Whether you've been given a bouquet by someone very special or you're a newbie to gardening and have just made new beds, wikiHow has your back! Flowers are a beautiful reminder of all the colors and happiness in our lives. If you want to enjoy flowers longer, start with Step 1 below or take a look at the sections listed above for more specific help.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Flowers in a Vase or Cut Flowers
Step 1. Change the water regularly
One of the causes of cut flowers wilting quickly is bacteria in the water. The most basic thing you can do to make cut flowers last longer is to change the water in the vase every day. Use lukewarm water.
Step 2. Perform water treatment
You can also treat the water to prevent bacterial growth. Putting two tablespoons of sugar, apple cider vinegar, or even a coin in the bottom of a vase can keep flowers looking fresh for longer. A little bleach also works great for controlling bacterial growth, as mentioned earlier, as well as keeping the water clean.
Step 3. Watch out for flower stalks
Each type of flower has a different stem, and each type of stem requires different handling to keep the flowers looking fresh. The most basic way to deal with stalks is to trim the ends a little each day, which is when you change the water. Cut the ends of the stalks at a 45° angle. In addition, you may also need to:
- Split the base of the stem (approximately 2.5 cm) for flowers with woody stems, such as lilacs. This will help the stalk to absorb more water.
- Burning flower stalks that secrete milky white sap, like the kastuba (poinsettia) flower. The sap will damage other flowers in a bouquet. Daffodil flowers (narcissus) also produce a similar sap, but in this type of flower stalk burning does not react well. Therefore, avoid using daffodils for mixed flower bouquets.
- Fills hollow flower stalks, like dahlias. Fill the flower stalk with water, plug the hole with your finger, then immerse it in the water. This will keep the cut flowers standing upright and looking fresh.
Step 4. Watch the temperature
If the place where you put the vase is too hot or too cold, the cut flowers will wilt faster. Move the vase to a nicer location, which has a normal temperature.
However, some types of flowers react better in warmer temperatures. If you have tropical flowers, such as the Bird of Paradise (Bird of Paradise), consider a warmer location
Step 5. Remove excess leaves
Remove leaves, flowers, and twigs that have the potential to fall below the water's surface. Leaves, flowers, and twigs submerged in water will encourage bacterial growth.
Step 6. Separate the flowers if needed
After the flowers are completely withered, immediately remove / cut and remove from the vase. This will help protect the plant so you don't have to waste a lot of energy caring for it.
Step 7. Use the right equipment
Do not use household shears to cut plants. The shears are meant for cutting paper, and can impair the plant's ability to absorb water. Use tools intended for flowers and plants, and make sure they are sharp.
Step 8. Use preservatives
You can also add preservatives to the water, which will provide some of the nutrients that are lost after the flowers are cut. These preservatives will significantly increase the life span of cut flowers.
Method 2 of 3: Flowers in Pots
Step 1. Use the best pot
You need to use a large enough pot with good drainage. You may also want to consider a pot made of plastic or resin, as neither of these materials will absorb the water that the plant should absorb.
Step 2. Use suitable soil
Compared to garden plants, potted plants require fertile soil that contains more nutrients, as they do not benefit from circulating water as common garden plants do. Use high-quality potting media and combine it with some mulch or compost.
Step 3. Watch for pests and fungi
Like garden plants, potted plants also tend to be susceptible to pests and fungi. Even more so, because potted plants are less able to keep up with the natural environment. If you have a pest problem, fix it immediately before the flowers you plant are negatively affected.
Step 4. Provide sunlight as needed
Each type of flower requires sunlight at least close to its ideal needs. Plan carefully where you will place the pot so that the plant gets the right amount of sunlight. When placing potted plants, keep in mind that you have to take care of the angle, time, and direction of the sun's rays. So, don't just put flowers that really need sunlight in front of any window without consideration.
Step 5. Apply some fertilizer
If the plant doesn't seem to be growing the way you want it to, apply the right fertilizer for that particular part of the plant. Come to your local nursery, for advice on good fertilizer products.
Step 6. Remove wilted flowers to encourage more flowers to grow
When flowers start to wilt or when they grow where they shouldn't (such as under plant debris), you can trigger more healthy flowers to appear. You do this by picking / cutting flowers that you don't want.
Step 7. Maintain regular watering
Water the flowers properly and regularly. Environmental temperature, natural rainfall, soil type, and also the type of plant all play a role in determining how much water a flower will need.
Step 8. If necessary, increase the size of the pot
Every now and then, check your plant to see if it needs a bigger pot. Rotate the pot and pay attention to the drainage holes. If a lot of plant roots are sticking out of the hole, you need a bigger pot.
Method 3 of 3: Flowers in Bed
Step 1. Perform pest control
Flowers grown outside are highly favored by pests and other wildlife, for example roses are a favorite of deer. Take care of your flower plants, or build a movable greenhouse to protect them and thrive.
Step 2. Protect the plant from the sun
Some types of flowers require full sun, while others tend to prefer partial, or even full, shade. Make the most of your home to meet those needs. Use the side of the house that gets lots of sun for growing sun-loving flowers and the shaded side for plants that need shade.
Step 3. Weeds, weeds, weeds
Weeds will take food sources from plants and prevent them from achieving perfect growth. In general you know that. However, what you may not be doing is actually staying alert. It's best if you can weed the weeds daily or every other day. Don't just occasionally pluck a weed or two which is really bad. Try to pull out all the weeds.
Step 4. Pick wilted and budding flowers, and do pruning
Pick and remove flowers when they start to wilt, remove excess flower buds before they start blooming, and cut off dead or overgrown branches. This will make the plant's growth focus only on the flowers you want.
Step 5. Carefully planting and grafting
You need to save the plant from various risks related to cold weather. Do planting or grafting, when the weather is not too cold or too hot. Plants break easily and often can't cope with the shock of the weather!
Step 6. Know when to prune the plant
Some plants will flower better if you prune or trim their leaves/twigs at certain times of the year. For example, trees and shrubs that flower in summer will benefit if pruning is done in winter. Therefore, look for information about the ins and outs of the plants you are growing.
Step 7. Pay attention to the soil conditions
Plant the flower in good, suitable soil that contains plenty of nutrient-providing compost, mulch to store water, and room to grow. You also need to pay attention to the pH. Look for information, what kind of soil is recommended for the flowers you want to plant, then adjust the soil you have.
Step 8. Combine low maintenance and intensive care flowers in one area
If you have a garden that demands intensive care then none of the special flowers you plant will get the attention they really need. So, combine flowers that don't require much attention with flowers that require more care, to ensure that all the flowers you plant grow to their full potential.
Step 9. Water the flowers regularly
Every flower needs proper watering. Do not over-water, as the flowers may rot. Also, don't be deprived, because flowers that don't get enough water will wither and die. You must know the exact demands of each type of flower.
