Mastering Chrysanthemum Care: Tips for Prolonging Vase Life
Chrysanthemums are known for their vibrant colors and unique petal arrangements and make for a stunning addition to any floral display. Whether you received a bouquet as a gift or decided to bring a touch of autumn indoors, knowing how to care for chrysanthemums is essential to extend the vase life of these beautiful blooms.
In this guide, we'll share valuable insights and practical tips on how to keep chrysanthemums fresh in a vase. We’ll also show how you can create eye-catching chrysanthemum vase arrangements.
How to Care for Cut Chrysanthemums and Prolong Their Vase Life
Chrysanthemums are a florist’s most reliable stock because they last long and can fit in almost any arrangement. But the secret to their long lives is how they are cared for. When done right, these flowers can stay fresh in the vase for up to 14 days.
Choose the Right Chrysanthemums
Before we delve into extending their vase life, you need to know how to select the right chrysanthemums. Look for freshly cut blooms that are three-fourths to fully open and are showing their full colors. Make sure that their foliage is a healthy green and that the buds do not show signs of physical damage. You should also check if the stems are free of diseases.
Use a Clean Vase
Before placing the chrysanthemums in your chosen vase, make sure that the vase itself is clean. If the vase you plan to use previously contained flowers and water, it might have bacteria buildup due to its previous occupants. And if the vase was just taken out of storage, it might have bacteria from collecting dust.
Simply washing your vase with water is not enough. To ensure that you get rid of any dirt that could harm your chrysanthemums, use a gentle anti-bacterial cleaner on the inside of the vase then rinse it with water twice. Let the vase completely dry before placing your new arrangement.
Trim the Stems
When chrysanthemums are cut for the first time, their stems close off. So before placing the chrysanthemums in the vase, cut about 1 inch of their stems at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption, allowing them to stay hydrated for longer. Also, trimming the stems is not a one-time thing. You’ll need to do this every time you change the water.
Remove Leaves Below the Waterline
Chrysanthemums usually have a lot of leaves along their stems. Leaves submerged in the water can promote bacterial growth and hinder the chrysanthemums' ability to absorb water. They also cause the water in the vase to smell bad. Remove any foliage that will be below the waterline in your vase. Cutting out the leaves will keep the water fresh for longer.
Use the Right Water Temperature and Treatment
When you bring your chrysanthemums home, prepare a vase with clean, lukewarm water that has not been treated with a water softener. Chrysanthemums prefer slightly warm water as it helps them absorb nutrients more efficiently. Avoid using extremely cold or hot water, as it can shock the flowers. Treated water is not ideal either, as the salt levels could damage the blooms.
Use Flower Food
Consider adding floral preservatives or flower food to the vase water. These solutions provide essential nutrients and help to inhibit bacterial growth, extending the vase life of your chrysanthemums.
Change the Water Regularly
To keep chrysanthemums fresh, change the water in the vase every two days or when it starts to look cloudy. Fresh water ensures that your chrysanthemums receive the nutrients they need to thrive.
Keep Them Cool
Chrysanthemums prefer cooler temperatures. Place the vase in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heating sources. This will help slow down the aging process of the flowers and keep them from drying. A cooler environment will also help prevent bacteria buildup.
Take Out Any Wilted Flowers
Even if you follow all of these tips, there might still be a few flowers that would wilt sooner than the others. Not only do they become an eyesore, but they can also cause bacteria to build up in the water, which in turn could harm the other flowers. So if you notice any blooms that have lost their vitality and are not looking as healthy compared to yesterday, either trash them or move them to a bud vase.
Chrysanthemum Vase Arrangement Ideas
Creating an attractive chrysanthemum vase arrangement enhances the beauty of these blooms. Here are some creative ideas to consider:
Monochromatic Elegance: Arrange chrysanthemums of the same color in varying shades for a chic and sophisticated look.
Chrysanthemums with the same color arranged in a vase. Image by Freepik
Mixed Bouquet: Combine chrysanthemums with other seasonal flowers for a diverse and vibrant arrangement.
Chrysanthemums in a mixed arrangement and placed in a 10” Amaranth Vase in Mint
Single Bloom Focus: Showcase a single large chrysanthemum bloom in a tall vase for a minimalist and dramatic effect.
A single chrysanthemum in a bud vase. Photo by W.S. Coda on Unsplash
Layered Heights: Arrange chrysanthemums with varying stem lengths to create a visually appealing layered effect.
Chrysanthemums arranged in varying lengths. Photo by Matt Bango on StockSnap
Autumn Harvest: Pair chrysanthemums with fall foliage, berries, and gourds to create a stunning autumn-themed centerpiece.
A vase arrangement filled with chrysanthemums and other fall foliage. Image by stockking on Freepik
Fill Your Vase With Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are not only beautiful but also relatively easy to care for in a vase. By following these chrysanthemum flower care tips and mastering the art of chrysanthemum vase arrangement, you can enjoy their vibrant blooms for an extended period. Remember, a little care and attention go a long way in preserving the beauty of these stunning flowers. So, go ahead and bring the warmth and color of chrysanthemums into your home, and let your creativity flourish with these versatile blooms.