Long-lasting blooms

Freshly cut flowers are very charming & pretty but they also have a very short lifespan. Here's some tips of what u can do to help them last a few days longer:

i)   Use a glass vase - Metal vases may alter the pH of the water making it unsuitable for the flowers. And to keep bacteria at bay, clean the vase with a mixture of hot water & a few drops of antibacterial soap then rinse well.

ii)  Prepare plant food - It can double the life of your blooms. Mix 1 part of Sprite or 7-Up, 3 parts of water and a quarter teaspoon of bleach 2 help nourish the flower.
                                  
iii) Cut them underwater - Remove 1 to 2 inches of the stem under water to prevent air bubbles that can block water flow to flowers.


iv)  No fan or sunlight - It's a big no-no to place flowers in direct sunlight but it's also not a good idea to place them directly under the fan as this will make the flowers dry up faster.

v)   Remove the dead - Some of the flowers will wither earlier and u'll need to remove them immediately. They emit ethylene gas that will cause the other blooms to wilt faster.
 

Source : Cleo, May 2010