Make Flowers Last Longer

The first 30 minutes after a bouquet arrives can make the difference between flowers that fade fast and flowers that stay fresh for days. If you want to make flowers last longer, start with a few simple habits right away. Clean water, a sharp trim, and the right spot in the room do more than most people think.

This guide walks you through the steps florists rely on at home. It also helps with the common frustration behind so many flower orders, flowers that look beautiful on day one, then wilt sooner than expected.

Starting with fresher stems helps too. If you are still deciding where to order from, this guide to the best flower delivery in Los Angeles can help you choose blooms with better staying power.

Your First 30 Minutes Matter Most

Fresh flowers are still living stems. They keep drinking water, reacting to temperature, and responding to bacteria in the vase. Your job in the first half hour is simple, keep the water clean and keep the stems open so they can drink.

Start with a spotless vase

A dirty vase shortens vase life fast. Even a little residue can cloud the water and clog the stems.

Wash the vase with hot, soapy water and rinse it well. If the vase is narrow, use a bottle brush so you can reach the bottom.

Give every stem a fresh cut

When stems sit out of water, the cut ends begin to seal. Air can also enter the stem, which slows hydration and makes flowers droop sooner.

• Use a sharp tool: Floral shears are best. A clean knife also works. Dull scissors can crush the stem.
• Cut at an angle: Trim at least 1 inch at a 45-degree angle so the stem has more room to take in water.
• Remove lower leaves: Any leaf below the waterline will break down and dirty the vase.

A clean vase, a fresh angled cut, and no leaves in the water solve the two biggest problems fast, bacteria and dehydration.

If you want a closer look at trimming techniques, read our guide on how to cut flower stems.

Starting with quality stems helps the whole routine work better. Our hand-tied bouquets are built with fresh seasonal flowers and designed to be conditioned easily at home.