What care should be taken with cut flowers to make them last longer?

Discover tips from our Florists to extend the lifespan of cut flowers and keep them looking beautiful for longer.

What care should you take to make the cut flowers we use to decorate vases in our homes or shops last longer?

1. INITIAL PREPARATION

• Cutting the stems: Before placing the flowers in water, cut about 2–3 cm off the stems at a 45° angle to increase the water absorption area.
• Removing submerged leaves: Remove any leaves that would sit below the water level to prevent rotting, which can create bacteria and harm the flowers.

2. CHOOSING THE VASE AND WATER

• Clean vase: Use a clean vase, free from dirt residue or chemicals. Wash it with soap and water before using it.
• Fresh water: Fill the vase with fresh water, preferably filtered or left to stand for a while after coming from the tap, to remove chlorine. Change the water every 2 days.
• Water temperature: Room temperature is ideal; avoid very cold or hot water.

3. FLOWER FOOD

Prepare your homemade solution, rich in nutrients and helping to prevent bacteria.

4. THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT

• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight: Cut flowers last longer in cool places, away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid proximity to heat sources: Keep flowers away from heat-generating appliances, such as household appliances and heaters.
• Avoid draughty areas: Constant air movement can dehydrate flowers; keep them away from air conditioning.
• Avoid proximity to fruit: Ripe fruit releases ethylene, a gas that speeds up flower ageing.

5. ONGOING MAINTENANCE

• Changing the water: Refresh the water every two days, always cleaning the vase (or container) and recutting the stems before placing them back in the vase (or container).
• Removing wilted flowers: Remove any flowers or leaves that start to wilt, to prevent rot from affecting the others.
• Refresh the flowers: In very dry or hot climates or environments, lightly mist the flower petals with water.

6. SPECIFIC CARE YOU SHOULD TAKE WITH SOME FLOWERS

• Roses: Remove thorns below the waterline and cut the stem daily.
• Tulips: They like cold water and benefit from ice in the vase.
• Hydrangeas: Soak wilted heads in cold water for 30 minutes to revive them.

Follow our florists’ tips and your cut flowers will stay beautiful and healthy for longer!

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