Your Guide to Preserving Flowers in Cebu’s Tropical Climate

Cebu’s vibrant, sunny weather is perfect for a day at the beach, but it can be a challenge for keeping your beautiful flower arrangements fresh. At Flower Bar Cebu, we believe every bouquet tells a story, and that story should last as long as possible. If you’ve ever wondered how to make flowers last longer in our humid climate, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve put together a comprehensive guide with expert tips to help you enjoy your blooms for days, or even weeks, longer.

The Foundation of Flower Care: Proper Hydration

Just like us, flowers need proper hydration to thrive, especially in the heat.

1. Trim the Stems, Properly: When you receive your bouquet, the first thing you should do is cut about 1-2 inches off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This slanted cut allows for a larger surface area to absorb water. Use a sharp knife or floral shears, not scissors, which can crush the delicate water vessels in the stem.
2. Use a Clean Vase: A clean vase is non-negotiable. Bacteria can grow in old water and on vase walls, clogging the stems and preventing water absorption. Wash your vase with soap and water, and rinse thoroughly before use.
3. Use Fresh, Clean Water: Tap water in Cebu is generally fine, but make sure it’s fresh. Change the water in your vase every 1-2 days to prevent bacterial growth. You’ll be surprised at what a difference this simple step makes in how to make flowers last longer.

💡 Pro Tip: Add a teaspoon of sugar or a flower preservative packet to nourish the stems.

Placement is Key: Finding the Right Spot in Your Home

Where you place your flowers can be just as important as how you care for them.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: While flowers need light to grow, direct, intense sunlight can dehydrate them quickly. Find a spot in your home with bright, indirect light. A windowsill with a sheer curtain or a coffee table away from direct sun is ideal.
• Keep Them Away from Heat Sources: Your flowers will wilt quickly near heat-emitting appliances like ovens, radiators, or even your television. Keep them in a cool, well-ventilated area.
• Steer Clear of Fruits: This may sound odd, but ripening fruits like bananas and apples release a gas called ethylene, which can cause flowers to wilt and age prematurely. Keep your beautiful arrangement on a separate surface.

Common Flower Care Myths, Busted!

When it comes to how to make flowers last longer, there are a few common misconceptions.

• Myth: Putting a penny in the vase helps.
  • Fact: While the copper in a penny might act as an antimicrobial agent, the amount is too small to have a significant effect. Sticking to a clean vase and fresh water is much more effective.
• Myth: Hairspray keeps petals from wilting.
  • Fact: Hairspray can actually suffocate the petals and prevent them from breathing, leading to faster decay. It’s best to let your flowers breathe naturally.
• Myth: Adding aspirin makes flowers last longer.
  • Truth: It doesn’t. Instead, clean water and regular stem trimming are more effective.
• Myth: Refrigerating flowers overnight is always safe.
  • Truth: While some flowers benefit, tropical blooms like orchids may suffer from extreme cold.

Special Care for Popular Cebu Blooms

Cebu is home to a variety of beautiful flowers, and some require special attention.

• Roses: After trimming, immediately place roses in a vase with room-temperature water. To combat drooping heads, you can give them a deep, rejuvenating drink by wrapping the stems and heads in newspaper and placing the entire arrangement in a vase of water for a few hours.
• Orchids: These tropical beauties love humidity, which is perfect for Cebu. However, direct water on the petals can cause spotting. For cut orchids, simply place the stems in water and mist the air around them to maintain humidity, without directly wetting the blossoms.
• Carnations: Keep stems trimmed every two days to ensure maximum water absorption.

Learn More at Flower Bar Cebu

At Flower Bar Cebu, we don’t just sell flowers; we help you create lasting memories. We are always ready to share more tips and tricks on how to make flowers last longer, especially for your unique arrangement.

Ready to get started? Visit our shop to find the freshest blooms in town and learn the secret to keeping them vibrant and beautiful.