you will notice the vigor of the flower arrangement.
2. Refrigerate
Especially when they are bulb or rose species, cold water suits them well. Florists agree Keeping freshly cut bouquets in the fridge triples the life of the flowers.
Before placing them in a container, it is advisable to let them spend at least 6 hours in the refrigerator. Cold temperatures slow water loss, promote flowering and require less water.
3. Choose a good vase
Spacious pots help keep the stems from feeling cramped and the air circulates between the bodice. She tries not to overload the container.
On the other hand, the material used to make the vases is essential in extending the life of the arrangement. Crystal or glass ones are good alternatives, but silver jugs keep flowers longer.
A section of the magazine Nursing comment that silver is a natural biocide, so it destroys microbes. The post also says that silver as an antimicrobial prevents water spoilage.
4. Pour in the chlorine
Chlorine (Cl) has an activity related to photosynthesis and is essential for cell turgor. The agricultural analysis laboratory fertilab points that this chemical element functions as an essential micronutrient for plants.
The deficiency or excess of Cl manifests itself in wilting, as perspiration is affected and becomes chlorosis. The appropriate is ¼ tablespoon per liter of water.
5. Add vodka
A splash of vodka in the flower water slows down the production of natural ethylene. The National University of the Center of the Province of Buenos Aires Explain that ethylene is a gaseous hormone synthesized by all plant organs, the generation of which increases naturally during leaf separation and floral senescence or aging.
6. Dilute the aspirin
He acetylsalicylic acid o Aspirin has among its components sodium carbonate, a mineral salt useful for prolonging the useful life of flowers. A study published by Journal of Mexican Phytotechnics established That some salts preserve water relations and the function of conductive tissues, considerably favoring vase life.
Based on these arguments, spray 2 aspirins and dilute them in warm water. After the mixture has cooled, add it to the container of fresh flowers.
7. Feed with soda
Sodas that contain high levels of sugar nourish the cut stems; they also decrease the pH of the water, due to the degree of industrial acidity. To prolong the vitality of the flowers, mix a little soda with the water in the vase. Preferably use drinks that do not stain the water brown.
8. Disinfect with vinegar
Vinegar is linked to inhibiting the growth of bacteria. The main constituent of this substance is acetic acid and its use is common in disinfection protocols, such as delimits a work of Journal of the Ibero-American Network of Pedagogy.
Other scientific research related to the health sector revealed that exposure to vinegar for 20 minutes reduces live bacteria. To preserve cut flowers, add 2 teaspoons of vinegar to every gallon of water. This cocktail disinfects, frees from the proliferation of bacteria and prolongs floral freshness.
9. Prepare a revitalizer
Toning solutions are ideal remedies for flower smoothness. This preparation is combined with the water in the vase to nourish the plant and prevent bacteria.
Importance of cutting to keep flowers longer
How you cut the flowers has a lot to do with how long they last. It is advisable to do it in the morning, because it is less hot and that is when they are more loaded with carbohydrates.
Cut the stems diagonally, so that later they absorb liquids without difficulty. As soon as you prune them, put the flowers in a pot with water, because this is how they continue to feed.
Finally, preserving fresh flowers is all about disease prevention. For this it is advisable to remove the nascent leaves at the end of the stem, as they tend to get damaged faster and to accumulate bacteria.
The post 9 tricks to keep cut flowers longer first appeared in research-school.