1. Test the freshness of roses
When you’re choosing a bouquet, look at the bottoms of the petals to see how many petals were previously removed from it. A fresh rose will only have one or two petals removed, and the more petals missing, the sooner it will wilt.
2. Most flowers do not have a scent
Your nose is perfectly fine - most decorative flowers simply have no scent. Growers prefer to breed flowers that are bigger and more resilient, as opposed to nice smelling flowers.
3. Don’t keep your flowers on a windowsill
Yes, they do look great in the sunlight, but the same light also speeds up the wilting process and the flowers will be gone in a day or two. Instead, keep the bouquet in a shady area.
4. Wash the vase after you use it
Don’t swap bouquets without washing the vase properly. The bacteria and fungi from the previous bouquet will hasten the decaying process and your new flowers will be dead in no time. For the best results, wash the vase with alcohol or bleach.
5. Fruits are your enemies
Keeping your bouquet next to a fruit bowl may look lovely, but it will also shorten the lifespan of your flowers. Fruit emits a gas called ethaline, which speeds up decay in plants.
6. Keep your flowers away from air conditioning
Flowers prefer a humid environment, and air conditioning dries up the air, shortening their lifespan.
7. Change the water
Still water is a nursery for bacteria, fungi and algae – all of which can speed up the decaying process. By changing the water on a daily basis, you will prolong the lifespan of the bouquet.
8. Don’t use scissors
Instead of snipping stems with scissors, work with a sharp knife without a serrated edge. A knife allows you to cut the stems diagonally. Cut the stems every 3-4 days.
9. Remove the leaves
You can use scissors to snip any leaves that come in contact with the water in the vase. Leaving the leaves in the water creates a perfect habitat for bacteria and fungi.
10. Don’t play with the flowers’ shape
Avoid breaking, bending or damaging the stems. The stem's shape is vital for the delivery of nutrients to the flowers. If you have a damaged flower, you will do well to remove it from the bouquet.
11. Don’t buy bouquets out on the street
These bouquets sit in the sun for long periods of time and are unlikely to be fresh. Go to your favorite florist and buy it from them to ensure your flowers are fresh.
12. No cold showers!
You don’t like them and neither do the flowers. When first putting the flowers in the vase, or when you change the water, make sure the water is lukewarm.
13. The “magical formula”
Instead of just using tap water, make a mixture of 4-parts water, 1-part Sprite (not diet) and add a couple of drops of bleach. Using distilled water is better than regular water.
In summary, here's what you need to remember:
• Wash the vase before use.
• Use a non-serrated knife to cut the stem diagonally every three days.
• Avoid bending or breaking the stems.
• Change the water daily.
• Use lukewarm water.
• Remove leaves that touch the water.
• Don’t leave the vase in direct sunlight, by an AC, or near a fruit bowl.
• Use the “magic formula”: Mix 4 parts water with 1 part Sprite, and add a few drops of bleach.
Brighten Up Your Garden with These 7 Beautiful Flowers
Brighten up your garden by adding some of the best and brightest flowers around!
10 Ideal Plants to Fill Up Empty Space in Your Garden
If your yard or garden has a lot of empty space, then why not add some evergreen ground cover plants to give it some extra character?
Expect to See Lots of Butterflies with These Flowers
Here are 15 flowers you should add to your outdoor space in the hope of seeing more beautiful butterflies.
Beautiful! The Color of a Rose Conveys a Special Message
Roses are the most well known and celebrated flower in the world. You may be surprised to discover the meaning of roses and their various colors.
10 Beneficial Insects Your Garden Needs Right Away
Keep pests at bay in your garden with this handy guide.
Your Herb Garden Will Flourish with These Helpful Tips!
The following six tips will help you grow an abundance of herbs round the year.
The Lotus Flower: Why This Beautiful Flower is Significant
The lotus flower is one of the world's most famous flowers, and it has many uses as well as deep cultural significance. Find out more about the lotus flower.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Dogs!
How much do you know about our furry friends?
How Well Do You Know Canada's 9 Wildest Animals?
Canada is home to some fascinating animals. Some are cuddly, some of dangerous, but all hold pride of place in the natural wonderland of Canada.
Are These the Coolest 70 Year Olds Ever?
These women have made their livelihoods by hunting sea snakes on the coast of their island.
These Dogs Are The Perfect Companions For Older Adults!
Everyone loves companionship, and for dog-lovers there's nothing more painful that wanting a furry friend and not having one. Age is no factor for pet-having, and these 20 dogs prove it!
Woman Captures Stunning Photos of Birds in Her Back Yard!
Although the weather and seasons in Germany and Michigan are quite similar, one woman realized that the birds are different. She took some great photos to prove this.
In Pictures: 2023 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards
Check out the majestic winners of the 2023 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards.
Have You Seen a Predator as Tiny and Adorable as This?
The Fennec Fox is the world’s smallest fox. Want to know more about this cute animal? Watch this video.
