Flowers are the true essence of our gardens, homes, and offices. Not only can they give a mesmerizing look to a space, but they also fill up with a beautiful fragrance all around. Send flowers as a gift, or offer them as an expression of gratitude; flowers are always a delight. Unfortunately, we have seen that flowers do not survive for long. As much as we want to keep them fresh, do you know how long can flowers go without water?
Watering the flowers helps keep them fresh and prosperous for a long time, and we all try our best to keep them this way. Without water, flowers can survive for a few days only. However, it also depends on a few factors, such as the type of flowers and the weather conditions they are put in.
Where we try our best to extend their lifespan, continue to read this article and find out how long exactly flowers can go without water.
How long do flowers live without water?
It doesn’t matter how much we love to have flowers around us and the way we take care of them; sometimes, they end up with no water at all. You might notice the signs, but then it becomes too late to take any action.
Typically, flowers only last for a few hours with no water at all. However, if you wrap the stems with a wet cloth, they can live for as much as 4 to 5 days.
Given that, the lifespan of flowers depends on many other factors, and that includes the following.
The species
Flowers have many different types, and when it comes to how long they can survive with no water, each one has different timing.
For example, the Protea, Gladiolus, Lilies, Carnations, Orchids, and Waxflower are the types of flowers that are known to live the longest. Whereas, Dahlias and Sunflowers are among the flowers with a shorter life span.
So, how long a flower will last with no water highly depends on its species.
The cutting
Proper cutting is another major factor that affects the longevity of the flowers. Similarly, at the time of cutting, the freshness of the flowers will also determine how long they will live.
Flower petals with brown spots or that have been damaged should not be picked. Likewise, if they are affected by bacteria or any other infection, there is no need to cut, as they won’t be able to survive for long.
The flower stem will absorb more water from a clean-cut, so remove 1 to 2 inches of stem with a sharp knife or a scissor.
Also, note that the flowers are supposed to be provided with water immediately after they are cut. If you take time, the chances are the florets won’t be able to make it for long.
Temperature and humidity
Are you placing the flowers inside the room, outside, or anywhere else? The surrounding atmospheric conditions play a crucial role in determining the longevity of flowers.
The hotter it is outside, the more water will be required to keep the flowers flourishing.
After cutting, flowers go limp more quickly when they’re exposed to heat and direct sunlight, especially if you don’t get them into the water right away.
So, to protect and keep the flowers blooming, do keep them in a shady place and provide them with enough water to survive.
How to keep flowers fresh for a long time?
Though flowers have a limited lifetime, you can help extend them by ensuring they are supplied with water on time and are kept in a cool environment.
So it is advisable to wrap the bottom part of the stems with a wet towel to preserve the flowers for a longer period of time.
Keeping the flowers in a cool space also helps them retain a bit longer. Due to this reason, you can keep the flowers in the refrigerator overnight to keep them fresh and alluring. This is how the bouquet is also kept and stored for the time period.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to change the water every day and to use organic fertilizer if needed. Keep your vase clean and remove dead leaves if needed.
Conclusion
When flowers are not watered, it takes anywhere from a few hours to four to five days before they wilt. Thus, if you are going to have some busy days ahead, make sure you plan something for flowers so that they are not wasted due to water stress.