Same Day Delivery and Pick Up Available - Free Delivery for Orders over $150
You How to Make Your Flowers Last Longer
Cindy Du
20 March 2025 at 6:41:48 am
The Science of Flower Freshness
Flowers begin wilting as soon as they’re cut, but easy tips and tricks can prolong their lifespan. Knowing why flowers droop helps you keep arrangements on point, whether you’ve foraged them from the garden or taken them home from the store.
Ethylene Gas
Ethylene is a natural plant hormone. It fastens the decline of flowers, resulting in petals dropping and leaves wilting. Most fruits – bananas and apples, for instance – produce a lot of ethylene as they ripen. Keeping flowers away from fruit bowls can delay wilting and maintain colour for longer.
Cool places slow ethylene production, so flowers last longer in a room that is away from heaters, sunny windows or kitchen stoves. Some blooms are less troubled by ethylene. Carnations, anthuriums and chrysanthemums can last over two weeks, whereas dahlias and irises droop quickly. Opt for heartier flowers and you’ll have a better chance at a long-lasting display. Beware of ethylene sources in your home (in addition to fruit, smoke, and car exhaust) and even old flowers that join the party.
Water Uptake
Frequent water changes are essential for flowers to thrive.
Turgor pressure – in short, water pushing up against cell walls within the flower keeps the petals and stems firm. If water can’t get there, flowers droop and die quickly. Cut stems on a slant, rather than straight across, so they don’t rest flat at the bottom of the vase. This provides a larger space for water to seep through the stem.
Cool to room temperature is best.
Keep the vase water clear, not cloudy. Remove any fallen petals or leaves—they decay and change the quality of water going through the stems. Check water levels every day, topping up as necessary, particularly in hot rooms.
Bacterial Growth
Bacteria in vase water can clog stems and prevent water reaching the flowers. Changing the water every few days prevents bacteria build-up. It’s ideal if you begin with a clean vase – give it a wash with hot water and some mild soap before adding new blooms.
Trim stems and replace water every few days. Get rid of any petals or leaves that fall below the waterline, as they decay and nourish bacteria. Optionally you can add a splash of bleach, or a dash of vinegar, to the vase. These can inhibit bacteria from growing, although results can vary from flower to flower.
Flower Food and Other Tips
Flower food helps in three ways: it feeds the flowers, keeps water slightly acidic, and holds back bacteria. A lower pH allows flowers to drink more, keeping them perky. Additives such as sugar or aspirin can help, but don't work for every type of flower.
Essential Steps to Make Flowers Last Longer
Making flowers last longer isn’t just down to luck. It’s down to a few clever things you can do at home. To make blooms last, focus on the basics:
Cut stems at an angle with sharp and clean scissors/pruners
Choose a vase that’s an appropriate size for your bouquet.
Use room temperature water and mix in a flower food solution if you have access
Change the water every couple of days
Remove leaves below the water line
Re-trim stems every few days
Keep flowers cool and out of direct sun
Store overnight in a fridge if you can
1. The First Cut
Cutting stems properly is crucial. Always cut under running water so that air doesn’t sneak into the stem (it can block water being absorbed). Cutting 2.5 cm off the ends is sufficient to aid flowers in drinking better. Cut every stem on a 45-degree angle. This is a simple step but makes one heck of a difference. More surface area = more water gets in, which keeps blooms plump.
Use sharp scissors or snips. Dull blades can smash stems and make it difficult for water to travel up, so grab the best tool you’ve got. Regardless of what flowers you’re taking care of, they all have a few things in common, including an angled cut.
2. The Right Vase
A clean glass vase is a must! Bacteria spreads rapidly in grubby vases, and that’s not good news for flowers. Ensure that your vase is tall enough for your stems without squishing them against one another. Tight stems can easily become bruised, split or simply look untidy. Opt for a vase with a wide enough mouth so every stem has space to wiggle and soak up water.
A slim vase can impede water getting to the stems and cause them to lean uncomfortably. If you want your bunch of flowers to really last, the vase’s shape and size should be considered. Swill the vase with dish soap before you begin, then rinse between water swaps.
