6 easy ways to keep fresh cut flowers for longer

It is always pleasant to receive flowers as a gift on March 8 (and not only). Unfortunately, most fresh flowers don't last very long, and this can be a big bummer when your flowers start to lose their beauty after just a few days.

With this in mind, we consulted with the staff of the Smart Flowers company. Their flower arrangements can be viewed and ordered here. They have put together some of the best tips for us to help you extend the life of your fresh bouquets.

6 PHOTOS

1. Place flowers in a large, clean container.

Always use a clean container. This trick will reduce the risk of bacteria and other microorganisms growing and infesting flowers. To prevent flower stems from squeezing too tightly, choose vases with wide necks.

2. Use warm water.

Just place your bouquet in warm water or room temperature water. Freshly cut flowers readily absorb warm water than cold water.

3. Remove the bottom leaves.

For fresh cut flowers to last longer, remove any leaves that are below the waterline. Leaves submerged in water can rot very quickly, providing food for bacteria that can infect and damage the rest of the plant.

4. Change the water.

To keep your flowers fresh, replace the water every day. And don't forget to remove all debris from the vase before adding fresh water. This will reduce the risk of infection. You can also add a few aspirin tablets to a vase filled with water to keep the water clean and free of color-damaging bacteria.

5. Trim the stems at an angle.

Remember to trim off the ends of the stems regularly. Use a sharp knife and cut the stems at a 45º angle. This simple procedure will increase the flower's ability to absorb water. It is also advisable to trim the stems of store-bought flowers just before placing them in the water.

6. Keep flowers out of direct sunlight, heaters, and fruits.

Find a place for your flowers that is not in direct sunlight or close to heat sources, as this can stress the plants. You should also avoid placing cut flowers near a bowl of fruit as they release small amounts of ethylene, a gas that can cause flowers to break down quickly.