Your perpetually forgetful, rarely gift-giving partner just presented you with a gorgeous bouquet of fresh-cut flowers for your birthday. Once you regain consciousness, you begin frantically looking for ways to freeze the moment. Should you shellac the blossoms? Place them in a bath of apple cider vinegar? Or strap them to your body so you can enjoy their presence every minute of the day? Turns out there’s a much easier way to keep your birthday buds fresher longer. Much like real estate, it boils down to location, location, location. Fresh floral arrangements will survive longer if you display them in a spot away from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and smoke.
Don’t overthink it. A degree in horticulture isn’t needed to keep your cut flowers fresh longer. In fact, many of the basic rules are rooted in common sense. For starters, you don’t want to arrange your bouquet in a dirty container. A vase washed in hot, soapy water will stave off mold and mildew that can shorten the life of your precious buds. Likewise, your flowers will need a fresh drink of water every day or two in order to stay hydrated and prevent bacteria buildup. In addition, you can improve your blooms’ ability to absorb water — and thereby increase their longevity — if you remove lower leaves and trim the stems at a 45-degree angle. Once you do so, the future of your fresh flowers hinges on finding the perfect spot to show them off.
Keep fresh-cut flowers away from heat and smoke
No question you want to exhibit the flowers of your fresh bouquet in an area where you can see and appreciate them around the clock. However, if you don’t want to compromise their life span, it’s critical to be strategic with your placement. Take a cue from professionals. There’s a reason florists display fresh blooms in refrigerated cases: freshly cut flowers last longer in cool places. Consequently, avoid placing blossoms near heat sources, such as vents, radiators, stoves, microwave ovens, or fireplaces. In addition, don’t display buds in an area that’s regularly flooded with direct sunlight. Both create hostile environments for fresh-cut flowers as excessive light and high temperatures accelerate fading, wilting, and bacteria growth. A better option is to place floral arrangements in cool, shady areas of your home like a hallway. This easily accessible, high-traffic location provides a hospitable climate while still allowing maximum viewing of your stunning floral centerpiece.
Your kitchen may be the heart of your home and where you spend the most time. Unfortunately, if you’re considering placing your fresh bouquet on a counter there, you may be hastening its demise. Not only is the kitchen a haven for heat-generating appliances, but it’s also a spot where flowers have a high likelihood of being exposed to ethylene. The gas is a by-product of fresh fruit and is also found in cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes. Placing your blooms around any of these elements will cause them to age faster and wilt quicker.
