How to Clean African Corn Lily Flower

African corn lilies, also known as Ixia flowers, are beautiful and delicate blooms that add a touch of elegance to any floral arrangement or garden. To ensure that these flowers stay fresh and vibrant for as long as possible, it’s important to clean them properly. Here are some tips on how to clean African corn lilies effectively.

Materials Needed:

Before you begin cleaning your African corn lilies, gather the following materials:

• African corn lilies
• Clean, lukewarm water
• Floral shears or scissors
• Clean vase or container
• Flower food (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Work Area

Choose a clean and clutter-free area to work on cleaning your African corn lilies. Make sure you have enough space to spread out the flowers and access all the necessary tools and materials easily.

Step 2: Remove Excess Foliage

Start by removing any excess foliage from the stems of the African corn lilies. This includes any leaves or small side shoots that may be submerged in water once the flowers are placed in a vase. Trimming the excess foliage will help prevent bacterial growth in the water, which can shorten the lifespan of the flowers.

Step 3: Trim the Stems

Using sharp floral shears or scissors, trim the stems of the African corn lilies at a 45-degree angle. Cutting the stems at an angle creates a larger surface area for water absorption, allowing the flowers to stay hydrated and fresh for longer. Make sure to trim off any damaged or discolored parts of the stems as well.

Step 4: Clean the Vase

If you are using a vase or container to display your African corn lilies, make sure it is clean and free of any residue from previous use. Wash the vase with warm, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly before filling it with fresh water for the flowers.

Step 5: Fill the Vase with Water

Fill the clean vase with lukewarm water, leaving enough room at the top to accommodate the stems of the African corn lilies. If desired, you can add commercial flower food to the water according to the package instructions to help nourish and prolong the life of the flowers.

Step 6: Arrange the Flowers

Carefully place the trimmed African corn lilies in the vase, making sure each stem is submerged in water. Arrange the flowers as desired, ensuring they have enough space between them to allow for proper air circulation.

Step 7: Change Water Regularly

To keep your African corn lilies fresh and vibrant, change the water in the vase every two to three days. Remove any wilted or spent flowers at this time as well to prevent them from contaminating the rest of the arrangement.

Step 8: Display in a Cool Location

Place your vase of African corn lilies in a cool location away from direct sunlight, drafts, or heat sources. Keeping the flowers in a cool environment will help extend their lifespan and prevent them from wilting prematurely.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid placing African corn lilies near ripening fruits or vegetables, as they release ethylene gas that can cause flowers to wilt faster.
• Mist the petals of the flowers lightly with water using a spray bottle to help keep them hydrated and looking fresh.
• If storing African corn lilies in a refrigerator, make sure they are not placed near fruits or vegetables that emit ethylene gas.

By following these simple steps and tips on how to clean African corn lilies, you can enjoy their beauty and fragrance for longer periods. Taking care of these delicate blooms will not only enhance their appearance but also allow you to create stunning floral arrangements that will brighten up any space.