The beauty of flowers is always short-lived, but through proper maintenance, they can be kept in full bloom for a longer time and even become eternal works of art.

The process of maintaining flowers is not as simple as putting them in water. It requires us to know some tips. From trimming the leaves of the flowers and processing the stems to managing the vase’s water quality, there are many details involved.

By using proper maintenance methods, flowers can not only retain their beauty for longer but also reflect our appreciation and care for the beauty of nature.

First, when you receive flowers, the first thing to do is trim off the extra leaves and buds. After flowers leave the soil, they can no longer absorb nutrients from their roots. The stems become the only channel for water transportation.

Too many leaves can disperse the water absorbed by the stems, and unopened buds will compete for nutrients with the blooming flowers. Properly removing these excess parts helps concentrate nutrients on the flowers.

Additionally, if you notice damaged petals, you can also remove them, which will make the entire bouquet look more beautiful and help preserve it better.

After trimming the leaves, the next step is to deal with the ends of the flower stems. Using professional floral scissors, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to increase the surface area for water absorption, allowing the flowers to absorb water more effectively.

When cutting, it’s also essential to clean and disinfect the scissors. Ordinary scissors may damage the stems or introduce bacteria, which can affect the flowers’ ability to take up water. Ideally, use floral scissors. After cutting, place the flowers in a vase filled with cold water.

The water should be at a moderate level, ensuring the leaves aren’t submerged. Long-term soaking of leaves in water can lead to bacterial growth, which will deteriorate the water quality and shorten the flowers' lifespan.

Another useful method in caring for flowers is the "reverse water method." This method works best for flowers with tougher petals, such as lilies and carnations. By turning the entire bouquet upside down and allowing water to flow back from the bottom of the stems into the flowers, water can be quickly replenished.

However, caution is needed when using this method with flowers that have fragile petals, such as roses and tulips, or in humid conditions. In these cases, the reverse water method may cause petal damage or even mold growth. Therefore, it should be used selectively based on the flower type and environmental conditions.

Frequent water changes are also an important part of flower care. During summer, high temperatures can cause water in the vase to deteriorate quickly. It’s recommended to change the water every one to two days.

In winter, when the temperature is lower, you can change the water every three to four days. However, the best practice is to change the water daily to ensure the flowers are absorbing clean water. When changing the water, check for any odor or turbidity.

If you notice these signs, replace the water immediately to keep it clean. You can also add flower preservatives to the water to extend the blooming period, as they can supplement nutrients.

If you prefer not to buy commercial preservatives, you can make simple homemade preservatives. For instance, you can add a small amount of lemon juice, sugar, and diluted bleach to the vase.

Lemon juice helps regulate the water's pH, sugar provides the flowers with energy, and bleach keeps the water clean. However, be careful with the quantities. Using too much can harm the flowers, prevent water absorption, and cause the stems to rot.

For those who want to preserve the beauty of flowers even longer, drying them is another option. Dried flowers can maintain their original shape and offer a unique decorative beauty.

The most common method for making dried flowers is air drying. Simply hang the bouquet upside down in a cool, well-ventilated area and let the flowers dry naturally.

Caring for flowers requires patience and attention to detail, but these methods allow us to enjoy their beauty for longer. Whether it’s daily tasks like changing water and trimming or experimenting with making dried flowers, each step brings us closer to nature and allows us to experience the delicate and transient nature of flowers.