Fresh cut flowers can brighten any room — but keeping them looking vibrant isn’t just luck. With the right care, you can make your blooms last much longer and look their best. Here are some simple, effective tips to extend the life of your bouquet.
Hydrate Immediately
As soon as you get your flowers home, remove any wrapping and place them in clean, cool water. Even a short time without water can cause stress that shortens their lifespan. Don’t wait — hydration is key!
Cut the Stems at an Angle
Before placing the flowers in a vase, trim about an inch off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption and helps prevent the stems from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase — which can block water flow.
Remove Lower Leaves
Leaves sitting below the waterline in your vase will rot quickly, encouraging bacteria that harm your flowers. Strip off any foliage that would sit in the water to keep things fresh and clean.
Change the Water Often
Swap out the water every two to three days — or sooner if it looks cloudy. Each time you do, rinse the vase and re-trim the stems slightly to ensure they stay open to water absorption.
Use Flower Food (Or Make Your Own)
Most store-bought bouquets come with a small packet of flower food — use it! If not, you can DIY a solution: mix 1 teaspoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and a drop of bleach into 1 liter of water. This combo feeds your flowers and keeps bacteria in check.
Keep Them Cool and Out of Direct Sunlight
Avoid placing your flowers near heaters, sunny windows, or fans. A cool, shaded spot helps slow wilting and extends their freshness.
Don’t Store Near Fruit
Ripening fruit (like apples or bananas) emits ethylene gas, which speeds up flower aging. Keep your bouquet far from your fruit bowl to prevent premature wilting.
With a little extra care, your cut flowers can stay stunning for days longer.
It doesn’t take much — just a few easy habits can keep those blooms beautiful and your space feeling fresh.
