Bouquet Care: 7 Rules to Make Your Flowers Last Longer
7 Rules to Make Your Bouquet Last Longer
Just received a beautiful bouquet? Want it to bring joy as long as possible? Here are 7 proven rules from our florists.
Rule 1: Trim the Stems Immediately
As soon as you receive the bouquet, trim 2-3 cm off the stems at a 45° angle. Use a sharp knife, not scissors. Scissors crush the stem, reducing water absorption.
Rule 2: Remove Lower Leaves
Remove all leaves that would sit in water. They rot, breed bacteria, and the water turns cloudy within a day.
Rule 3: Clean, Cool Water
Fill the vase 2/3 with cool (not ice-cold) water. Change it daily. Wash the vase each time — bacteria on the walls shorten flower life.
Rule 4: Flower Food
If a flower food packet came with the bouquet — use it. No packet? Add to the water:
- ½ teaspoon of sugar (nutrition)
- A drop of bleach or vinegar (antibacterial)
Rule 5: The Right Location
Keep the bouquet away from:
- Direct sunlight
- Radiators and heaters
- Air conditioning (airflow dries flowers out)
- Fruit (releases ethylene — accelerates wilting)
The ideal spot is a cool corner with indirect light.
Rule 6: Re-trim Every 2-3 Days
Refresh the stem cut every 2-3 days. This opens fresh channels for water uptake.
Rule 7: Remove Wilting Flowers
If one flower starts wilting — remove it. Wilting flowers release ethylene, speeding up wilting in the rest.
How Long Different Flowers Last
| Flower | Vase Life |
|---|---|
| Chrysanthemums | 2-3 weeks |
| Roses | 7-14 days |
| Tulips | 5-7 days |
| Peonies | 5-7 days |
| Lilies | 7-10 days |
| Gerberas | 7-10 days |
At Studio Amina, we send bouquets with care instructions and flower food. Our flowers arrive fresh — giving you maximum days of enjoyment.