How to Keep Your Flowers Fresh for Longer

There’s nothing like the beauty of fresh flowers brightening up your home. However, without proper care, their vibrant colors and fragrant aromas can fade quickly. If you want to enjoy your floral arrangements for as long as possible, there are several tips and tricks you can follow to keep them looking fresh. Here are some simple yet effective ways to extend the life of your flowers.

One of the first things to do when you bring home fresh flowers is to trim the stems. Cutting the stems at a 45-degree angle increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stems from resting flat on the bottom of the vase, which can block water flow. It’s a good idea to re-trim the stems every 2-3 days to improve hydration.

Leaves submerged in water tend to rot quickly, promoting bacterial growth in the vase. This bacteria can block water uptake and shorten the life of your flowers. Always remove any leaves that will be below the waterline before placing your flowers in the vase.

Fresh water is key to keeping your flowers fresh. Change the water in the vase every 2 days to prevent bacterial build-up and keep the flowers hydrated. When changing the water, rinse the vase and refill it with clean, lukewarm water. Adding a little bit of flower food to the fresh water can also help extend the lifespan of your flowers.

Many flower bouquets come with a small packet of flower food. Flower food contains essential nutrients, sugar, and an antibacterial agent to nourish the flowers and slow bacterial growth in the water. If you don’t have commercial flower food, you can make a DIY version by mixing a teaspoon of sugar, a few drops of bleach, and a teaspoon of lemon juice into the vase water.

While flowers need light to grow, cut flowers should be kept away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or drafty areas. Direct sun and warm temperatures cause flowers to wilt more quickly. Instead, place your flowers in a cool, shaded spot to help them last longer.

Did you know that fruits release a gas called ethylene, which accelerates the ripening process and can cause flowers to age faster? To keep your blooms fresh, avoid placing your flower arrangement near a fruit bowl.

If you’re keen on maximizing the freshness of your flowers, placing the bouquet in the refrigerator overnight can slow down their aging process. Cooler temperatures reduce the rate of water loss and keep the flowers hydrated. Just make sure the flowers aren’t touching the back of the refrigerator to avoid freezing them.

As soon as you notice any wilting or drooping flowers, remove them from the arrangement. Wilted flowers can release ethylene gas, which can cause the other flowers to deteriorate more quickly. Keeping your arrangement free of dying blooms will help maintain the freshness of the remaining flowers.

With the right care and attention, you can extend the life of your beautiful flowers and enjoy their beauty for days, even weeks. At Plumeria, we offer fresh, high-quality flowers perfect for any occasion. Follow these tips to make the most of your floral arrangements, and explore our stunning collection today to brighten up your home!