How to Extend the Viewing Period of Fresh Cut Flowers
Today's plant care knowledge brought to you is about how to extend the viewing period of fresh cut flowers, with the following details:
There are many methods for preserving fresh flowers, and choosing the right one for you can achieve better results.
Scorching Method: Generally, place the end of the flower stem (such as ivory red) on the flame of a candle to burn it, then immerse it in alcohol solution for one minute, and rinse it clean with water. Using this method can extend the life of cut flowers by about fifteen days. Burning the cut end of the stem can promote blooming; for example, place 'Mei Gua Xing' on a gas stove and gently roast the base of the stem with a small flame for about one minute to see the flowers bloom one after another.
Deep Water First Aid Method: If fresh flowers are drooping due to insufficient water, first cut a small section from the end of the stem, then immerse the base of the stem in a container filled with cold water, leaving only the flower head above the water surface. After one or two hours, the stem will revive.
Bending Method: For some brittle-stemmed flowering plants, after selecting the stems to be used for arrangement, break them with your hands. This way, the stem is not under pressure, the vessels remain normal, and it is easier to absorb water. The End Crushing Method: Crush the end of the stem (about one inch) to increase the water absorption area. This method is often used for woody stems such as magnolia, hydrangea, lilac, peony, and wisteria.
Fresh Flower Preservative: Adding a proper amount of chemical agents to the flower arrangement solution can inhibit the stem and extend the preservation time. If preservatives are not available, a 0.00025% potassium permanganate solution or a 0.00033% aspirin solution can be used as a simple preservative to make the flowers bloom.
Soaking Method: Soak the base of the herbaceous flower in boiling water for about 10 seconds, or in hot water for 2 minutes, then transfer it to cold water after removing it from the hot water. This can block the cut surface and prevent the exudation of flower sap. This method is commonly used for herbaceous flowers.
Tea Water Method: Rootless flowers in a vase tend to wilt quickly, usually within three to four days. If tea water (also newly brewed tea, but it must be completely cooled before use) is used instead of plain water, it can delay the wilting time of the flowers. The tea water should be stronger. Using tea water to arrange flowers can keep the flowers from wilting for 7 days, making the flowers bright and fragrant.
First Aid Method: When fresh flowers droop, cut a small section from the end of the stem and place it in a container filled with cold water, leaving only the flower head above the water surface. After 1-2 hours, the stem will revive. This method is suitable for both herbaceous and woody flowers.
Beer Method: Adding a little beer to the vase with fresh flowers, or placing the flowers in a beer bottle with foam left, then adding an appropriate amount of water, will result in an extended preservation period for the flowers. This is because beer contains alcohol, which can disinfect and preserve the cut end of the stem, and it also contains sugar and other nutrients that can provide nourishment for the branches and leaves.
Chemical Method: Adding an appropriate amount of fresh flower preservative to the arrangement container can extend the life of the flowers. In addition, using a 0.00033% aspirin solution or a 0.0005% potassium permanganate solution for cut gladiolus can extend the blooming period by 3-5 days. Adding a small amount of boric acid, sulfur, carbolic acid, salicylic acid, salt, and vitamins can also extend the blooming period.
Enlarging Cut Surface Method: Generally, cut the base of the stem diagonally or split the base into 2-4 parts and insert small stones to hold the cut open; you can also use a hammer to crack the base to increase the water absorption area. This method is mainly used for woody flowers such as magnolia, hydrangea, lilac, and wisteria.
Natural Drying Method: Choose a consecutive sunny day without rain, collect fully opened flowers, remove the branches,串 them with fine iron wire, and hang them upside down in a dust-free ventilated area. As the moisture evaporates naturally, the stem fiber strength gradually decreases, the petals easily fall off, and they should be retied promptly when they fall off. Generally, they can be taken down and prepared for use after 10-15 days.
Silica Gel Drying Method: Most fresh flowers can be treated with silica gel in a sealed state. Silica gel is a blue granule that easily absorbs moisture and turns pink after absorbing water. If the moisture-absorbing变色硅胶 is placed on a stove and heated for 2-3 hours, it will lose moisture and return to blue, which can be reused multiple times. Silica gel is non-toxic and non-corrosive and is available at chemical stores (C-S).
Mint Crystal Method: Before arranging flowers, apply mint crystals to the cut end of the stem, then insert it into the vase. This method is most suitable for flowers like chrysanthemums.
Refrigerator Preservation Method: When going out for an extended period, remove the potted flowers and place them in a plastic bag, then store them in the refrigerator. This can keep the flowers fresh for several days. After returning, take them out and put them back in the vase.
In addition, when selecting cut flowers, it is best to choose stems with flowers that have bloomed 70-80%. When the flowers are fully bloomed, they should not be placed near windows with strong sunlight to prevent early wilting. Change the water every 3-4 days in winter and 1-2 days in summer, but do not fill it up completely to keep the flowers looking good for a longer time. To keep the flowers blooming for a long time, it is best to cut the stem at a 45-degree angle to increase the water absorption area, or you can crack the base of the stem to help with water absorption. Adding a small amount of sugar to the water used for arranging flowers can replenish the nutrients needed by the flowers.
Adding a small amount of salt can prevent bacterial growth, and adding a small amount of vitamin C can provide greater protection for the flowers. After arranging the flowers, they should be placed in a well-ventilated area with moderate light. Change the water frequently to prevent fallen leaves from polluting the water source.
When changing the water, cut off a part of the base that is no longer fresh and then insert it into the water. Cut the stems with a sharp knife, not scissors, and do it early in the morning or in the evening. Use cool boiled water at 20°C for soaking. Leaves that are inserted into the water should be cut off.
Do not place fruit near the place where the cut flowers are displayed, and keep them away from the television. The indoor temperature should be between 15-20°C. Adding a small amount of sugar or one or two aspirin tablets to the arrangement solution can help preserve the flowers and make the colors more vibrant.
The above is the complete introduction to how to extend the viewing period of fresh cut flowers, hoping it can bring you some help. Don't forget to check out more flower care knowledge!