As wintry weather makes it difficult to enjoy the natural world, indoor floral arrangements are even more appreciated, especially around the holidays. After all, who doesn’t want to decorate their dining room table with a seasonally inspired bouquet?
However, your fragrant flowers may fade faster than expected, especially when you factor in chilly drafts and dry indoor air. Suddenly, your carefully crafted centerpiece has wilted long before New Year’s.
But there are many ways you can extend the life of your flowers to make holiday floral arrangements last longer. Let’s look at some strategies to help you maximize the life of your blooms.
Tips for extending the life of your holiday floral arrangements
1. Keep things moisturized with a mister
I know you’re keeping your flower vase filled with water, but it’s also essential to keep the flower petals and leaves hydrated. I recommend misting your arrangement with a spray bottle whenever it seems a little tired. This is particularly helpful for delicate blooms like hydrangeas.
2. Consider location carefully
Where you put your floral arrangement will impact its lifespan. Keep your blooms away from heating vents, direct sunlight, open windows, and even fruit (it releases ethylene gas that can cause them to deteriorate faster).
The best place for fresh cut flowers? A slightly chilly room without strong airflow, which could cause them to dehydrate faster.
3. Change the vase water twice a week
One of the fastest ways to ruin is a bouquet is to encourage the growth of mold and rot. Keep things clean by removing any leaves that fall into the vase and changing out the water every three days. This will prevent undesirable microbes from getting established.
4. Add in…vodka?
Yes, your floral arrangement wants in on the holiday cheer this year. Give your blooms a taste of happy hour by adding a few drops of vodka, or another clear alcohol, to the water in the vase. This slows down ethylene gas production, which leads to fewer wilting flowers.
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