Christmas bouquet care for long-lasting blooms
For most of us, Christmas is a particularly busy day, as are the days (or even weeks) leading up to the holidays. With so much to do, from decorating, to cooking, to cleaning and all the other things to make this occasion extra special. When it comes to buying flowers, it is not always easy or even possible to go to the local florist. Even if you do, they may not have everything you need in stock. The best thing you can do is order your Christmas bouquet in advance from your online florist or even your local florist. That way, you know you’ll get what you want for the holidays. Of course, florists probably won’t be open on Christmas Day, and some may not even be open on Christmas Eve. If you’re worried about keeping your fresh flowers intact until the holiday season is over, here are some simple tips to keep them in the best shape possible:
Step 1:
If you order cut flowers that are already arranged in a vase, you will need to remove them from the vase and cut each stem. Don’t forget to cut the stems at an angle to create a larger surface area for absorption. If your Christmas bouquet can absorb plenty of water and nutrients, they will last longer. Furthermore, if you cut the stems straight and not at an angle, they could end up at the bottom of the vase, limiting absorption.
Step 2:
Be sure to remove any leaves that may be below the water line in the vase. The less plant material there is in the water, the better. This is because bacteria grow on plant surfaces and water creates the perfect environment.
Step 3:
As far as bacteria growth goes, it’s best to add just enough water to cover the bottom of the flower stems. The bacteria attach to any plant material below the water line, so less water means limiting their growing surface area. Just make sure the bottoms of the stems stay submerged. You should also use water at room temperature and remember that tap water in the winter months is quite cold. Putting your Christmas bouquet in such cold water can cause them to go into shock, so be sure to warm the water a bit before putting them in.
Step 4:
Before placing the Christmas bouquet in the vase, you need to add a flower preservative. In most cases, when you receive a flower delivery, the florist will include a package of preserved flowers. These preservatives include nutrients for the flowers and also contain several ingredients that help curb the growth of bacteria. Remember to always follow the instructions on the packaging. Adding too much preservative can do more harm than good. On the other hand, if you don’t add enough, you won’t get the desired effect.
Step 5:
When displaying your arrangement, be sure to keep it away from fireplaces, stoves and areas where it could be affected by drafts. Extreme heat and wind can cause a lot of damage to your Christmas bouquet, so be sure to protect them from these elements. You should also keep in mind that your windows are especially cold in the winter, and you should not allow flowers or foliage to come into direct contact with the cold glass.
Step 6:
Remember to change the water in the vase periodically, and when you do, you will also need to add more flower preservative. Flower preservatives help slow the growth of bacteria, but cannot completely prevent it. That’s why you’ll need to change the water, clean the vase, and trim the flowers every few days. Bacteria like to make the base of flower stems their home and, by doing so, hinder absorption. That’s why it’s so important to cut the stems and create a clean, fresh surface for absorption.
Anyone who lives in the Southern Hemisphere will be lucky enough to celebrate Christmas during the warmer months of the year. In this case, you should keep the Christmas bouquet cool and out of direct sunlight and follow the steps mentioned above for best results. If you have a foam flower arrangement, it is difficult to remove each stem, cut it, and replace it. However, you can still add room temperature water with floral preservatives mixed in. The floral foam must always be kept moist.