How to Keep Cut Flowers Alive Longer

Keep cut flowers looking fresh with a .

Freshly cut flowers in a vase add a colorful bit of nature to the decor of any room in general and serve as a classic centerpiece for a dining room or kitchen table in particular. Without special care, however, cut flower arrangements often droop and fade very quickly. Keeping them looking fresh and alive isn’t as difficult as it might seem, although the longevity of the blooms will also depend on the type of flower.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp knife
• Lemon-lime soda
• Water
• Vase

Instructions

1. Remove any foliage from the stems that will be below the water line in the vase.

2. Cut the ends off the stems. Use a sharp knife to prevent smashing the capillaries. Make the cuts at an angle to give more surface area access to the liquids.

3. Mix equal parts water and soda in the vase.

4. Place the stems in the mixture.

5. Display the flowers out of direct sunlight and out of heavy drafts.

6. Replace the liquid every third day, trimming 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch off the stems at the same time.