How to Care for Flowers

Whether you've been given a bouquet by a very special someone or you're new to gardening and just put in some new beds, How.com.vn has your back! Flowers are a beautiful reminder of all of the color and happiness in our life. If you want to enjoy your flowers for longer, get started with Step 1 below or see the sections listed above for more specific help.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Vase or Cut Flowers

One of the things that cause cut flowers to wilt so quickly is bacteria in the water. The most basic thing you can do to preserve cut flowers is to change the water once a day. Use cold water and add ice cubes before adding the flowers to the vase.^{[1]XResearch source}
You can also treat the water to inhibit bacterial growth. Two tablespoons of sugar, apple cider vinegar, or even a penny at the bottom of the vase can keep your flowers looking fresh for longer.^{[2]XResearch source} A small amount of bleach in your vase water works well to control bacteria growth mentioned before and keep water clear.
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3
Take care of the stems. Different types of flowers have different types of stems, and different types of stems require different treatments in order to keep your flowers looking fresh. The most basic way to treat the stems is to trim the ends a small amount each day when you change the water and cut them at a 45° angle but you may also want to:^{[3]XResearch source}
- Split the bottom inch of the stem for woody stems like lilacs. This helps it absorb more water.
- Sear the stems of milky stemmed flowers like poinsettias. This milk harms other flowers in the bouquet. Daffodils also produce this milk but searing won't work for them, so avoid using them in mixed bouquets.
- Fill the stems of hallowed stem flowers, like dahlias. Fill the stem with water, plug the hole with your finger, and then submerge them. This will help them stay upright and fresh.
4
Keep an eye on the temperature. If it's too hot or too cold in the spot you've placed your cut flowers, they will wilt much more quickly. Move them to a good, temperature neutral spot.
- Some flowers, however, do better at warmer temperatures. If you have tropical flowers, like Bird of Paradise, consider a warmer spot.
Remove leaves, flowers, or branches which would fall below the water line. Having these in the water encourages bacteria growth.
Once flowers start to get really wilted, pinch them off. This will help keep the plant from throwing a bunch of energy into maintaining them.
Don't use household scissors to cut plants. These are intended for paper and can hurt the plant's ability to absorb water. Use tools that are intended for flowers and plants and make sure they're kept sharp.
You can also add preservatives to the water, like Floral Life, and these will help provide your flowers with the nutrients that they miss out on after they're cut. This will significantly increase the life of your cut flowers.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Potted Flowers

You need to use a large enough pot with good drainage. You might also want to consider pots made out of plastic or resin, since these won't absorb water that should go to the plant.
Potted plants need more nutrient-rich soil than garden plants, since they don't get the benefit of water circulation like regular plants. Use high-quality potting soil and pair it with some compost.
Potted plants, like garden plants, are prone to pests and mold. Even more so because they lack the natural environmental counterbalances. If mold develops on your soil, remove the top layer of soil and replace it. If you end up with a pest problem, deal with it promptly before your flowers are negatively affected.
Different types of flowers need more or less sun. Carefully plan where you will place your pots so that the flowers get the correct amount. You'll have to keep the light angle, time of day, and directionality of the sunlight in mind when placing the pot (don't just put a sun-needy flower in front of just any window). If you don't have access to enough sunlight, trying using a fluorescent light.
If the plant doesn't seem to be taking off in the way you'd like, introduce an appropriate fertilizer for that particular plant. Consult your local nursery for a good product.
When the blossoms get wilted or are simply growing in an unnecessary location (such as under the rest of the plant), you can encourage more and healthier blossoms by pinching off the ones you don't want.
Check the soil for moisture daily and provide the right level of water to keep the soil damp enough for your particular plant. The temperature of the environment, exposure to natural rainfall, the type of soil, and the type of plant all play a part in how much water your flowers will need.
Check your plant every now and again to see if it needs a bigger pot. Turn it over and look at the drainage holes. If lots of roots are poking through, you need a bigger pot.^{[4]XExpert SourceChai Saechao
Plant SpecialistExpert Interview. 20 February 2019.}
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Bedded Flowers

