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As someone who loves flowers, you know the wonderful thrill of receiving or giving flowers as a gift. You also know how disappointing it is to have flowers that are not as beautiful or as long lasting as you know they should be.
We have included some information in the following pages which will give you the general information to help you to condition and care for your flowers for the greatest vase life, quality and beauty.
First, important foundation for proper floral care is an understanding to providing special care for flowers. The following reviews that there are four basic flower needs:
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Water Quality |
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Hygiene |
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Cleanliness |
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Food |
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Water Quality: |
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The most essential (and the most overlooked) factor affecting flower vase life is water quality. Flowers are composed of more than 90 percent water! Water is needed to carry dissolved nutrients through the network of tiny vessels, up the stem and leaves, to the flower. Water keeps the flower firm, freash, and alive after it has been separated from its mother plant. Cut flowers need clean, pure water. |
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Hygiene: |
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Clean water, environment, and tools help prevent the growth of stem-clogging disease-causing organisms that inhibit flower life. Bacteria, fungi and plant debris in vase water can block the flower stems and prevent water uptake. As bacteria and fungi can grow very rapidly in vase water, you should use a biocide (found in most floral food/ preservatives) to help control the growth of bacteria and fungi. |
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Cleanliness (Healthy Environment): |
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Flowers need air to support life-giving processes. Air must be clean and fresh because pollutants, including gases such as ethylene, can inhibit life and cause damage. |
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Food (Floral Preservatives & Treatments) |
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Flowers need an energy source (food) to carry on life-giving processes. When cut from the mother plant, a flower loses its source of nourishment; therefore, food must be provided. There are three primary ingredients in Commercial Floral Food/ Preservatives which work in harmony to extend the vase life of cut flowers. The primary ingredients include a sugar which provides nourishment for the cut flowers, a biocide which inhibits the growth of fungi and bacteria, and an acidifier, which lowers the pH of the water. A solution of water and commercial floral food/ preservative in proper concentration can dramatically increase the vase life and the quality of nearly all cut flowers, |
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For more information to help you to condition and care for your flowers for the greatest vase life, quality and beauty, join Pretty Petals Club and click Flower Care & Handling and Flower Library. |
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