Care · 6 min read
A Simple Flower Care Guide for Longer-Lasting Blooms
Simple, practical steps to extend the life of your fresh flowers at home.
Start With a Clean Vase
Bacteria in a dirty vase is one of the fastest ways to shorten a bouquet's life. Wash your vase thoroughly with warm, soapy water before adding fresh flowers, and rinse it well so no soap residue remains. This simple habit alone can add days to your arrangement's life, whether it is a bunch from us or elsewhere.
Trim the Stems Properly
Cut each stem at an angle using sharp scissors or a knife, ideally under running water. An angled cut increases the surface area for water uptake, while cutting under water prevents air bubbles from blocking the stem. Re-trim stems every two to three days to keep them drinking well.
Choose the Right Water and Change It Often
Use room temperature water for most flowers, and change it every two days, more often if the water starts to look cloudy. If your bouquet came with a flower food sachet, use it as directed, it helps feed the blooms and keeps bacteria in check.
Find the Right Spot in Your Home
Flowers last longest away from direct sunlight, heaters, and fruit bowls, ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which speeds up wilting. A cool spot out of draughts, away from windows that get strong afternoon sun, will help your arrangement stay fresh for longer.
Remove Fading Blooms and Leaves
As individual flowers start to fade, remove them promptly so they do not affect the rest of the arrangement. Strip any leaves that sit below the waterline too, submerged foliage decays quickly and clouds the water.
Caring for Cape Favourites
Proteas and other fynbos varieties are famously long-lasting and need very little water to thrive in a vase, avoid overfilling their container. Roses benefit from the standard trimming and water-changing routine above, while more delicate blooms like ranunculus prefer cooler rooms and fresh water more frequently.
When to Ask the Experts
If you have received a special arrangement, perhaps from our luxury bouquets range or a sympathy flowers delivery, and want tips specific to those stems, feel free to reach out via contact or WhatsApp. We are always happy to share advice on getting the most out of your flowers.
Frequently asked
How often should I change the water?
Every two days is a good rule of thumb, or sooner if the water looks cloudy.
Do proteas need daily watering?
No, proteas need very little water and can be damaged by overfilled vases.
Why are my flowers wilting quickly?
Common causes include dirty vases, direct sunlight, or placement near ripening fruit.
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