3. The Water Solution
‘Fill your vase with room water – this assists flowers hydrate quickly after cutting. Before you position the bouquet, strip any leaves that will sit below the water line. Leaves submerged in water rot rapidly, and that’s where bacteria begins. Every other day, tip out the old water, clean the vase and refill with fresh water.
Additives do the trick, too. Experiment with a combination of 2 tablespoons vinegar and 2 tablespoons sugar per litre, or a dash of bleach (around ¼ teaspoon) to slow bacteria. Homemade mixes nourish blooms and preserve water, so you’ll get more respectively out of each bunch.
4. The Daily Ritual
Check water daily and fill up as necessary. Flowers are thirsty – particularly on day one. Re-cut stems every few days to ensure they keep absorbing water. Pick off brown petals or yellow leaves so the arrangement looks fresh.
Place your flowers in a cool place, out of direct sunlight, heaters and draughts.
Pop them in the fridge overnight, if you can.
5. The Perfect Spot
- Keep flowers in a cool, shaded space.
- Don’t put them near heat or vents.
- Try the fridge for 8 hours at night.
- Turn the vase so all sides get even light.
Beyond the Basics
Making the most of cut flowers is more than just water and sunlight and sugar. Fancy tricks can make a lot of difference to how long your flowers live. Professional florists and experienced home gardeners often rely on a few key methods:
Employ a sterilised vase to reduce bacterial growth
Pop in a copper penny or a dash of soda
Store flowers in a cool location, out of direct sun or radiators.
Cut stems at a 45-degree angle to improve water uptake.
Change water and retrim stems every couple of days
Keep water slightly acidic (pH 3.5–5.0) for best results
Remove leaves below the waterline to stop rot
Water Quality
Water Type - Chlorine Risk - pH Level - Impact on Flowers
Tap (untreated) - Often high - 6.5–8.5 - May shorten flower life
Tap (filtered) - Low–medium - 6.0–7.5 - Better for most flowers
Distilled - None - 7.0 (neutral) - Good but lacks minerals
Rainwater - Low - 5.0–6.0 - Ideal for many blooms
Check tap water for chlorine, as this can ruin fragile petals and leaves. Use a test kit if you’re not sure and have access. Look for water that’s moderately acid – ideally anything around pH 3.5 to 5.0. This concentration inhibits bacteria growth and maintains crisp flowers. Refill vases with water every couple of days to avoid nasties and very droopy petals.
Stem Types
Stem Type - Description - Care Tip
Woody - Thick, hard stems (e.g., roses) - Use sharp secateurs, split base for extra water
Soft/Herbaceous - Flexible, green stems (e.g., tulips) - Gentle cut, avoid crushing
Hollow - Tube-like (e.g., delphiniums) - Fill stems with water briefly before arranging
Bulb - Grows from bulbs (e.g., daffodils) -Don’t mix with other flowers, can release toxins
Woody stems require a nice clean cut and sometimes a vertical split at the bottom to encourage them to drink. Soft stems bruise very easily, so simply use a clean, sharp knife to avoid crushing them. Hollow stems drink in air, so fill them with water before plunging in the vase. Bulb flowers, such as daffodils, can exude sap that’s harmful to other blooms, so keep them apart for optimum results.
Flower Food
Store-bought flower food is purposeful and provides the ideal combination of sugar, acid and antibacterial properties. Homemade mixes are fine too — two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and sugar in the water, renewed every few days, really helps. Others swear by putting a crushed aspirin or (pre-1980s) copper penny in the water to keep cut flowers fresh. Pouring in a quarter cup of lemonade or transparent soda is yet another for additional sugar, but don’t go overboard to prevent glued-together gloop.
Common Myths Debunked
We all want our flowers to last as long as possible, but sometimes, the advice you’ll find floating around doesn’t actually work. Separating fact from fiction enables you to tend flowers simply and effectively.
One myth we hear a lot is about dropping a penny in the vase. The concept originates in copper’s capacity to decelerate fungus development, hence the flowers ought to remain fresher for a longer period. After 1982, almost all pennies became primarily zinc coated with a thin layer of copper. That means contemporary coins don’t have sufficient copper to amount to much. Even worse, a coin in your vase water can contribute germs and bacteria, both of which accelerate wilting. So, the penny trick is better off lost in the mists of time.
