1. Test the freshness of roses
When you’re choosing a bouquet, look at the bottoms of the petals to see how many petals were previously removed from it. A fresh rose will only have one or two petals removed, and the more petals missing, the sooner it will wilt.
2. Most flowers do not have a scent
Your nose is perfectly fine - most decorative flowers simply have no scent. Growers prefer to breed flowers that are bigger and more resilient, as opposed to nice smelling flowers.
3. Don’t keep your flowers on a windowsill
Yes, they do look great in the sunlight, but the same light also speeds up the wilting process and the flowers will be gone in a day or two. Instead, keep the bouquet in a shady area.
4. Wash the vase after you use it
Don’t swap bouquets without washing the vase properly. The bacteria and fungi from the previous bouquet will hasten the decaying process and your new flowers will be dead in no time. For the best results, wash the vase with alcohol or bleach.
5. Fruits are your enemies
Keeping your bouquet next to a fruit bowl may look lovely, but it will also shorten the lifespan of your flowers. Fruit emits a gas called ethaline, which speeds up decay in plants.
6. Keep your flowers away from air conditioning
Flowers prefer a humid environment, and air conditioning dries up the air, shortening their lifespan.
7. Change the water
Still water is a nursery for bacteria, fungi and algae – all of which can speed up the decaying process. By changing the water on a daily basis, you will prolong the lifespan of the bouquet.
8. Don’t use scissors
Instead of snipping stems with scissors, work with a sharp knife without a serrated edge. A knife allows you to cut the stems diagonally. Cut the stems every 3-4 days.
9. Remove the leaves
You can use scissors to snip any leaves that come in contact with the water in the vase. Leaving the leaves in the water creates a perfect habitat for bacteria and fungi.
10. Don’t play with the flowers’ shape
Avoid breaking, bending or damaging the stems. The stem's shape is vital for the delivery of nutrients to the flowers. If you have a damaged flower, you will do well to remove it from the bouquet.
11. Don’t buy bouquets out on the street
These bouquets sit in the sun for long periods of time and are unlikely to be fresh. Go to your favorite florist and buy it from them to ensure your flowers are fresh.
12. No cold showers!
You don’t like them and neither do the flowers. When first putting the flowers in the vase, or when you change the water, make sure the water is lukewarm.
13. The “magical formula”
Instead of just using tap water, make a mixture of 4-parts water, 1-part Sprite (not diet) and add a couple of drops of bleach. Using distilled water is better than regular water.
In summary, here's what you need to remember:
• Wash the vase before use.
• Use a non-serrated knife to cut the stem diagonally every three days.
• Avoid bending or breaking the stems.
• Change the water daily.
• Use lukewarm water.
• Remove leaves that touch the water.
• Don’t leave the vase in direct sunlight, by an AC, or near a fruit bowl.
• Use the “magic formula”: Mix 4 parts water with 1 part Sprite, and add a few drops of bleach.
Muscle Degeneration Starts with these 8 Early Symptoms!
Are you familiar with muscular dystrophy? Spot the early signs of this disease by being aware of these tips.
Take a Tour Of One of the Most Stunning Natural Islands
Take a look at what this marvelous island has to offer:
10 Beneficial Insects Your Garden Needs Right Away
Keep pests at bay in your garden with this handy guide.
Your Herb Garden Will Flourish with These Helpful Tips
The following six tips will help you grow an abundance of herbs round the year.
10 Ideal Plants to Fill Up Empty Space in Your Garden
If your yard or garden has a lot of empty space, then why not add some evergreen ground cover plants to give it some extra character?
8 Secret Herbs the Native Americans Used to Cure
Discover the plants the Native Americans used for curing just about any ailment.
The Most Beautiful Birds in the World Are in Costa Rica
The Jungles of Costa Rica are rich in beautiful animal life, none more beautiful than the many birds that call it home.
A Royal Beast: Celebrating the Beauty of the Horse
These stunning photos and beautiful quotes about horses made me remember how much I admire them.
Australia is the Land of the Most Bizarre Creatures!
Australia is the land of the most bizarre creatures!
15 of Bhutan's Most Riveting Animals Revealed!
From the clouded leopard to the Himalayan monal, discover the wonders of Bhutan's wildlife kingdom with us.
17 Heart-Melting Smiling Animals to Brighten Your Day
Smiles are contagious - that everyone knows, so look at these pictures of smiling animals and one will spread across your face in no time.
This Amusing Video Explains How Cats Land on Their Feet!
Have you ever wondered just how cats manage to safely land on their feet every time they fall or are dropped? Watch this video and wonder no more!
These Photos Appear To Have Been Taken In Another World...
Planet Earth is an incredible place - so incredible that we sometimes don't even recognise it. These locations could easily double up as alien planets.
The Most Incredible Animal Friendships!
in reality, animals can sometimes remind us of childhood stories and tv programs - sometimes the unlikely friendships are indeed made by animals, and here's the proof:
The Crystal Waters of Fiji Are Pure Underwater Heaven
There are few waters more beautiful than the crystal clear waters of Fiji.
