Flowers make an ideal gift for almost any reason. They smell good, look beautiful, and remain a touching reminder of affection while they last. However, they often do not last as long as you'd like. Nevertheless, you can keep them around longer by following the suggestions below.

How Can You Make a Floral Arrangement Last Longer? 

1.  Trim the Stems

Trim an inch off the end of the stems to get rid of the soggy tips to permit better moisture uptake. Trim at an angle rather than flat across. That way, water has easier access into the stem instead of being blocked by the bottom of the vase.  Trim off another inch every day or two to remove sections as they turn soggy. This keeps the weight of the flower from collapsing the soft bottom of the stem and allows water to flow to the leaves and buds. 

2. Water Properly

Place flowers in room-temperature water. Cold water can signal the flowers to go into "winter mode" and become dormant or stop blooming. Let the water sit out and warm up to the ambient temperature for an hour before placing them in it. Also, replace the water every day or so, again giving it time to warm up before the switch. Flowers are sensitive to bacteria that grow in stagnant water, and switching the water every 24 to 48 hours protects them from this.

3. Avoid Direct Sunlight

Do not place a floral arrangement in direct sunlight, since the heat will shorten their life. It may even cause the petal colors to fade prematurely. Keep flowers away from heating vents, space heaters, and an active fireplace. The cooler you keep them, the longer they'll last. Also, keep them away from ripening fruit, which emit ethylene gas that accelerates the flower aging process.

If you need flowers for any occasion, contact Ivywood Florist in Enterprise, AL. They are family-owned and -operated and serve Coffee County and the surrounding regions. They specialize in birthday, anniversary, wedding, prom, and funeral flowers, as well as floral arrangements just to say, "I love you." Learn more about them on their website or call (334) 347-7343 to place an order.