Outdoor flowers are a favorite for bugs and other wildlife (roses are like deer crème brulee). Treat your flowers or build them a removable greenhouse to keep them safe and growing happily.
Some flowers require full sun, some prefer partial, or even full shade. Make the most of your house to provide these needs - use the sunny side for sun lovers and the shady side for shade-dwellers.
Weeds will take away resources from your flowers and keep them from reaching their full potential. Generally, you know this. But what you may not be doing is staying really vigilant. If you can weed every day or every two days, that is best. Don't just occasionally remove one or two really bad weeds. Try to get them all.
Remove blossoms which have begun to wilt, remove excess flowers before they start to bloom, and cut back dead or overgrown branches. This will help your plant to focus on the blossoms that you want it to.
You want to save your plants from the risks associated with frost. Carefully time plantings and transplants so that it is not too cold or too hot. They are delicate and often can't handle the shock!
Some plants bloom better if you prune or cut them back at specific times of year. For example, summer-blooming trees and bushes benefit from a winter pruning. Look up the specifics for the types of plants you have.
Plant them in good, suitable soil with plenty of compost for nutrition, mulch for water retention and space to grow. You'll also want to pay attention to the pH. Check what is recommended for the flowers you grow and adjust your soil accordingly.
If you have an entire garden that requires constant high maintenance, then none of your special blossoms are going to be able to get the attention they really need. Mix flowers you don't have to pay as much attention to with those that need more care to help ensure that all of your flowers reach their full potential.
It is important to get the watering balance right - don't over water or the flowers might rot. Don't underwater or they might not get enough and wilt and die. It is very important to know the requirements of your type of flower.
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Expert Q&A

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Question
Why do my potted flowers have moldy soil?
Chai Saechao
Plant Specialist
Chai Saechao is the Founder and Owner of Plant Therapy, an indoor-plant store founded in 2018 based in San Francisco, California. As a self-described plant doctor, he believes in the therapeutic power of plants, hoping to keep sharing his love of plants with anyone willing to listen and learn.
Chai Saechao
Plant Specialist
Expert Answer
Moldy soil is typically a sign that you’re overwatering your plant. Try to cut back on the water in the future!
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Question
What does it mean if a flower's root is sticking out of the soil?
Chai Saechao
Plant Specialist
Chai Saechao is the Founder and Owner of Plant Therapy, an indoor-plant store founded in 2018 based in San Francisco, California. As a self-described plant doctor, he believes in the therapeutic power of plants, hoping to keep sharing his love of plants with anyone willing to listen and learn.
Chai Saechao
Plant Specialist
Expert Answer
This is a sign that the flower is too big for your container! Find a container that's at least two sizes bigger than your current pot and transfer your plant to its new home.
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Question
How do I get rid of aphids?
Katie Gohmann
Professional Gardener
Katherine Gohmann is a Professional Gardener in Texas. She has been a home gardener and professional gardener since 2008.
Katie Gohmann
Professional Gardener
Expert Answer
Aphids are a common problem. Often, you will begin to see ladybugs on your plants when you have an aphid infestation. They are aphids's natural predators and can help you get rid of the problem. A young ladybug is gray with red or orange markings and has a soft body, unlike the hard shell of an adult. Don't kill them! If ladybugs don't help, get your garden hose and attach a spray nozzle. Blast your plant with water, paying special attention to flowers and new growth. Aphids will usually fall right off. Spray every day for a week and see if that helps. Insecticides are not very helpful with aphids because the aphids quickly build up a tolerance.
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Tips

The best way to keep animals out is to make a fence around your flowers. It doesn't need to be large; small garden bed fences are available at many local garden stores.
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Warnings

Water the flowers regularly and know the needs of your flower type. Keep the flowers safe from ball games, pets and animals; if your flower bed is spoiled, you will be forced to start over again.
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