Lillium, commonly known as lilies, are stunning and elegant flowers that bring beauty and fragrance to any space. As a cut flower, lilies can brighten up your home, office, or special events with their vibrant colors and unique petal formations. However, to ensure that your lillium cut flowers last as long as possible, it’s important to understand how to care for them properly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to keep your lillium cut flowers looking fresh and beautiful.
- Selection and Purchase: Choosing healthy lillium cut flowers is crucial to their longevity. When purchasing lilies, look for flowers with buds that are just starting to open. The petals should be vibrant and free from browning or spots. Additionally, check the stems for firmness and ensure there are no signs of wilting or damage.
- Preparation: Once you bring your lillium cut flowers home, it’s important to prepare them before arranging them in a vase. Start by removing any leaves that would be submerged in water to prevent bacterial growth. Trim the stems at a 45-degree angle, using a sharp and clean pair of scissors or floral shears. This angle increases the surface area for water absorption and helps the flowers stay hydrated.
- Vase Selection and Water: Choose a clean vase that is large enough to accommodate the lily stems without crowding. Fill the vase with lukewarm water, as lilies prefer slightly warmer water than other cut flowers. Add a floral preservative or flower food to the water, following the instructions on the package. These additives provide essential nutrients and help prevent bacteria growth.
- Placement and Environment: Find a suitable location for your lillium cut flowers, away from direct sunlight, drafts, and fruit bowls. Lilies are sensitive to ethylene gas, which is released by ripening fruits and can cause the flowers to deteriorate more quickly. Optimal room temperature is around 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- Maintenance: To extend the lifespan of your lillium cut flowers, it’s important to maintain their health. Here are some key maintenance tips:
- a. Water: Check the water level daily and replenish it as needed. Ensure that the stems are always submerged in water to prevent dehydration. b. Water Change: Every two to three days, change the water completely. Rinse the vase and trim the stems slightly before placing the flowers back into the vase with fresh water and floral preservative. c. Pruning: Remove any fading or wilted flowers promptly to prevent the release of ethylene gas, which can affect the remaining blooms. d. Avoidance of Direct Sunlight: Lilies prefer indirect light, so keep them away from windows or areas with intense sunlight. e. Ethylene Exposure: As mentioned earlier, keep lilies away from ripening fruits or other ethylene-producing plants to prolong their freshness. f. Hygiene: Maintain cleanliness by regularly washing the vase, removing fallen leaves, and keeping the surrounding area free from debris.
- Extra Care for Oriental Lilies: Oriental lilies, known for their intense fragrance, require some additional care. These tips apply specifically to Oriental lilies:
- Remove Stamens: To prevent the pollen from staining the petals and other surfaces, gently remove the stamens from the center of the flower once the flowers have fully opened.
