Fresh flowers bring joy, elegance, and fragrance to any room — but only when they’re properly cared for. If your bouquets seem to droop and wilt in just a couple of days, chances are you’re making one or more of these common mistakes.
Let’s dive into the top 5 flower care mistakes that people make — and more importantly, how to fix them.
🚫 1. Placing Flowers in Direct Sunlight
While flowers grow in the sun, once they’re cut, heat and sunlight accelerate wilting. Direct sunlight causes water to evaporate faster, leading to dry petals and droopy stems.
✅ Fix: Display your bouquets in a cool spot with indirect light — like a coffee table or bedside shelf away from windows.
🚫 2. Forgetting to Change the Water
Stale water is a breeding ground for bacteria, which can block stem absorption and shorten the bouquet’s life.
✅ Fix: Change the vase water every 2 days and clean the vase thoroughly each time.
🚫 3. Leaving Leaves Below the Waterline
Submerged leaves rot quickly and create bacteria that infect the entire arrangement.
✅ Fix: Remove all foliage that would be below the water level before placing stems in the vase.
🚫 4. Using Scissors Instead of a Sharp Knife
Scissors can crush the stem ends, preventing water absorption. Dull tools also promote stem rot.
✅ Fix: Use a sharp knife or florist shears to trim stems at a 45-degree angle under running water.
🚫 5. Ignoring Flower Food
That little packet of flower food isn’t just a freebie — it’s essential! It feeds your blooms and prevents bacterial growth.
✅ Fix: Always use flower food. If you don’t have it, make your own with sugar, vinegar, and a drop of bleach.
Make Every Stem Count
By avoiding these simple mistakes, you can keep your flowers blooming longer and your home looking stunning.
