How to Store the Flower Bouquets Received by Kangar and How Much Water Should be Added?

Flower bouquets are a wonderful gift, and when you receive a bouquet as Kangar does, it's important to know how to store them properly to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Here are some essential steps and guidelines on storing these flower bouquets and determining the right amount of water.

Pre - treatment of Flower Bouquets

Before storing the flower bouquet, start by preparing it. First, carefully remove any leaves that will be submerged in the water. These leaves can decay in water, promoting the growth of bacteria that may harm the flowers. Next, use a sharp, clean knife or pruning shears to make a fresh cut at the bottom of each stem. A diagonal cut increases the surface area for water absorption, allowing the flowers to take in more water and nutrients. This step is crucial as it helps the flowers stay hydrated and fresh.

Choosing the Right Vase

Selecting an appropriate vase is vital. The vase should be clean to prevent the growth of bacteria. It should also be tall enough to support the stems and wide enough to hold the bouquet comfortably without overcrowding. Glass or ceramic vases are good options as they are easy to clean and do not react with the water or the flowers.

Adding the Right Amount of Water

The amount of water to add depends on the type of flowers in the bouquet. For most common flower types, like roses, lilies, and carnations, fill the vase about two - thirds full. These flowers have relatively thick stems that can absorb a fair amount of water. However, if the bouquet contains delicate flowers such as tulips or daffodils, you can fill the vase about half - full. These flowers are more sensitive and may not need as much water. Another way to determine the water level is to make sure that at least two to three inches of the stems are submerged in the water. This ensures that the flowers can draw up enough moisture to stay fresh.

Storing the Flower Bouquet

Once the flowers are in the vase with the right amount of water, it's time to find the right storage location. Keep the bouquet away from direct sunlight, as warm temperatures and sunlight can cause the flowers to wilt more quickly. A cool, shaded area, such as a side table in a room away from windows, is ideal. Also, keep the flowers away from sources of heat, like radiators or heaters, and from fruits. Fruits release ethylene gas, which can cause the flowers to age faster and may make them wilt prematurely.

Change the water in the vase every two days. This helps to keep the water clean and free of bacteria. When changing the water, make another fresh cut at the bottom of the stems to allow for better water absorption.

FAQs

Question 1: Can I use tap water directly in the vase?

Answer: Tap water can be used, but it's better to let it sit for a few hours to allow chlorine to evaporate. Chlorine can be harmful to the flowers. You can also use filtered water if available.

Question 2: How do I know if I added too much water?

Answer: If you notice that the water starts to smell bad quickly, or if there is excessive mold growth on the stems, it may be a sign that you added too much water. In such cases, change the water, cut the stems again, and reduce the water level.

Question 3: What if I don't have a suitable vase? Can I use other containers?

Answer: Yes, you can use other clean containers like a jar or a pitcher as long as they can hold the water and support the stems. Just make sure to clean them thoroughly before use.

Question 4: Do different colored flowers have different water requirements?

Answer: Generally, it's the type of flower rather than the color that determines the water requirement. However, some varieties within a flower type may have slightly different needs, so it's always a good idea to research the specific flowers in the bouquet.