A Photo Guide to Beautiful Birds of Prey
A comprehensive photo-guide of common and rare birds of prey.
Dog History: How Humans’ Arch Enemy Became Our Best Friend
This is a brief, yet very eventful video about the history of our best friend, the dog.
The Most Amazing Facts About the Powerful Tiger!
If lions are kings, then tigers are emperors. Get to know the largest of all big cats with some very fascinating facts.
These Are Definitely the Oddest Couples I Could Imagine...
These strange couples destroy all my previous notions about animal relationships.
Wild Nature: Young Elephant Fends Off 14 Lions Unharmed
How an elephant convinces a group of lions that this is not an animal worth tangling with...
This Stunning Bird of Prey Video Will Leave You in Awe!
Be humbled by the extreme beauty of these birds of prey in their natural environment.
Wildlife Is Even More Beautiful In 4K Definition!
The wildlife in Myanmar is beautiful, and we're lucky enough to witness it being captured in 4K definition. Enjoy!
This Animal Is the Best Mimic in the World...
How intelligent and clever IS this animal??
The Internet's Burning Questions About Biology, Answered
Watch biologist Thor Hanson answer some fascinating questions about biology in this video.
These Are Some of the Luckiest Felines in the World Today
There are millions of animals around the world that are in need of a loving home, but these 17 cats represent heart-warming success stories. Meet them here.
These Rapid Blooming Flowers Will Brighten Your Day
This video of flowers blooming will brighten your day. So, go ahead, treat yourself to a few minutes of beauty and relaxation.
30 Reasons Owls are Beautiful...
Owls have beautiful eyes, they are great hunters and are highly intelligent. Here are 30 owls photos that prove they are stunning and elegant creatures.
Ever Seen Flowers as Gorgeous as These?
Nature really does create some extraordinary, colorful flowers. Check out a wide selection of them here!
The Most Incredible Animal Friendships!
in reality, animals can sometimes remind us of childhood stories and tv programs - sometimes the unlikely friendships are indeed made by animals, and here's the proof:
15 Mind-Blowing Facts About Our Feathered Friends
From your friendly neighborhood crow to some of the rarest bird species in the world, here are 15 fantastic facts about birds.
Photographer Captures Myriad Moods of Stunning Big Cats
Observing big cats from up close is rare. Here are some brilliant big cat portraits that take you real close to these magnificent animals.
This Horse Breed is One of the Most Royally Graceful...
These horses truly display the traits and gracefulness that have caused man to fall in love with this animal, so long ago.
Beautiful: How Your Dog Sees You Vs. How You See Yourself
Although we can feel down in the dumps about ourselves sometimes, our dogs will always keep their faith in us and see us as their heroes.
13 Incredible & Intricate Homes of Animal Architects
The amazing homes animals build for themselves are both mesmerizing and brilliant. Behold nature’s most amazing architects.
Witness The Magical World of Brazil’s Terra Ronca Cave
Treasures buried in the heart of the earth are not only silver and gold but also rare natural wonders. This is the Terra Runica Cave, enjoy your tour!
Humans Aren't the Only Devoted Parents...
Beautiful examples of the kind of parents you'll find in the animal kingdom.
You Have to See These 18 Hybrid Animals to Believe Them
I'd never even heard of a liger, a zonkey or a beefalo. But these pictures go to show that they actually exist - in real life!
9 Incredible Animals You Weren’t Taught about in School...
Lesser known animals from around the world that deserve more recognition
The Beauty That Resides Under the Sea: Award-Winning Pics
Check out the outstanding winners of the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2023.
15 Magical Animal Moments That’ll Make You Smile All Day!
Animals sometimes take on the role of "models" and provide photographers with the opportunity to capture wonderful moments of magic that simply warm our hearts.
INTERACTIVE: Click on the Flower to See Its Full Beauty
These interactive photos of flowers will allow you to see them in video with a click.
Imagine Sharing Living Space with These Watery Weirdos!
The ocean is an even greater unknown than outer space, and some of the life forms you find in it are incredibly bizarre. Take a look at these odd sea creatures.
Animal Kingdom: Meet the World’s Grumpiest Cat
Pallas’s cats are perhaps the most unusual wild cats of our planet.
There Are Exquisite, Colorful Trees Growing in Japan...
Japan is more than Japanese culture, it is also a land of unspeakable natural beauty as you can see in these beautiful photos of japan's nature.
I Can't Stop Laughing at These Cows Who Think They're Dogs
A cow probably isn't the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of man's best friend, but here are 16 photos which prove that they actually are!
WATCH: Crows Are a Lot Smarter Than You Imagine
I never thought birds could be this intelligent...
Expect to See Lots of Butterflies with These Flowers
Here are 15 flowers you should add to your outdoor space in the hope of seeing more beautiful butterflies.
This is One of the Most Fascinating Natural Phenomenon
Get ready to meet a whole lot of grunion fish, who are most famous for their spectacular land mating ritual.