Image Credit: Lauren Volo
by AYN-MONIQUE KLAHRE
Image Credit: Apartment Therapy Video
I love getting fresh flowers, but what I don’t love is how quickly they fade. But with a little maintenance and a few tricks, you can get extra days of enjoyment out of your cut flowers. Here are a few things you can do to keep your bouquet looking fresh for longer.
Image Credit: Joe Lingeman
Most flowers benefit from cutting the stems at an angle with kitchen shears. A clean, angled slice will remove any rot and give the stems more surface area to absorb water.
Image Credit: Joe Lingeman
Any vegetation in your vase’s water is going to rot. So remove any leaves that will sit under the surface of your water.
Image Credit: Apartment Therapy Video
Add a penny from 1982 or earlier to the water. The copper is naturally antimicrobial. Or add flower food. It does the same thing.
Image Credit: Apartment Therapy
If the water is too hot or too cold, it will shock the flowers — and that’s not good! Treat them like Goldilocks and give them water that’s juuuust right.
Image Credit: Apartment Therapy Video
Change the water every 1 to 2 days — before it gets cloudy! When you do, scrub the vase’s interior and re-trim the stems.
Image Credit: Apartment Therapy Video
Place flowers in the fridge overnight. Just like your local florist. It’s especially helpful in the summer or if you live in warmer climates.