Living in NYC, I love having fresh flowers in my apartment. It makes me feel one with the outdoors and just brightens up a room. I’m always trying to get them to last just a few days longer by cutting the stems, changing the water, etc, but here’s some tips some of which I’ve heard of before and some I found really surprising! Whatever works right?
Aspirin – the old tried and true way to keep roses fresher longer. But what I didn’t realize it you had to crush the aspirin in the water before adding the flowers…silly me
Bleach – yes, you read correctly, bleach. Add 1/4 teaspoon per liter of vase water. It keeps the water clear and inhibits the growth of bacteria.
Hair Spray – a quick spritz of hairspray on the undersides of the leaves and petals will preserve your flowers
Sugar & Vinegar – mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of sugar with the vase water before adding flowers. Change the water mixture every few days.
Vodka – I generally like to drink my vodka, but a few drops of vodka along with a teaspoon of sugar wards off bacteria and adds nourishment that cut flowers lose. Hey, whatever works right?