Bacteria left from previous arrangements can clog the stems' water-conducting vessels and shorten their vase life
Start with a clean vase !
Give the stems a fresh cut...
Cut 1-2 cm off each stem diagonally with clean, sharp scissors. The angled cut helps water uptake and prevents the stem from sitting flat against the vase bottom. Recut when changing the water.
Remove leaves below the waterline
Strip-off all leaves that would sit underwater. Submerged foliage decomposes and encourages bacterial growth
Change the water regularly!
Replace the water every 1–2 days, or sooner if it turns cloudy. Wash the vase and remove decaying stems and flowers.
Choose the right spot..
Keep flowers away from direct sunlight, heaters and ripening fruit. Apples and bananas release ethylene gas, which accelerates aging in many cut flowers.
Does flower food really work?
Yes. Commercial flower food contains sugar for energy, acidifiers for water uptake and antimicrobials to control bacteria. For a homemade alternative, mix 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in 1 litre of water.