There’s nothing quite like the beauty and fragrance of fresh flowers in your home. But all too often, those beautiful bouquets wilt before the week is out. So how do you keep your flowers looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible?
In this guide, we share 7 expert-backed flower care tips that you can use at home to extend the life of your bouquets — whether they’re from a florist or your garden.
✅ 1. Trim the Stems at a 45-Degree Angle
Before placing your bouquet in a vase, cut each stem at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stems from resting flat at the bottom of the vase, where they might seal off.
💡 Pro Tip: Re-trim your stems every 2–3 days to keep the water pathways open.
💧 2. Use Clean Vases & Fresh Water
Always start with a clean vase and fill it with room-temperature water. Bacteria buildup in dirty vases can clog stems and reduce water uptake.
🧼 Use mild soap or a water-vinegar solution to clean vases thoroughly between uses.
🍃 3. Remove Leaves Below the Waterline
Leaves submerged in water will rot quickly, encouraging bacteria growth. Strip all leaves that fall below the waterline to keep your arrangement fresh and the water clean.
🔄 4. Change the Water Every 2 Days
Just like people, flowers need fresh water! Change the vase water every 48 hours to limit bacteria and keep your flowers hydrated.
🚿 Don’t forget to rinse the vase and stems with clean water each time.
🧪 5. Use Flower Food (Or Make Your Own)
Most bouquets come with a sachet of flower food. If not, make your own with:
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp vinegar
- A few drops of bleach per quart of water
Sugar feeds the blooms, vinegar controls bacteria, and bleach purifies the water.
❄️ 6. Keep Flowers Cool and Out of Direct Sunlight
Place your flowers in a cool room away from heat sources, harsh sunlight, and even ceiling fans. Heat speeds up evaporation and wilting.
📍 Ideal spots: a shaded table, near indirect light, or on a north-facing shelf.
✂️ 7. Re-Cut Stems Every Few Days
Over time, stems seal at the bottom. Re-cut them every 2–3 days to reopen water channels. Be sure to cut under running water or submerge the stems immediately after trimming.
🍎 Bonus Tip: Avoid Ripening Fruit
Ripening fruits like bananas and apples release ethylene gas, which accelerates wilting. Keep bouquets far from your fruit bowl!
💐 Shop Fresh Bouquets That Last Longer
We use premium florals and eco-friendly wraps to ensure longer vase life and stunning presentation.
