How to care for your bouquet from a HK florist

Caring for a flower bouquet is essential to ensure their longevity and to enjoy their beauty for as long as possible, especially in a hot and humid city like Hong Kong. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to care for a flower bouquet, including general tips for all bouquets and specific tips for different types of flowers:

General Tips for All Bouquets:

1. Unpack the bouquet with care: Remove the packaging carefully, taking care not to damage any stems or petals.
2. Trim the stems: Using clean and sharp garden shears or scissors, cut about 1-2 inches off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This will allow better water absorption.
3. Clean the vase: Wash the vase thoroughly with soap and warm water to remove any bacteria that may harm the flowers.
4. Fill the vase with water: Fill the vase with fresh, clean, and lukewarm water. Ensure that it's enough to cover at least half the height of the stems.
5. Remove foliage: Remove any foliage below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth.
6. Arrange the bouquet: Place the flowers in the vase, arranging them in a way that allows each stem to have enough space.
7. Display the bouquet properly: Keep the bouquet away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or drafts, as extreme heat or cold can hasten wilting.
8. Change the water regularly: Every two to three days, replace the water in the vase and re-trim the stems for optimal freshness.
9. Remove wilted flowers: Remove any wilted flowers or foliage from the bouquet to prevent the spread of bacteria. This is especially important in a hot place like HK.

Specific Tips for Different Types of Flowers:

• Roses: Trim the thorns from the stems using a pair of gardening gloves and sharp scissors. Change the water daily to prevent the growth of bacteria.
• Lily: Remove the yellow pollen from lilies as it can stain clothing and other flowers. It's important to handle lilies with care, as their pollen can irritate skin and clothing.
• Tulips: Trim tulips to the desired length while they are in a vase and wrap them loosely with newspaper or tissue paper at night to help them maintain an upright position.
• Orchids: Avoid overwatering orchids by filling a tray with pebbles and water, then placing the orchid pot on top of the pebbles. This will create a humid environment without letting the roots sit in water.
• Sunflowers: As sunflowers tend to grow taller, use a tall and sturdy vase to support them. Ensure the vase is stable to avoid tipping over.
• Carnations: Change the water every two to three days and carefully remove any wilted petals to maintain the freshness and appearance of the bouquet.
• Gerbera Daisies: Trim the stems of gerbera daisies regularly as they have a tendency to block water uptake. Keep the vase water level high to ensure the stems are fully submerged.

By following these general tips and specific instructions for each flower type, you can extend the lifespan of your flower bouquet and continue to enjoy their beauty for days to come. Remember, each flower has its own care requirements, so it's always beneficial to do a quick search specific to the flowers you have to ensure they receive the best care possible.

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