These Amazing Nature Pics Will Leave You Speechless
Check out these unique and amazing nature photos from around the world.
I Never Thought Such Animals Existed. Wow.
Nature can be beautiful, but it can also be rather strange, especially when you see THESE animals. Most of them are endangered animals, living only in the smallest and most remote places on earth.
10 Amazing Facts of Nature that Are Too Weird to Believe
Bizarre natural phenomena, creatures, plants and minerals. Here are some amazing and interesting things courtesy of nature to astound you
The Lotus Flower: Why This Beautiful Flower is Significant
The lotus flower is one of the world's most famous flowers, and it has many uses as well as deep cultural significance. Find out more about the lotus flower.
Bird Watchers’ Paradise: 7 Stunning Bird Sanctuaries
If you love birds, then pack your bags and take a trip to these wondrous bird sanctuaries.
10 Horses That'll Astound You With Their Beauty
Man and horse have had a natural companionship for centuries. Here are 10 of the world's most beautiful horses.
Britain's Wildlife Is Stunning & These Photos Prove It
The British Wildlife Photography Awards has just announced the 2016 winners of their annual competition. Take a look.
Have You Ever Seen Animals As Odd As These?
These animals will shatter any stereotypical notion of what, say, a pig, or a turtle, should look like. Here are 15 animals you've probably never seen before.
These Wholesome Animal Titbits Will Make You Smile
Here are some adorable animal facts that will keep you smiling all day.
20 Mindblowing Examples of Animal Camouflage
Nature truly is amazing! Take a look at these 20 photos, and see if you can spot the camouflaged creatures!
In Pictures: Northern Lights Photographer of the Year 2022
Behold the best images from the Northern lights photographer of the year 2022.
Transparent Animals Are Rare but They Really Do Exist
To preserve individual species, nature uses some wonderful tricks - like invisibility! Here are a collection of see-through creatures.
Witness the Raw Beauty of Nature in These Incredible Pics
Check out some of the best winning images from the 2020 Nature Photographer of the Year contest.
In Pictures: 17 Award-Winning Nature & Wildlife Shots
Check out the best winning images and finalists from the Big Picture Natural World Photography Contest.
The Aardwolf May Not Sound Cute, But it CAN Be...
Ever heard of an aardwolf? If the answer to this question is no, then prepare yourself for one of the cutest animals you’re ever likely to see.
These Beautiful Endangered Butterflies are a Joy to Behold
These exotic butterflies are extremly rare and placed high atop the endangered species list, but will fill your eyes with color and wonder.
Humans and Wild Animals CAN Be Friends...
This beautiful video makes my faith in humanity just a little stronger, as these humans have managed to befriend some of the wildest animals out there by being gentle.
These 20 Animal Facts will Blow Your Mind
Did you know that squirrels plant trees or that oysters can change their gender? These little-known animal facts will blow your mind! I was especially impressed with no.6!
Wild Nature: Young Elephant Fends Off 14 Lions Unharmed
How an elephant convinces a group of lions that this is not an animal worth tangling with...
Nature After Dark: Exploring 8 Nocturnal Animals
Let us take you up close and personal with some of the most unusual nocturnal animals of our world.
Inspired Gardening: The Most Beautiful Garden Quotes
Gardening is more than just a hobby - it's a quality that teaches us and inspires. Here are 12 heartwarming quotes that will inspire your gardening.
Beautiful & Weird Creatures of the Sea - Collection
In this collection, you'll find some of the most strange, beautiful and remarkable creatures under the waves.
15 Times Birds Built Nests in the Most UNUSUAL Places
Some birds build their nests in the most unusual places, such as a mop, a helmet, and even a bag.
16 Bizarre Facts That Are So Strange They Could Only Be True
Sometimes science is so bizarre it blows the mind. Read These 16 fascinating facts that prove that truth is stranger than fiction.
Slovakia is Nature’s Masterpiece! (12 Gorgeous Photos)
Photographer captures breathtaking nature photographs from Slovakia. Take a look at some of his best ones.
Capturing Africa's Wild Beauty: 17 Mesmerizing Pics
Enjoy this photographic journey of African wildlife.
National Geographic's Photography Never Ceases to Amaze
National Geographic never ceases to amaze us with the photos it shows us, and the 20 images you're about to see here are no exception.
Defying the Natural Order - When Fish Eat Birds
Watch this giant trevally leap out of the water to catch unsuspecting birds in the most sensational fashion.
Unbelievable Natural Illusions That’ll Make Your Jaw Drop
Nature always has a few tricks up her sleeve and never stops surprising us with her fascinating creations. Here are 14 mind-bending examples...
Behold, 10 of the Most Beautiful Flowers in the World!
Take a look at the world's most beautiful flowers in this collection of photos we have made just for you to enjoy and share with your friends.
The Most Frightening and Bizarre Creatures of the Ocean
Terrifying and alien creatures of the dark depths of the ocean