How to Care for Fresh Cut Flowers: Extend Their Beauty

Professional bouquets carry sentimental weight—we want them to last. With proper care, most flowers survive 7 days; some reach 14.

Step-by-Step Care

1. Immediate hydration: Warm water (37.5°C/99.5°F) rehydrates fastest, promotes bloom opening, clears stem air bubbles.
2. Change water every 2 days: Switch to cold water—keeps flowers cool, extends life.
3. Use preservative: Carbohydrates (food + bloom stimulation) + bactericide (prevents stem blockage, odor, discoloration). No preservative? 1–2 drops bleach.
4. Remove submerged leaves: They rot, breed bacteria. Florists pre-remove; loose stems may need trimming.
5. Trim stems: Cut 2–3 cm at an angle—increases water uptake, prevents flat-bottom blockage. Re-cut every 2 days. Underwater cutting prevents air intake.
6. Keep cool: Away from sun, heaters, lamps, hot cars. Ideal: 4–5°C (39–41°F)—refrigerator overnight works.
7. Avoid fruit/vegetables: Ethylene gas damages flowers (especially carnations, delphiniums).
8. Watch for gas leaks: Domestic gas harms flowers.
9. Isolate daffodils: Their sap kills other flowers—separate vase required.

Follow these steps for maximum vase life and lasting beauty.