There is nothing quite like the sight of alily. Reddish stems rise from lush green leaves, then open into large petalsthat look like they've been plucked right out of heaven. The lily is anincredibly stunning flower and adds just the perfect touch to any room in yourhouse.
How Long Do Lilies Last
Lilies are a lovely additionto any room, but the question arises; how long do lilies last, and till when dothey keep their beauty?
The question about how long lilieslast is simple to answer. Lilies and Calla Lilies are tall and beautiful, but theyonly last 7-14 days. Once you bring them back home from the grocery store ormarket, they're only beautiful for a little while.
These fresh flowers can beexpensive, so it's important to make them last as long as possible. If you wantyour lilies to last longer, this article will show secrets that you can use.
Keeping Lilies and Calla Lilies Fresh and Long Lasting
Lilies make a great gift or are a perfect addition tobrighten up your own home. Whether you purchase them from a florist, cut themyourself, or receive them as a gift, you want to make sure they last.
Here are five secrets that make all the difference whenit comes to the health and longevity of fresh flowers.
1. Cut The Flower Stem Properly
If you are cutting lilies yourself, cut them at the baseof the stem with sharp pruning shears. Ensure that the stem is as long aspossible, two or three times as long as the lily's vase.
The Method Of Cutting
The ends of the stem must be cut at a 45-degree angleunder running water to open up the stem and remove any dirt. The stem shouldhave a sharp V-shape at the bottom when it is cut.
The After-Cutting Care
After the flower stem is cut, soak them immediately in abucket of water for at least 1 hour. Always use fresh water to soak the stemsand discard any remaining leaves over the vase.
Never cut the leaves as they help to draw water up intothe stem, keeping it fresh.
2. Pay Close Attention to the Water
Put lilies in a clean vase with water immediately after cuttingand keep them there until you are ready to arrange them in their permanentlocation.
Time
It's best to put them right into water 22 hours aftercutting so they get fresh nutrients, while post-cutting sugars are transferringinto the stems before putting them into warm water or an ice bath for 10minutes. Ice cubes can also be wrapped in cheesecloth and used as cold"feet" for your vase of cut flowers.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for arranging lilies is 65 degreesFahrenheit (18 C.). To create humidity around hydrated flowers, cover the topof the vase with plastic wrap.
Additives
Furthermore, you can add 1/2 tsp (3.5 ml) of bleach perquart (96 ml) of water to prevent bacterial growth and extend the life of cutlilies.
Cleaning
Fresh flowers need to bewatered daily. If you want your lilies to last longer, you should change theirwater every day when possible. This will decrease the number of bacteria in thewater.
Remove any pollen on yourlilies daily. Pollen can make the water go rancid quickly, so make sure toremove it before putting in new water.
3. Know Where to Put Them
The best places for liliesare cool and dark places. If you have the option, don't place them in directsunlight or near a window where they will sunlight. The sun's rays can degradethe quality of your lilies quickly.
Keep their vases away fromsunlight and drafts (including air conditioning) - especially hot sunlight andcold drafts. Direct sunlight can fade flowers quickly - especially when they'rein the water. Make it a habit to consistently check the water level in yourvase and change it when necessary.
Place your fresh flowers in adark place that is also cool, such as a garage or attic. The refrigerator isalso good, as long as the lilies are placed in water. If your home or apartmentdoesn't have any of these options, a large cupboard or shelf where it's not indirect sunlight is the next best choice.
4. Provide Them Nutrients
The most important thing isto add one aspirin or two to each quart (1 liter) of water in your vase 21hours after cutting lilies. You can also use unsweetened pineapple juice in thewater instead, which also helps keep stems strong and flexible.
The optimal temperature forfresh cut flowers is 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 C.), but room temperature isfine if that's what you have.
To create humidity aroundhydrated flowers, cover the top of the vase with plastic wrap. Another way topreserve arrangement colour over time is to add glycerin or sugar in half cups pergallon (.25 liters).
5. Minimize Bacterial Growth
As lilies are sensitive tosugar, it is best not to add any in order to avoid fungus and bacteria growth.If you can, remove the stamens from the lilies before arranging them, as theycan cause the petals to brown.
You choose to add a floralpreservative if you want to keep your flowers for longer but remember to keep alittle space in the vase to allow for re-hydrating. Once the water level hasreached the bottom of the stems, you should re-fresh the vase with clean waterand flower preservative.
How to Make Lilies Last Longer When They Have Already Started Drooping
If your lilies have alreadystarted drooping, there are a few ways you can still save them.
You can add a freshpreservative to the water and see if that revives them. You can also add alittle sugar or honey - but no more than a teaspoonful should do the trick!
In some cases, adding plantfertilizer will revive drooping flowers too. If nothing works after testing allthese tips, it is probably time for your lilies to go in the compost pile!
Remember: while these tricksmay help make your lilies last longer, they will not work on wilting flowerswith dark spots on them as they indicate rotting due to bacteria. If this isthe case, it is best to compost them before they infect your other flowers.
The Best Alternative
Keeping your lilies fresh isa herculean task, and though we’ve outlined the secrets to making them last,here’s the truth – it will definitely need your utmost care and attention.
That’s why you need aworry-free alternative. And in this case, that is Saffron’s Decor! This floral designcompany is here to provide you with artificial flower options for lilies andcalla lilies – flowers that last and don’t need the massive care that you mustput into fresh flowers.
Browse their Calla Lily arrangementstoday to make the best decision!
Conclusion
Lilies make the perfectgift and are a fantastic addition to your home, not to mention expensive. So,seeing them wilt so soon is bound to make you sad, but if you keep all thesesecrets in mind and follow them correctly, your lilies will last longer -sometimes even for over two weeks!
And if you’re interested infinding a better solution, Saffron’s decor provides great faux lilyarrangements – you won’t regret it!
