Eight Ways to Make Your Flowers Last Longer

Keeping fresh flowers vibrant and beautiful for as long as possible can be a challenge, but with a few simple tips, you can extend their lifespan and enjoy their beauty for days, or even weeks, longer. Here are eight proven ways to make your flowers last longer.

1. Trim the Stems

When you bring fresh flowers home, trim about one inch from the bottom of the stems at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stems from resting flat on the bottom of the vase, which can block water uptake. Repeat this process every few days to keep the stems fresh.

2. Use Clean Vases

Before arranging your flowers, ensure that the vase is clean. Bacteria in dirty vases can quickly shorten the lifespan of your flowers. Wash the vase with hot soapy water and rinse thoroughly to eliminate any lingering bacteria.

3. Change the Water Regularly

Fresh flowers need fresh water. Change the water in the vase every two to three days. When you change the water, rinse the stems and the vase to remove any bacteria. This simple step can significantly extend the life of your flowers.

4. Remove Foliage Below the Water Line

Leaves and foliage that are submerged in water can rot and create bacteria, which can harm your flowers. Remove any leaves that will be below the water line in the vase to prevent this from happening.

5. Feed Your Flowers

Add flower food to the water to provide essential nutrients. Most bouquets come with a small packet of flower food. Follow the instructions on the packet, and if you run out, you can make your own with a mix of sugar, lemon juice, and a few drops of bleach.

6. Keep Flowers Cool

Flowers thrive in cooler temperatures. Avoid placing your flowers in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in drafty areas. Ideally, place them in a cool spot in your home, away from appliances and electronics that generate heat.

7. Mist Your Flowers

Misting your flowers daily with water can help keep them hydrated, especially in dry environments. Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the petals and leaves, but avoid overdoing it as too much moisture can lead to mold growth.

8. Remove Wilting Flowers

As some flowers start to wilt and die, remove them from the arrangement. Decaying flowers can release ethylene gas, which can speed up the aging process for the remaining healthy flowers. By keeping your arrangement fresh, you’ll help the rest of the flowers last longer.