Fresh water for flowers - how often to change?
Have you been given a stunning bouquet for a special occasion? Or maybe you managed to pick some glorious flowers during your latest walk? No matter where the blooms come from, you probably want to keep them for as long as you can. Of course, looking fresh all the time. So how often to change water for flowers to maintain their beauty? Let's find out!
How often do you change water for flowers?
Everyone knows that fresh water is essential for blooms, and it prevents them from drying out and wilting suddenly. But how often should you change the water for flowers? A rule of thumb says it should be done about every 2 or 3 days, or even more frequently in the summer or if you happen to live in a climate with high temperatures and dry air. Of course, before you even place the flowers in water for the first time, you should find a suitable container, most likely a vase. Be sure to wash it with hot water and dishwasher soap to get rid of any remaining bacteria. Then leave it to dry naturally, don't use a towel. When the vase is ready, you can fill it with fresh water and set it aside so the air bubbles have time to escape, and the liquid can reach room temperature. When you're putting in the flowers, pay attention so no leaves or foliage is placed below the waterline, as it might produce bacteria and quickly rot.
The do's and don'ts of changing water
Why should you change the water every 2 or 3 days? For one, flowers drink a lot of water and can quickly suck up a good portion of what's already in the vase. Plus, changing it prevents bacteria from building up in the stems and producing a quite distinctive rotten smell. Of course, remember to change the water in its entirety, don't just add it to the vase, as it may already be filled with bacteria that speed up the decomposition process. So, empty the whole container and then pour in some fresh water. Before you place the flowers again in the vase, take a few moments to cut at least a half inch of their stems. Make your cuts at a 45-degree angle to create a large absorption surface. It will help you to reveal fresh tissue, which can soak the water much more effectively, prolonging the lifespan of the flowers at the same time. Repeat this process every time you prepare fresh water for flowers.
Extra help for your flowers
Do you change the water for flowers like you're supposed to, but you still want to use extra tricks to boost the lifespan of the blooms? Well, there are some things you may want to try out! For example, you can add a flower food sachet to the water, which contains:
- acid for maintaining the water pH levels,
- sugar for feeding the flowers,
- bleach for reducing bacteria and fungi.
And what tricks do you use to prolong the lifespan of your bouquets?
Read also: How long do flowers last without water?
