From our perspective as cut carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus), our vibrant blooms are our pride and joy. We want to showcase them for as long as possible. To help us achieve this, you must understand our needs from the moment we are cut. Our post-harvest life is a race against time, but with your careful intervention, our vascular systems can remain functional and our petals vibrant for much longer.
Our journey from the field to your vase is traumatic. The initial cut severes our connection to a continuous water supply, and air can immediately enter our stems, forming tiny embolisms that block water uptake. The single most important action you can take is to re-cut our stems. Using a sharp knife or shears, trim about 1-2 inches off the bottom of our stems under lukewarm, running water. This prevents air from entering our xylem vessels and ensures we can immediately begin drinking the moment we are placed in the prepared vase. Do not let this fresh cut be exposed to air before hydrating.
Once properly hydrated, our environment dictates our longevity. The water in the vase is our new lifeline. Please use clean, lukewarm water, as it contains less air than cold water and is more readily absorbed. The floral preservative powder provided is not just food; it is a complete life-support system. The sugar nourishes us, replacing the energy we can no longer produce without our roots. The biocide inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi in the water, which would otherwise clog our stems and cause them to rot. The acidifier helps lower the water's pH, making it easier for us to uptake. Change this water mixture completely every two to three days, re-cutting our stems each time to maintain a clear pathway.
We are highly sensitive to the plant hormone ethylene, a natural gas that accelerates aging and causes petal wilting and abscission. Please keep us far away from ripening fruit (like bananas and apples), exhaust fumes, and wilting floral arrangements. Our ideal location is in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight, heating vents, radiators, and drafts. Heat dramatically increases our metabolic rate, causing us to deplete our sugar reserves and dehydrate rapidly. A cool, stable, and draft-free environment allows us to conserve energy and maintain our structural integrity for a longer period.
Your daily care makes a significant difference. Regularly remove any leaves or foliage that fall below the waterline, as they will decompose and promote harmful bacterial growth. Watch our petals and leaves for signs of wilting or discoloration, which can be an early indicator of a problem with the water quality or our vascular health. By providing consistent, attentive care and addressing our fundamental physiological needs, you empower us to defy our cut fate and sustain our beautiful blooms for up to two weeks or even longer.