Another myth? That stale flower food no longer works. I mean they are made to last and don’t expire.” The truth is, flower food or those tiny preservative sachets you receive with your bouquet are to blame. Even if the packet has been languishing in your kitchen drawer for a year or two, it’ll still help keep your flowers looking fresh. These mixtures work by nourishing the stems and preventing bacteria, both essential to longer-lasting blooms.
Others believe that covering flowers (for example, in plastic) is harmful because it keeps air out. When you’re transporting blooms or stashing them for a brief period, wrapping them can help retain moisture. This is useful for dry locations or if you have to transport the bouquet! Just remember to unwrap and submerge them in water as soon as you can when you’re home.
Cutting stems is a step that many skip, but it isn’t just about making the flowers fit the vase. Whenever you change the water, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle. This exposes yet more surface area for water to enter, and prevents air bubbles getting trapped in the stem. It’s a small effort, but it can make your blooms last 10-12 days if you do it properly.
Finally, what’s science backed is best. Fresh water, routine stem trims and correct flower food do far more for prolonging blooms than outdated tricks like pennies or sugar. It’s small habits, not hidden hacks.
Tailoring Care for Specific Flowers
Not all flowers require the same care. Certain flowers are delicate and require additional attention, while some stand up well in tougher locations. Knowing what your flowers need will help keep them fresh and vibrant for longer, no matter where you live.
Delicate Blooms
Fancy blooms – such as lilies or peonies – bruise and wilt quickly if you’re too heavy-handed. Always touch these flowers by the stem, not the head, and don’t bash or squash petals. Roses, for instance, have guard petals on the outside. You can lightly pinch these off to neaten the appearance and assist the inner petals in opening.
Water with a gentle pour or mist. This prevents delicate stems from bending or breaking. If you’re using a vase, use cold water (but not too much – only enough to cover the ends).
Cooler environments suit fragile flowers. Target room temps of around 18-22°C. Avoid direct sun, heaters, and draughts – big temperature swings will stress them. Humidity is a blessing, too – if your room is dry, mist the flowers or place a small humidifier nearby.
Woody Stems
Woody stems – think roses or hydrangeas – require a little more prep. Cut the ends at an angle with clean snips. You can go so far as to smash the last 2–3cm of the stem with a hammer to encourage them to drink up more water.
These thirsty types love water, so fill your vase half full or more, and top it off every day. Woody stems are thirsty, and dry stems wither quickly. Some woody flowers require extra attention — camellias, for example, prefer their leaves trimmed off to prevent moisture loss. To slow down bacteria and keep stems clear, use floral preservatives in the water.
Change the water every few days and re-trim the stems at every change. Trim away any wilting leaves or flowers to maintain a clean and healthy vase.
Bulb Flowers
Bulb flowers like tulips and daffodils thrive in moist yet well-drained soil (in the garden or pot). If you’re cutting them for a vase, don’t allow the water to coat the stems too high, as they go off quickly. Change the water every two or three days, and use a vase that’s half the height of the flower to prop up the stems.
Keep unbloomed bulbs in a cool, dark place. Bulb flowers are seasonal, so don’t try to force them out of season – this will wear them out. Water little – too much will rot the bulbs before opening.
Tropical Flowers
Tropical flowers, from orchids to anthuriums, love heat and humidity, so they’re a safe bet for summer months. These flowers don’t mind a warm spot but still, no direct sunlight and away from cold draughts!
Mist them frequently, and filtered water if you can. If the stems are thick, cut them in a slant to assist with water uptake. Change the water and clean the vase every couple of days for maximum results.
When the Petals Fall
Petals falling off your flowers are the sign they’re older, but it’s all part of the natural order. Roses et al have guard petals – those two or three on the outermost layer – which typically fall away first. These petals shield the flower itself – and as they fall, they create space for the flower to unfurl further. We often see these guard petals on our table or work bench early on. Other flowers, such as hydrangeas or cherry blossoms, have far thinner petals. They drop their petals more readily too, especially if the room is dry or the flowers are left in direct sunlight. The thicker the petal, the longer it appears to cling on.
