Flowers in a vase

How to make your vase flowers last longer

Flowers are a gift that suits every occasion in life, even the most unexpected moments. A bouquet of flowers can bring joy and positive energy to any space. Whether you’ve received a flower arrangement for your anniversary or a bouquet for your graduation, or you’ve simply picked some flowers for your dining table, you’ll surely want to enjoy them for as long as possible.

The truth is that bouquets don’t last forever. On the other hand, there are some guidelines and tips you can follow to help your flowers last as long as possible. Here’s everything you need to know about making your flowers last longer.

Flower care tips

The first step to keeping your flowers fresh is to follow the care instructions below.

Trim the stems

One of the most common mistakes people make after receiving flowers is forgetting to trim the stems. Use pruning shears or a knife to cut 1.5 to 2 cm off the stems at an angle, to help them take up water better. After the first cut, make sure to trim your bouquet again every 2 days.

Remove the leaves

Remove any leaves that sit below the waterline. This won’t just make your bouquet look better, it will also stop bacteria from growing. After this first clean-up, check your flowers every day for dead or loose leaves and petals to prevent bacterial growth.

Pay attention to the water

When you give your bouquet water, it’s important to do it the right way. Your flowers won’t last long without water. Choose a clean vase, fill it with room-temperature water and add a sachet of flower food (your florist gives you one with every purchase). Make sure you use the right ratio. It’s also important to clean your vase well and change the water and flower food every two to three days.

Avoid direct sunlight, heat, draughts and fruit (yes… fruit!)

Your flowers will last longer in a cool room. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near appliances that give off heat. You’ll also want to avoid spots such as open windows, heating or cooling vents and ceiling fans, as these can quickly dry out your flowers. Also, don’t place your bouquet near fruit. Ripe fruit releases small amounts of ethylene gas, which can shorten the life of your flowers.