How to Care for Cut Flowers: Simple Hacks to Make Your Bouquet Last Longer
Fresh flowers can brighten any room and lift your mood, but without proper care, they can wilt surprisingly fast. Whether you’ve picked up a beautiful arrangement for yourself or received a thoughtful surprise from My Global Flowers, a few simple tricks can keep your bouquet looking vibrant for days — even weeks.
Step 1: Trim Smart
Start by trimming the stems. Use clean, sharp scissors or garden shears to cut each stem at a 45-degree angle. This increases water absorption and prevents the stems from sealing against the vase bottom. Re-trim every 2–3 days to keep them fresh and hydrated.
Step 2: Clean Water, Happy Flowers
Choose a clean vase and wash it with soap before use to remove bacteria. Fill it with lukewarm water and add the flower food that came with your bouquet. If you don’t have any, make your own: mix 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of white vinegar, and a few drops of bleach. The sugar feeds the flowers, the vinegar lowers the pH, and bleach controls bacteria.
Step 3: Location Matters
Keep flowers away from direct sunlight, heat sources, radiators, and especially ripening fruits. Ethylene gas from fruits like apples and bananas can cause petals to drop early. Place your arrangement in a cool, shaded area to help it last longer.
Step 4: Mind the Waterline
Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline — they rot quickly and promote bacteria. Change the water every 48 hours and rinse the stems under cool water before placing them back in the vase. Clean water means a healthier bouquet.
Bonus Hacks
- Drop a crushed aspirin or a copper coin into the vase to extend freshness.
- Add a splash of vodka — it inhibits bacterial growth.
- For drooping roses, dip their heads into warm water for 30 seconds to revive them.
- Mist flowers lightly with water daily to keep petals hydrated.
With a little care and a few clever tricks, your bouquet can stay fresh and beautiful much longer. Even delicate blooms can thrive with minimal effort — bringing joy and elegance to your space all week long.