Knowing what’s normal sets your expectations. When the petals start falling, it’s the flower’s end of days. You may notice other signs as well – for example, the stem collapsing a bit or the leaves curling at the edges. Things could get a little steamy or very dry, too. Environmental factors, such as an overheated room or a dry atmosphere, can accelerate matters. This is similar to water that hasn’t been changed for a couple of days. If you notice petals on the water’s surface or on the floor, it’s time to replace the water and snip the stems. This aids the rest of the flowers in staying fresh as long as possible.
Fallen petals are a little untidy, and if you’re not mindful, they may leave stains on pale surfaces or carpets. Others sweep them up immediately, especially with pets or kids to contend with. Others left them on to linger, as part of the flower’s own narrative. In Japan, fallen cherry blossom petals are a symbol of beauty and transience, something to stop and appreciate. To avoid stains, put a mat or tray under your vase, or move flowers away from high-traffic areas.
When your blooms are more droopy than perky, here are some ways to make the most of them. Others gather the petals to dry and incorporate into craft projects, potpourri, or even as natural confetti. If you’re a gardener, composting the petals is a no-nonsense way to return to the earth. Even at this late hour, flowers disappoint.
Conclusion
Fresh flowers can brighten a room or your spirits, but they die so quickly without the proper upkeep. Fresh water, clean cuts and a cool position are better than old wives’ tales or florist’s myths. Tulips favour the light, roses prefer deep water, and some flowers need space to bloom. Basic processes work finest. No fancy hacks or expensive tools here. Witnessed droopy petals before payday? Replace water/trim stems – works most times. Want to keep your blooms looking vibrant and full for longer? Try these tips to see how much longer you get out of your next bouquet! Got a trick that works? Share it with a friend and spread the love.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change the water in my flower vase?
Change the water every two days. Clean water wards off bacteria and helps your flowers remain perky for longer.
Do flowers last longer if I cut the stems?
Yes, cut stems at an angle before popping them in water, always! This assists them in drinking water more effectively and prolongs their life.
Should I remove leaves below the waterline?
Definitely. Leaves submerged in water can start to rot and breed bacteria. Take them off to prolong your blooms.
Can I use sugar or vinegar in the vase water?
A bit of sugar will feed the flowers, and vinegar helps to fight bacteria. Use both conservatively - around a teaspoon per litre of water.
Is it better to keep flowers in sunlight or shade?
Store your flowers in a cooler location, out of direct sunlight and heat. Direct sunlight or heat will cause them to wilt quickly.
Does flower food really work?
Yes, shop-bought flower food delivers nutrients and bacterium-battling properties. Use the sachet your flowers arrive with, if they have one.
What should I do when my flowers start to wilt?
Keep wilted blooms and leaves at bay. This prevents them from tainting the rest and maintains your arrangement’s freshness.
Conclusion
Fresh flowers can brighten a room or your spirits, but they die so quickly without the proper upkeep. Fresh water, clean cuts and a cool position are better than old wives’ tales or florist’s myths. Tulips favour the light, roses prefer deep water, and some flowers need space to bloom. Basic processes work finest. No fancy hacks or expensive tools here. Witnessed droopy petals before payday? Replace water/trim stems – works most times. Want to keep your blooms looking vibrant and full for longer? Try these tips to see how much longer you get out of your next bouquet! Got a trick that works? Share it with a friend and spread the love.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change the water in my flower vase?
Change the water every two days. Clean water wards off bacteria and helps your flowers remain perky for longer.
Do flowers last longer if I cut the stems?
Yes, cut stems at an angle before popping them in water, always! This assists them in drinking water more effectively and prolongs their life.
Should I remove leaves below the waterline?
Definitely. Leaves submerged in water can start to rot and breed bacteria. Take them off to prolong your blooms.
Can I use sugar or vinegar in the vase water?
A bit of sugar will feed the flowers, and vinegar helps to fight bacteria. Use both conservatively - around a teaspoon per litre of water.
Is it better to keep flowers in sunlight or shade?
Store your flowers in a cooler location, out of direct sunlight and heat. Direct sunlight or heat will cause them to wilt quickly.
Does flower food really work?
Yes, shop-bought flower food delivers nutrients and bacterium-battling properties. Use the sachet your flowers arrive with, if they have one.
What should I do when my flowers start to wilt?
Keep wilted blooms and leaves at bay. This prevents them from tainting the rest and maintains your arrangement’s freshness.