How to Take Care of Cut Flowers
Keep Your Blooms Fresher, Longer
There’s nothing like a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers to brighten a space. Whether they’re a thoughtful gift or a treat for yourself, cut flowers bring joy, color, and life into your home. But how do you keep them looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible?
Here’s a simple guide to help you care for your cut flowers and extend their vase life.
1. Start with a Clean Vase
Always begin with a clean vase. Wash it with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly to remove any bacteria that could shorten the life of your flowers.
2. Cutting the Stems
Before placing your flowers in water:
- Use sharp knife or a floral scissor
- Cut 1–2 cm off the stems at a 45-degree angle
Why the angle? It increases the surface area for water uptake and prevents the stems from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase, which can block absorption.
Tip: Re-trim the stems every 2–3 days to keep water flowing efficiently.
3. Remove Leaves Below the Waterline
Leaves left in the water will start to rot and create bacteria, which can clog the stems and reduce vase life. Strip any foliage that will sit below the waterline before arranging your bouquet.
4. Use Fresh, Cool Water
Fill your vase with fresh, cool water (unless you're caring for tropical flowers, which prefer warmer water). Replace the water every two days, and clean the vase if needed.
5. Use Flower Food — or Just Fresh Water
If your bouquet comes with a packet of flower food, definitely use it. It contains a carefully balanced mix of nutrients and antibacterial agents to help your flowers stay fresh longer.
If you don’t have flower food, the best alternative is simply fresh, cool water changed regularly. Avoid DIY recipes with sugar, bleach, or vinegar — while they may sound helpful, they can actually damage your flowers if not perfectly balanced.
6. Keep Them Cool and Away from Trouble
Cut flowers don’t like heat or direct sunlight. Place your arrangement in a cool spot, away from:
- Radiators or heating vents
- Direct sunlight
- Drafts or fans
- Ripening fruit (which emits ethylene gas that speeds up wilting)
7. Remove Wilting Flowers
As blooms fade, remove them from the arrangement. Dead flowers release bacteria into the water and can shorten the lifespan of the rest of the bouquet.
Final Thoughts
Caring for cut flowers doesn’t take much effort, but a few simple steps can make a big difference. With proper care, your flowers will stay fresh, fragrant, and beautiful for as long as possible — letting you enjoy the power of flowers just a little longer.