Whether you’ve just received a beautiful bouquet as a gift or treated yourself to a fresh floral arrangement from your favourite flower shop, it’s only natural to want those blooms to stay looking fantastic for as long as possible. While you may already know some traditional tips for keeping flowers fresh, there are plenty of expert tricks from the floristry world that can help your flowers last even longer. In this guide, we’ll explore the best methods to keep your blooms vibrant and healthy.
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Cut Flower Stems at an Angle
If you’ve ever noticed that professional florists cut flower stems at an angle rather than straight across, it’s not just for aesthetics. This technique serves a very practical purpose: cutting stems at an angle allows the flowers to absorb more water. When you cut the stem straight across, the flower’s surface area is minimized, reducing its ability to draw in water. An angled cut, on the other hand, exposes more of the stem to water and keeps the flower hydrated for a longer period.
If your flowers have already been cut straight across, you can still give them an angled cut when you get them home. Use a sharp pair of scissors or a floral knife to make the cut, ideally under running water or in a basin of water to prevent air from entering the stems. This small adjustment can make a big difference in the lifespan of your flowers.
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Change the Water Regularly
While it might not be necessary to change the water as often as you would for a pet fish, it’s essential to refresh the water in your vase at least every two days. Fresh water provides the vital nutrients that flowers need to stay vibrant, and over time, the flowers deplete the water’s resources. Stale water also becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which can quickly clog the stems and block the absorption of water.
Each time you change the water, it’s a good idea to give the stems another trim—about 1 to 2 centimetres—using the angled cut method. This removes any blockage that might have formed and ensures your flowers can drink fresh water efficiently.
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Clean Your Vase Thoroughly
Before arranging your flowers, it’s crucial to clean your vase thoroughly. Residue from previous flowers or bacteria can significantly reduce the lifespan of your new arrangement. Wash the vase with hot, soapy water, and rinse it well before adding fresh water. This simple step helps prevent bacteria from building up in the water and ensures a healthier environment for your flowers.
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Use Floral Preservatives or Make Your Own
Most florists provide small packets of floral preservatives with flower deliveries, but if you’ve run out or didn’t receive one, don’t worry! You can create your own at home. Floral preservatives are designed to nourish your flowers and help them last longer by reducing the growth of bacteria in the water.
One simple DIY floral preservative involves a mix of one-part 7UP (yes, the soda!) and three parts water. The sugars in the soda feed the flowers, while the acids help to prevent bacterial growth. Add a few drops of bleach to the mixture (two or three drops are enough) to keep the water clean and clear. Each time you change the water in your vase, add this mixture to keep your flowers looking their best.
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Keep Your Flowers Away from Fruit
While it may be tempting to display your fresh-cut flowers next to a fruit bowl on your kitchen counter, it’s important to keep them apart. Fruits like apples, bananas, pears, and peaches release ethylene gas as they ripen, which can cause flowers to wilt prematurely. Even the most robust flowers can be affected by ethylene gas, so it’s best to place your blooms in a different part of the room.
This ethylene gas trick is one that not many people are aware of, but it can make a significant difference in the longevity of your flowers. Keep flowers and fruit far apart for optimal freshness.
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Place Flowers in a Cool, Shaded Spot
Flowers thrive best in cooler environments, so it’s essential to place your vase in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or drafty windows. Excessive heat can cause the flowers to dehydrate, while exposure to cold drafts can shock the blooms and cause them to wilt faster. A shaded, cool area with indirect light is the perfect home for your flowers to stay fresh and beautiful.
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Remove Wilting Flowers Promptly
As your flowers start to age, you may notice some wilting petals or stems. It’s important to remove these wilting flowers as soon as possible because they can produce bacteria that will quickly spread to the rest of the arrangement. Regularly checking your bouquet and removing flowers or foliage that have started to fade will help the rest of the arrangement stay fresh for longer.
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Avoid Overcrowding
When arranging flowers in a vase, it’s tempting to pack them in for a fuller look, but this can shorten the life of your blooms. Flowers need space to breathe, and overcrowding can restrict airflow, promote bacterial growth, and limit their ability to absorb water properly. To extend the life of your arrangement, give each flower enough space to stand independently and allow air to circulate between the stems.
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Mist Your Flowers
For a little extra care, misting your flowers with water daily can help them stay hydrated. Flowers, especially those with large, delicate petals, can benefit from the extra moisture provided by misting. This is especially useful for arrangements kept in air-conditioned or heated environments, where the air tends to be dry. Be sure to use a fine misting bottle to avoid damaging the petals with large water droplets.
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Store Flowers in a Cool Place Overnight
One of the best-kept secrets for extending the life of cut flowers is storing them in a cool place overnight. If you’re not displaying your flowers overnight, move the arrangement to a cool room, or even the fridge, to give the blooms a rest. The cooler temperatures slow down the flowers’ metabolism, helping them retain moisture and stay fresh for longer. Be cautious, though—don’t store them too close to fruits or vegetables, as they produce ethylene gas.
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Avoid Tap Water if Possible
While using tap water is convenient, it often contains chemicals such as fluoride or chlorine that can damage flowers. If possible, use filtered or distilled water in your vase to give your flowers the purest source of hydration. Rainwater, if available, is also an excellent alternative.
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Remove Extra Foliage
Finally, removing excess leaves and foliage from your flower stems can help keep your water cleaner and your flowers healthier. Leaves that are submerged in the water decompose quickly, creating bacteria that can block the flower stems. By stripping away any foliage that will sit below the waterline, you can prevent this issue and extend the lifespan of your flowers.
A Note About Native Flowers
If your bouquet includes native Australian flowers like banksias, kangaroo paws, or waratahs, be aware that they may have specific care requirements. These unique blooms are adapted to Australia’s climate and are generally more resilient than many imported varieties. However, they can still benefit from proper care, such as trimming stems and changing water regularly. You can often find specific care tips for your native flowers online or by asking your florist.
Taking care of your cut flowers doesn’t have to be complicated, but by following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy your blooms for much longer. From cutting the stems at an angle to changing the water regularly and keeping flowers away from ripening fruit, these small adjustments can make a big difference. With a little care and attention, you can make your flowers last and keep them looking fantastic for days or even weeks!
