Want your beautiful bouquet to last as long as possible? Follow these expert care tips from our florists to extend the life of your flowers and keep them vibrant for days longer.
Start with a Clean Vase
Bacteria are the number one enemy of cut flowers. Always start with a thoroughly clean vase — wash it with warm soapy water or, even better, a little bleach diluted in water. Rinse completely.
Fill the vase with fresh, cool water. If your bouquet came with a flower food sachet, dissolve it in the water. Flower food contains sugar (energy for the flowers), an acidifier (lowers water pH so stems absorb more easily), and a biocide (kills bacteria).
The Right Way to Cut Stems
Before placing flowers in water, cut at least 2–3cm off each stem at a 45-degree angle. The diagonal cut increases the surface area for water absorption. Always use sharp scissors or a clean knife — never tear or break stems.
Ideally, cut the stems while holding them underwater or submerged in a bowl of water. This prevents air bubbles from blocking the vascular system of the stem, ensuring maximum water uptake from the very start.
Choose the Right Location
Flowers last longest in a cool environment away from direct sunlight, heat sources (radiators, fireplaces), drafts, and ripening fruit. Fruit releases ethylene gas, which dramatically speeds up the aging of cut flowers.
If you want your flowers to last as long as possible, place them in the coolest room in your house overnight, or even in the refrigerator if you have space.
Daily Care Makes a Huge Difference
Change the vase water every 1–2 days and re-cut the stems each time. This single habit alone can double the lifespan of your bouquet. Remove any leaves that fall below the waterline, as they rot and promote bacterial growth.
Remove individual flowers as they fade — this redirects energy to the remaining blooms and keeps your arrangement looking fresh longer. Some flowers, like chrysanthemums and carnations, last up to 2–3 weeks with proper care.
Rescue Wilting Flowers
If your flowers start to wilt prematurely, don't give up on them. Re-cut the stems at an angle, then submerge the entire stem (and even the flower head) in cool water for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This often revives even severely wilted flowers.
For roses with bent necks, wrap the entire bouquet in damp newspaper, cut the stems, and leave them in deep water for a few hours. The newspaper support helps the flower heads recover their upright position.