Home decor · 꽃·식물

Keep cut flowers fresh: six vase-care steps from the RHS

Learn how a clean vase, submerged-leaf removal, fresh stem cuts and regular water changes help cut flowers last.

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Wikimedia Commons · Rept0n1x / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (unmodified original). · CC BY-SA 3.0 ↗

Cut flowers need attention to water quality, stem condition and room temperature after arranging. These six household steps summarize the Royal Horticultural Society's conditioning advice; individual species may need special treatment.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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1. Wash the vase before use. Remove old plant debris and residues with detergent, then rinse thoroughly.
2. Remove leaves that would sit below the waterline. Submerged foliage can decay and foul the water.
3. Re-cut the lower ends of stems with clean, sharp secateurs or a knife. Avoid crushing stems and handle blades carefully.
4. Place flowers in clean water. If using commercial cut-flower food, follow the label; do not improvise household chemical mixtures.
5. Check the water level every couple of days. Replace the water and trim stem ends again every two to four days, sooner if cloudy or smelly.
6. Put the vase in a relatively cool spot away from radiators and strong heat, and remove dying blooms. Keep plants and vase water beyond the reach of young children and pets.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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