Flower Care

Tin's Flower Shop - Comprehensive Flower Care Guide

Essential Flower Care

Prolonging the life of your cut flowers begins the moment they're entrusted to your care. Follow these steps to ensure your blooms stay fresh and vibrant for as long as possible:

Basic Care Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Vase: Ensure your vase is thoroughly cleaned with hot, soapy water to eliminate bacteria. Fill with fresh, lukewarm water mixed with flower food.
  2. Prepare the Stems: Remove all leaves that will sit below the water line to prevent rotting and bacterial growth. Cut approximately 2cm off all stems at a 45-degree angle using sharp scissors or a knife. This increases the surface area for water absorption.
  3. Placement: Position your flowers away from direct sunlight, radiators, drafts, and ripening fruit. The ideal temperature for most cut flowers is 18-22°C (65-72°F).
  4. Daily Maintenance: Remove any wilting flowers and foliage promptly. Check water levels daily and top up as needed. Change the water completely every 2-3 days.
  5. Flower Food: Use the flower food provided with your purchase. It contains nutrients, acidifiers to optimize water uptake, and antibacterial agents to inhibit harmful microorganisms.

Specific Care for Different Types of Flowers

Soft-Stemmed Flowers (Tulips, Daffodils, etc.)

  • Cut stems underwater to prevent air bubbles from blocking water uptake
  • Keep away from other flowers for the first few hours as some varieties release substances harmful to other blooms
  • Re-cut stems every 1-2 days as they continue to grow even after being cut

Woody-Stemmed Flowers (Roses, Lilacs, etc.)

  • Split the bottom of stems with a vertical cut (2-3cm) to increase water absorption
  • Remove thorns carefully without damaging the stem
  • Consider changing water daily rather than every other day

Bulb Flowers (Tulips, Hyacinths, etc.)

  • Keep water level lower (about 1/3 of the stem) to prevent bulb rot
  • These flowers continue to grow after cutting and may bend toward light sources
  • Wrap stems in paper when arranging to help them stand straight

Care Instructions for Specific Arrangements

For Bouquets

  • Before placing in a vase, cut 3-4cm off the stems at a 45-degree angle using sharp scissors
  • Remove any binding ties once flowers are positioned in the vase
  • Place immediately in clean vase with fresh, room-temperature water
  • Add a few drops of bleach to inhibit bacterial growth (5-10 drops per liter)
  • Change water as soon as it becomes cloudy, ideally every second day
  • Clean the vase thoroughly with bleach when changing water

For Arrangements in Floral Foam

  • Top up with water every second day, being careful not to oversaturate the foam
  • Mist the blooms lightly with water to maintain humidity (except for roses and flowers with delicate petals)
  • Keep the foam consistently moist but not waterlogged
  • When adding water, pour slowly to allow proper absorption

For Hand-Tied Bouquets

  • Keep the binding wrap on and place the entire bouquet in a vase of water
  • After 2-3 days, consider unwrapping and re-cutting stems for extended vase life
  • Trim any stems that have become slimy or discolored

Environmental Factors Affecting Flower Longevity

  • Temperature: Keep flowers in cool environments (18-22°C/65-72°F) whenever possible
  • Humidity: Most flowers benefit from moderate humidity; misting can help in dry conditions
  • Air Quality: Avoid placing flowers near cigarette smoke, cooking fumes, or ripening fruit
  • Light: Indirect, natural light is ideal; direct sunlight accelerates wilting
  • Drafts: Keep away from fans, air conditioners, and open windows which can dehydrate blooms

Flower Care in the Philippines

Adapting to Hot and Humid Conditions

The Philippines' tropical climate presents unique challenges for flower care. With temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C (86°F) and high humidity levels, special measures are needed to maintain flower freshness.

Temperature Management

  • Keep Indoors: Store flowers in air-conditioned rooms whenever possible, aiming for 20-24°C (68-75°F)
  • Cool Water: Use slightly cooler water than usual for vases (about 10-15°C/50-59°F)
  • Night Placement: Place arrangements outdoors only during cooler evening hours if desired
  • Ice Cubes: For particularly hot days, place 2-3 ice cubes in the vase water (avoid direct contact with stems)

Humidity Controls

  • Avoid Over-Misting: While misting helps in dry climates, it may promote fungal growth in humid Philippine conditions
  • Air Circulation: Ensure gentle air movement around flowers but avoid direct aircon drafts
  • Dehumidifiers: In extremely humid regions, using a dehumidifier in the same room can help
  • Space Between Blooms: Arrange flowers with adequate spacing to allow air circulation and reduce humidity between blooms

Water Care in Tropical Settings

  • Change Frequently: Change vase water daily rather than every other day
  • Anti-Bacterial Additions: Add 1/4 teaspoon of bleach per liter of water to inhibit bacterial growth
  • Additional Flower Food: Use slightly more flower food than recommended in cooler climates
  • Filtered Water: Use filtered water if available, as tap water in some Philippine regions may contain minerals that affect flower longevity

Local Philippine Flowers Care Tips

  • Sampaguita (Jasmine): Keep stems in deeper water and mist flowers lightly twice daily
  • Gumamela (Hibiscus): Re-cut stems daily and keep in a cool spot; these tropical natives will still wilt quickly once cut
  • Orchids: Use very little water and ensure excellent drainage; mist blooms rather than watering
  • Anthurium: Change water every day and keep away from fruit to extend their naturally long vase life
  • Daisy/Chrysanthemums: Extremely resilient in Philippine heat; add aspirin (100mg) to vase water for extra longevity

Season-Specific Care

  • Rainy Season (June-October): Monitor water levels carefully to prevent overflow from humidity; keep flowers in less humid rooms
  • Dry Season (November-May): Increase water changes to prevent accelerated evaporation; consider adding ice to vase water during the hottest months (March-May)

Remember that even with perfect care, flowers will naturally have a shorter vase life in the Philippines' tropical climate compared to temperate regions. Select hardier varieties when possible, such as chrysanthemums, anthuriums, orchids, and tropical lilies.

Extended Tips for Maximum Flower Longevity

  • Remove any cellophane or decorative wrappers that may trap heat and humidity
  • Keep flowers away from electronics that generate heat (TVs, computers, microwaves)
  • Before going to bed, consider moving arrangements to the coolest part of your home
  • For special occasions, purchase flowers 1-2 days in advance and store properly to allow them to fully hydrate before display
  • Consider using preservatives specifically formulated for tropical conditions

We at Tin's Flower Shop are committed to helping you enjoy your beautiful blooms for as long as possible. For specific questions about caring for your flowers, please don't hesitate to contact us!

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