Homemade Cut Flower Preservative
If you receive cut flowers in an arrangement or cut your own blossoms, retain the vibrancy of these plants with a homemade preservative. Commercial preservatives are available from a florist, but consider using a do-it-yourself recipe so that you do not have to purchase anything and have the convenience of quickly being able to obtain more if you need it. Making your own cut flower preservative requires only a few common household ingredients.
Wash a vase with hot water and soap to prepare it for the flowers and the homemade preservative. Do not use an unwashed vase as this encourages the growth of bacteria that will shorten the lifespan of your blossoms.
Fill the vase with a quart of lukewarm water and then pour in 1 tsp. of sugar, 1 tsp. of household bleach and 2 tsp. of lemon or lime juice. This combination of ingredients fights bacteria, aids in the flower cell metabolism and ensures that the plants continue to absorb water.
- If you receive cut flowers in an arrangement or cut your own blossoms, retain the vibrancy of these plants with a homemade preservative.
Monitor the water level inside the vase and add more water with the preservative mixture when needed.
Make A Homemade Floral Preservative
We all love getting a surprise delivery from the florist or bringing home beautiful fresh flowers from the market. They always come with a little powder packet that you add to the water in your vase to keep your flowers fresh. There's a simple, effective recipe for an all-natural homemade floral preservative. Clean the vase you are going to use. Wash it thoroughly in hot water with soap and rinse well. This will keep bacteria, dust and dirt out of the water and extend the life of your flowers. Mix 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of plain household bleach, 2 teaspoons of lemon or lime juice and a quart of lukewarm water. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. Remove the lower foliage that would be submerged in the water. Add the water preservative mixture to the vase and arrange your flowers in a pleasing fashion.
- Monitor the water level inside the vase and add more water with the preservative mixture when needed.
- They always come with a little powder packet that you add to the water in your vase to keep your flowers fresh.
Tip
Other options for homemade preservatives involve dropping an aspirin or a solid copper penny in the water.
Warning
Never use a pair of scissors or a dull knife to cut the flower stems because this can damage the plant in the process.
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References
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Tips
- Other options for homemade preservatives involve dropping an aspirin or a solid copper penny in the water.
Warnings
- Never use a pair of scissors or a dull knife to cut the flower stems because this can damage the plant in the process.
Writer Bio
Brandy Alexander has been writing professionally since 2001. She is a glass artist with a Web design and technical writing background. Alexander runs her own art-glass business and has been a contributor to "Glass Line Magazine" as well as various online publications.
