Fresh flowers bring beauty, fragrance, and a special energy into your home. However, the joy they offer can be short-lived. Within just a few days, petals may begin to fall, and stems lose their firmness. To keep your bouquet fresh for as long as possible, it’s important to follow a few essential care tips.
Why Flowers Wilt and Lose Freshness
Every bouquet has a natural lifespan. Flowers continue to breathe and lose moisture, but without roots, they can't replenish it.
Factors that accelerate wilting:
- Temperature and light – Excessive heat or direct sunlight increases moisture loss.
- Bacteria in water – A dirty vase becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that clog the stems.
-
Ethylene gas – Released by fruits (especially apples and bananas), this gas speeds up the aging of flowers.
Preparation is the foundation of bouquet longevity:
- Remove excess leaves, especially those that will be submerged in water.
- Cut stems at a 45° angle using a sharp knife or pruner to improve water absorption.
- Always use a clean vase washed with baking soda or soap to prevent bacterial growth.
Use fresh, settled water to minimize chlorine exposure. Florists often recommend adding:
- Sugar (1 tsp per liter) – provides nourishment for flowers.
- Lemon juice or citric acid – helps inhibit bacterial growth.
-
Aspirin or activated charcoal – purifies and disinfects the water.
Storing and Maintaining Your Bouquet
- Keep flowers away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Avoid drafts, as they dry out the petals.
- Maintain an optimal room temperature of around 18°C (64°F).
- Change the water daily to prevent bacterial build-up.
- Re-trim stems by 1 cm each day to improve water uptake.
- Lightly mist the petals with clean water, especially for roses and lilies.
Folk Methods for Extending Freshness
Traditional techniques that still work today:
- A silver spoon placed in the vase slows bacterial growth.
- A pinch of salt or baking soda can help prolong freshness.
-
Commercial floral preservatives typically yield even better results.
Flower-Specific Care Tips
- Roses prefer cool water and daily trimming.
- Tulips thrive in cooler areas and shallow water.
- Lilies dislike drafts; remove pollen for a cleaner look.
- Chrysanthemums are extremely durable; change the water regularly.
-
Wildflowers need extra care and fresh water more often.
How to Revive a Wilting Bouquet
- Submerge stems in hot water for a few seconds, then transfer them to cold water.
- Mist the petals with water mixed with a small amount of sugar.
-
Trim off wilted parts and refresh the vase with clean water.
What NOT to Do with a Bouquet
- Do not leave flowers in dirty or cloudy water.
- Do not place them near fruit bowls.
- Do not use boiling water unless performing shock treatment for roses.
Expert Florist Tips
- Fresh flowers are delivered in an aqua box, which must be removed and placed in a vase. Do not cut the ribbon tying the bouquet to keep the shape
- Cut the stems 1 cm at an acute angle, clean them from the lower leaves and thorns. Repeat the procedure every 2 days
- Fill a vase with cold, clean water and add a sachet of Chrysal. Repeat the procedure every 2 days
- To prolong the life of flowers, we recommend placing the bouquet in a cool place, away from sunlight and heating appliances or direct AC
- Hydrangeas, roses, peonies, lilacs drink a lot. The vase must be completely filled with water. Watery-stemmed flowers such as tulips, ranunculus, hyacinth should be kept in a vase 1/3 filled with water
Final Thoughts
To make your bouquet last, show it a little love each day. Clean water, regular trimming, and the right environment can extend freshness significantly. Flowers are living beings—and with the right care, they’ll continue to brighten your space for many beautiful days to come.