How to Make Flowers Last Longer

Most floral arrangements will last for 4–7 days or longer depending on the flowers within the arrangement. The life of your flowers will also depend on the care given to them.

Tips for Making Your Flowers Last

1. Clean your vase thoroughly. Use a deep vase and clean it with an antibacterial solution before use. Bacteria in dirty vases is one of the biggest killers of fresh flowers.
2. Prepare the water properly. Fill the vase with clean lukewarm water and add the flower food supplied with your flowers. Follow the instructions on the packet carefully — don't exceed the recommended water quantity.
3. Trim the stems correctly. Remove 1–2 inches from the stems using sharp clippers or a knife (not scissors, which crush the stems). Cut at a 45° angle under warm running water — this helps faster water uptake and removes air blockages.
4. Remove leaves below the waterline. Submerged leaves rot quickly and promote bacterial growth, which limits water intake by the flower.
5. Keep flowers cool. Flowers last longest in cool environments (18–22°C / 65–72°F). Avoid direct sunlight, heating appliances, fans, radiators, and draughty areas.
6. Re-cut stems regularly. Every other day, re-cut stems under water by about half an inch to ensure maximum water absorption.
7. Top up, don't replace. When replenishing water, top up the container rather than replacing all the water — unless it has become cloudy, in which case replace it completely with fresh flower food.