Lilies are beloved for their vibrant colors, delicate beauty, and captivating fragrance.
Whether they’re part of a bouquet or a stand-alone centerpiece, their grace can instantly elevate the aesthetics of any room.
However, just like any fresh-cut flower, lilies require special care to keep them looking their best for as long as possible. If you want to enjoy these blooms for more than just a few days, following proper vase care is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to take care of lilies in a vase and ensure they stay fresh for as long as possible.
1. Start with Fresh Lilies
The first step to keeping lilies vibrant in a vase is selecting the freshest blooms possible. When buying lilies, choose those with a combination of open flowers and closed buds. Lilies that are fully open may not last as long as those that are still in the bud stage. Budded lilies will bloom in your vase over time, extending the lifespan of your arrangement.
Make sure the leaves are healthy and free from spots or yellowing. Freshness at the start gives your lilies the best chance to last longer.
2. Prepare the Vase Properly
Before placing your lilies into a vase, ensure the container is clean. A dirty vase can harbor bacteria that shorten the lifespan of your flowers. Wash the vase with hot soapy water and rinse it thoroughly. This simple step helps to reduce bacteria in the water, which can block the stems from absorbing water efficiently.
Fill the vase with fresh, cool water about halfway. Avoid using hot or cold water, as it can shock the flowers.
3. Trim the Stems at an Angle
After buying lilies or receiving them as a gift, don’t just place them straight into the vase. To maximize their water intake, trim the stems of the lilies at a 45-degree angle using sharp scissors or pruning shears. This angled cut increases the surface area for water absorption and helps prevent the stems from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase, which can hinder water flow.
Re-trimming the stems every two to three days is also essential as it keeps the ends from sealing off or becoming clogged with bacteria, ensuring the flowers continue to get adequate hydration.
4. Remove Excess Foliage
Before placing your lilies in the vase, remove any leaves that will be submerged in water. Leaves left in water tend to rot, fostering bacteria growth, which can decrease the lifespan of your flowers. Make sure only the stem is below the waterline, and the leaves stay above the water.
This step also helps in maintaining the overall appearance of your lilies, as wilting leaves can make the arrangement look untidy.
5. Keep Lilies Away from Direct Sunlight and Heat Sources
Once you’ve arranged the lilies in the vase, place them in a location where they won’t be exposed to direct sunlight, drafts, or heat sources like radiators or electronics. Lilies thrive in a cool environment. Heat speeds up the wilting process and can dry out the flowers prematurely.
Avoid placing lilies near fresh fruit, especially bananas and apples. Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which can cause the lilies to age more quickly.
6. Change the Water Regularly
Stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause lilies to wilt prematurely. To keep your lilies fresh, change the water every two to three days. When changing the water, rinse the vase thoroughly, re-trim the stems, and ensure there’s no decayed plant material inside.
You can also use floral preservatives, often included with purchased flowers, to further extend the life of your lilies. Floral preservatives contain nutrients that feed the flowers and anti-bacterial agents that keep the water clean.
7. Remove the Pollen
Lilies produce a lot of pollen, which can not only stain surfaces but also contribute to wilting. Removing the pollen can help lilies last longer in a vase. You can gently pluck off the pollen-covered anthers (the part of the flower that produces pollen) as soon as the flowers begin to open.
Be careful when removing pollen, as it can stain your clothes, furniture, and even the petals themselves. If you do accidentally get pollen on a surface, avoid wiping it away with a wet cloth, as this will smear the stain. Instead, use a piece of sticky tape to lift the pollen off before cleaning the area.
8. Watch Out for Signs of Wilting
Keep an eye on your lilies for any signs of wilting or decay. Once a bloom starts to fade, remove it from the arrangement to prevent it from affecting the rest of the flowers. Dying flowers release ethylene gas, which accelerates the aging process of other nearby blooms.
By removing wilting flowers, you can maintain the overall freshness and beauty of your lily arrangement.
9. Use Flower Food or Natural Alternatives
To further prolong the life of your lilies, you can add flower food to the vase water. Flower food is typically provided when you purchase cut flowers, and it helps nourish the blooms while inhibiting bacteria growth.
If you don’t have flower food, you can create a natural alternative by adding a teaspoon of sugar (for nourishment) and a few drops of bleach (to prevent bacterial growth) to the water. However, use this mixture sparingly, as too much bleach can damage the flowers.
10. Mist the Flowers
Lilies, like many other cut flowers, benefit from a little humidity. Mist the flowers lightly with water every day or two. This will help keep the blooms hydrated and fresh, especially if your home is on the dry side. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much moisture can promote mold growth on the petals.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of lilies in a vase for up to 10-14 days. Proper care involves not only providing fresh water and trimming stems but also considering factors like placement, temperature, and the removal of wilting parts. With just a little extra attention, your lilies can remain a stunning focal point in your home for an extended period.
