While you might have tried various hacks to prolong the beauty of your wholesale flowers, there’s one crucial step you might be overlooking: trimming the lower leaves off the stems.
The Overlooked Step: Removing Lower Leaves
It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about the longevity of your arrangement. When you leave leaves attached to the stems, you risk discoloring the water and potentially turning it toxic. Within a few hours, leaves submerged in water can start to decompose, providing a breeding ground for bacteria, both beneficial and harmful. This decomposition can extend into the stem, impeding the flower’s access to water, ultimately leading to wilting and decay.
Besides the longevity factor, there’s also an aesthetic consideration. Foliage-filled stems can make your bouquet look bulky, diverting attention from the real stars – the wholesale flowers. Leaves tend to wither faster than flowers, so keeping them on stems can prematurely age your arrangement.
Proper Leaf Removal Technique
To ensure your flowers remain vibrant, remember to remove any leaves that will be submerged in the vase water, typically trimming them halfway to two-thirds up the stem. The same goes for thorns on roses or any unsightly leaves. Never tear leaves off, as this could damage the stem. Crushed stems can also hinder water uptake, shortening the bouquet’s lifespan.
Some plants like poppies, milkweed, daffodils, and euphorbia have a milky sap that can be messy and irritating when cut. To prevent this, you can either cauterize the cut with a flame or briefly submerge the stem in boiling water.
For bulb flowers like tulips, you can practice careful harvesting to retain leaves on the plant. Follow the branch down to the base of the plant using your fingers and then cut or snap it off. This method keeps the leaves where they’re more beneficial.
Don’t worry; this advice doesn’t mean you can’t have foliage in your arrangements. Treat foliage stems the same way you treat flower stems – remove any leaves that will be underwater. With these tips, your flower arrangements will not only look stunning but also last longer, ensuring you enjoy the beauty of your flowers in Miami to the fullest.
Take Action: Explore Berkeley Florist Supply
Ready to put these tips into practice? Visit Berkeley Florist Supply to find an exquisite selection of flowers and foliage. We are the leading wholesale florist supply company in Florida. Get your wholesale florist supply with us!