Getting beautiful flowers delivered is just the beginning — proper care ensures your blooms stay fresh and vibrant for as long as possible. Whether you've received a bouquet for a special occasion or you're treating yourself, these care tips will help you get the most from your flowers.
First Steps When Receiving Fresh Flowers
As soon as your flowers arrive, follow these steps to maximize their lifespan:
- Unwrap carefully — Remove packaging gently to avoid damaging stems or petals
- Trim the stems — Cut 1-2 inches from the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle using sharp scissors or a knife
- Remove lower leaves — Strip any leaves that would sit below the waterline in your vase
- Use clean water — Fill your vase with fresh, lukewarm water mixed with the included flower food packet
- Place in ideal location — Keep flowers away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ripening fruit
Daily Maintenance
Flowers need regular attention to stay at their best:
- Change the water every two days, or whenever it becomes cloudy
- Re-trim the stems each time you change the water
- Remove wilted flowers promptly to prevent ethylene gas from speeding up the decline of remaining blooms
- Keep them cool — Flowers last longer at cooler temperatures
Care Tips for Specific Flowers
Roses: Keep roses hydrated and cool. Re-cut stems daily for best results. Avoid placing near fruits, which emit ethylene gas.
Tulips: These continue to grow after cutting! Keep water levels high, as tulips are thirsty. They prefer cool temperatures and indirect light.
Lilies: Remove pollen-bearing anthers to prevent staining and extend bloom life. Keep away from cats, as lilies are toxic to felines.
Orchids: Water orchid plants about once a week. Avoid overwatering — let the potting mix dry slightly between waterings.
Extending the Life of Your Arrangement
With proper care, most fresh flower bouquets can last 7-14 days. Some tips to extend their life even further:
- Add a few drops of bleach to the vase water to prevent bacterial growth
- Keep flowers in the refrigerator overnight
- Use commercial flower preservative solutions
- Mist petals lightly with water to maintain humidity