Now that you’ve got your arrangement in place, you’re onto the maintenance side of the process. Petals and leaves, either dead or alive, in your vase can be toxic for your surviving flowers, so be sure to remove those from the vase if you see them. This will prevent the spread of harmful bacteria among the rest of your still-healthy flowers. Don’t forget to also take a look at the flower and petals themselves. If you see one that looks like little dry, don’t be afraid to gently remove it! Not only will your arrangement look better with some grooming, but it’ll also allow all the resources to go to the rest of the healthy parts.
Next up in your caretaking, continue to cut the stems every two to three days. Think of this as you would a healing cut - once it heals and scabs up, nothing can get into it. Similarly, when the stem closes up, it can’t get as much water as it needs. Speaking of water, make sure to change that out often. Change the water in your vase every two to three days or when the water no longer appears clear. The first few days are the most crucial to keep an eye on your arrangement because fresh-cut flowers are extra thirsty, and they can take up a lot of water quickly. Never let your vase run dry, or your plant babies will suffer.
Valentine’s Day is such a special holiday, regardless of whether you’re celebrating with a special someone, your family, or you’re enjoying the love of your friends. Flowers are a treat to give and to receive, and with the proper care, they can last upwards of 10 days. Keep in mind that some flowers do last a bit longer than others. Zinnias, carnations, chrysanthemums, and baby’s breath have been known to last two to three weeks or more, while alstroemeria usually lasts up to two weeks once they’re cut. You may sacrifice longevity for beauty, but there are a variety of flowers that will last into March if treated properly. Lastly, don’t forget that some plant care happens before purchase, so it’s all your responsibility! Other factors like how long ago the flowers were cut before you received them, how long they were kept at the florist’s shop or in a store, and what temperature they were kept at can all contribute to how long they last. With that, go forth and gift some beautiful blooms to your loved ones. Happy Valentine’s Day!