How do you keep magnolia blossoms alive once they are cut?

Question

I cut a flower, smashed the stem because it was woody, put it in water immediately, but within a few hours it was turning brown. I have seen florists use them in arrangements. What am I doing wrong?

Answer 1

You don't need to smash the stem, you'll mess up the suction if you do...just cut it about a quarter to a half inch from the bottom and put it in room temperature water...also using flower food would probably help because magnolias don't have a long vase life anyway. Cut the bottom of the stems at least every 2-3 days to prolong the life of the magnolia