Whether you've just gotten a bouquet from someone very special or are just new to gardening and just planted some new seeds in a bed, wikiHow is here for you! The flowers are a beautiful reminder of all colors and happiness in our life. If you want to enjoy the flowers for longer, start with the first step below or see the sections listed for more specific help.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Potted or Cut Flowers
Step 1. Change the water regularly
One of the things that causes flowers to wilt quickly is the bacteria in the water. The most basic thing you can do to preserve cut flowers is to change the water every day. Use lukewarm water.
Step 2. Treat the water
You can also treat the water to inhibit the growth of bacteria. Two tablespoons of sugar, apple cider vinegar, or even a penny at the bottom of the vase can keep your flowers looking fresh for longer.
Step 3. Care for the stems
Different types of flowers have different types of stems, and different types of stems need different treatments to keep the flower looking fresh. The most basic way to treat a stem is to cut the ends a little each day when you change the water, and cut them at a 45 ° angle, but you may also want to:
- Center the base of the stem for an inch in the case of woody stems such as lilies. It helps them absorb more water.
- It burns the stems of milky-stemmed flowers like poinsettias. This milk damages the other flowers in the bouquet. Asphodels also produce this milk, but drying the stems doesn't work on asphodels so avoid using them in mixed bouquets.
- Fill the stems of hollow-stemmed flowers, such as dahlias. Fill the stems with water, plug the hole with your finger, and then submerge them. It will help them stay straight and cool.
Step 4. Keep an eye on the temperature
If it is too cold or too hot where you placed the flowers, they will wilt much faster. Move them to a good neutral temperature place.
Some flowers, however, do better in warmer temperatures. If you have tropical flowers, such as the Birds of Paradise, consider a warmer place
Step 5. Remove excess leaves
Remove any leaves, flowers, or branches that would fall below the surface of the water. - keeping them in water stimulates the growth of bacteria.
Step 6. Collect flowers as needed
Once the flowers begin to wilt a lot, pinch them away. It will prevent the plant from wasting energy trying to maintain it.
Step 7. Use the right tools
Do not use homemade scissors to cut plants. They are designed for cutting paper and can damage the plant's ability to absorb water. Use tools that are made for plants and flowers and make sure they are sharp.
Step 8. Use preservatives
You can also add preservatives to the water, such as Floral life, and these will help give your flowers the nutrients they lack after they are cut. This will significantly increase the life of your cut flowers.
Method 2 of 3: Planted Flowers in Pots
Step 1. Use the best pot possible
You will need to use a large enough pot with good drainage. You may also want to consider pots made of plastic or resin, so they don't absorb water that would go to the plant.
Step 2. Use the appropriate soil
Potted plants need richer potting soil than garden plants, because they don't receive the benefit of water circulation like regular plants. Use high-quality potting soil and combine it with potting soil or compost.
Step 3. Be on your guard for pests and molds
Potted plants, as well as garden plants, are prone to pests and mold. Even more so because they lack the natural environmental counterbalances. If your soil develops mold, remove the top layer of potting soil and replace it. If you find yourself having a problem with any pests, take care of them right away before your flowers suffer the negative effects.
Step 4. Give the flowers the right amount of sunshine
Different types of flowers need more or less sun. Plan carefully where you want to place your vases so that the flowers get the right amount. You will need to keep in mind the angle of the light, time of day and direction of the sun's rays when placing the vase (do not place a sun-hungry flower in front of any window).
Step 5. Add fertilizer
If the plant doesn't seem to be taking the way you want it to, introduce a fertilizer that's appropriate for that particular plant. Consult your local nursery to choose a good product.
Step 6. Cut off dead buds to grow new ones
When the buds wilt or just grow where they shouldn't (like at the base of the plant) you can stimulate the growth of other, healthier buds by pinching out the ones you don't want.
Step 7. Maintain a good watering routine
Water properly and regularly. Ambient temperature, exposure to natural rain, soil type and plant type all play a part in influencing the amount of water you will need to give your flowers.
Step 8. Enlarge the vase if necessary
Check your plant from time to time to see if it needs a bigger vao. Turn it over and look at the drainage holes. If a lot of roots are growing out, you need a bigger pot.
Method 3 of 3: Flowers in the Garden
Step 1. Check for parasites
Outdoor flowers are preferred by insects and other wildlife (roses are like deer creme brulee). Treat your flowers or build a removable greenhouse for them to keep them safe and grow happy.
Step 2. Protect them from the sun
Some flowers require a lot of sun, others prefer partial or even full shade. Make your home provide these things - use the sunny side for sun-needing flowers and the shade side for those who prefer shady places.
Step 3. Weeds, weeds, weeds
Weeds will steal resources from your flowers and prevent them from reaching their full potential. Generally, you know. But what you may not be doing is being really alert. If you can weed every day or once every two days, that's better. Don't just occasionally remove one or two really bad ones. Try to get them all.
Step 4. Cut the dead flowers and buds, and prune the branches
Remove any buds that are beginning to wilt, any excess flowers before they begin to bloom, and cut off any dead or overgrown branches. It will help your plant focus on the buds you want to develop.
Step 5. Carefully plan plantings and transplants
You want to save your plants from the risks associated with frost. Carefully plan plantings and transplants so that it is neither too cold nor too hot. Plants are delicate and often can't take the shock!
Step 6. Know when to prune plants
Some plants bloom better if you prune or cut them a little at specific times of the year. For example, trees that bloom in the summer benefit when pruned in the winter. Look for the specifics for the types of plants you have.
Step 7. Keep an eye on your terrain
Plant the flowers in good suitable soil, with plenty of compost to feed them, potting soil to hold water, and room to grow. You will also want to pay attention to the pH. Check what is recommended for the flowers you want to grow and adjust the soil as you need to.
Step 8. Mix high and low maintenance flowers
If you have an entire garden that requires constant careful maintenance, none of your special buds will get the attention they really need. Also mix some flowers that you don't need to care for as much with those that need more care to make sure they all reach their full potential.
Step 9. Water the flowers regularly
It is important to balance the water supply well - do not overwater the flowers or they may rot. Don't water them too little or they may not hydrate enough, wither and die. It is very important to know the needs of your type of flowers.
