Lilies are a spectacular choice for a floral display, but they often arrive as tight, closed buds that can take several days to open naturally. This waiting period can be frustrating when you want to enjoy the full beauty and fragrance of the blossoms immediately. By understanding the physiology of cut flowers, you can employ specific techniques to accelerate the blooming process for a more immediate presentation. The goal is to safely encourage the flower’s metabolism, prompting the buds to unfurl faster than they would otherwise.
Immediate Care Upon Arrival
The first steps upon receiving your lilies are foundational for maximizing their ability to absorb water, which is the primary driver for a bud to swell and open. Start by using sharp, clean clippers or a knife to re-cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This fresh, angled cut creates a significantly larger surface area for water uptake and prevents the stem from resting flush against the bottom of the vase.
Immediately after cutting, the stems should be placed into a clean vase filled with water. Removing any foliage that would sit below the water line is an important preparatory step. Submerged leaves will quickly decompose, encouraging the growth of bacteria that can clog the specialized water-conducting tissues of the stem, blocking hydration to the buds above.
Using Environment to Accelerate Opening
Once the stems are prepared, environmental manipulation becomes the most direct way to encourage the physiological process of blooming. Warmer environments accelerate the flower’s metabolism, which directly speeds up the cellular processes required for the buds to expand. Place your vase in a room that is comfortably warm, but not excessively hot, avoiding drafts or placement near heat sources that could cause rapid dehydration.
Using lukewarm water is highly effective because water molecules at a temperature between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit are less viscous than cold water, allowing for faster absorption by the stem’s capillaries. Providing commercial flower food along with the water is also beneficial. The food contains necessary sugars to fuel the rapid growth of the petals and an acidifier that helps the stem absorb water more efficiently.
Light exposure plays a supportive role in providing the energy needed for the flowers to open. Position the lilies in a spot that receives bright, indirect light throughout the day. This provides the energy needed for the accelerated metabolic rate without the damaging, dehydrating heat that comes from direct sunlight.
Troubleshooting and Longevity
Some lily buds can be “stubborn” and fail to open, a common issue that often relates to their maturity at the time of harvest. Buds that were cut too early, before the color was visible, may lack the stored energy to complete the blooming process. Exposure to ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone released by ripening fruit or decaying plant material, can also cause buds to prematurely drop or fail to open completely.
Once the lilies have successfully opened using these accelerated methods, their care must shift to maximizing their longevity. To maintain the health of the vascular system, recut the stems and completely change the water every two to three days. This prevents the buildup of bacteria and ensures a consistent supply of fresh water and nutrients to the fully opened blooms.
To direct the plant’s energy toward the remaining unopened buds on the stem, promptly remove any flowers that have wilted or faded. It is beneficial to remove the pollen-laden anthers soon after the flower opens. This prevents the plant from using energy for seed production and avoids staining the petals, allowing you to enjoy the fully opened lilies for a longer period.