How to Make Flowers Last Longer, According to Florists

Is there anything better than a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers? The glorious burst of color and gorgeous scent can transform any room. But here's the unfortunate truth: They start to die once you set them in the vase. All flower arrangements begin wilting within days, and most are dead within a week. That said, you can do some things to make flowers last longer. We asked the experts to share tips on how to help a flower arrangement live its best and longest possible life.

Christina Stembel is the founder and CEO of Farmgirl Flowers.
Megan Vejby is a floral designer for Scotts Flowers.

01 of 07

Trim the Stems

trimming flower stems — Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images

According to Christina Stembel, founder and CEO of Farmgirl Flowers, long-lasting flowers begin with healthy stems. Since the stems can dry out easily during transit, trimming the flower stems a couple of inches allows blooms to hydrate more efficiently. Cut each stem at a 45-degree angle to maximize the surface area through which flowers intake water. Also, try to cut stems under warm (not hot) running water to ensure they get hydrated immediately.

In addition, recutting the stems whenever you change the water will help your flowers stay fresher. Aim to keep the stems a couple of inches from the bottom of the vase. This allows the stems to stay hydrated because they can drink more freely without the bottom of the vase getting in the way.

02 of 07

Remove the Lower Leaves From Stems

flower arrangement — Jessica Holden Photography/Getty Images

Megan Vejby, the floral designer for Scotts Flowers, recommends cutting or plucking off any leaves below the water line in your vase. These leaves can contaminate the water with bacteria and kill the arrangement more quickly. Keeping the water clean and free from these leaves can help flowers stay fresh and smelling good.

03 of 07

Keep Away From Direct Light and Heat

flowers in vase — IzaLysonArts / 500px/Getty Images

Resist the temptation to display your bouquet in front of a window, because freshly cut stems are surprisingly light-sensitive. Stembel says flower arrangements should be removed from direct sunlight and heat sources to stay better hydrated. It's also best to avoid high humidity zones if possible, as cut flowers thrive better in cooler environments.

04 of 07

Replace Water Every Day

filling flower vase with water — petrenkod/Getty Images

Regularly changing an arrangement's water supply is yet another trick to help keep your flowers looking (and smelling) fresh. "Bacteria build-up is natural as your flowers age," Stembel says. "Remove sediment by giving your stems a fresh drink, and if you see build-up at the bottom of your vase, give the vessel a quick clean."

How much water is sufficient? Stembel recommends filling a vase three-quarters of the way with cool tap water before putting flowers on display; regularly replacing and replenishing water is essential to beautiful blooms.

Always thoroughly wash your vase with soapy water before adding any flowers. Be sure all of the soap is completely rinsed away, too. Soap residue can harm your flowers and impact their longevity, so double-check the vase is nice and clean before using it.

05 of 07

Pluck Wilted Flowers Out ASAP

flowers wilting in vase — JamesBrey/Getty Images

Once you notice a cut flower in your arrangement has died remove it from the bouquet as quickly as possible. Like fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers release ethylene gas, which hurts the longevity of living flowers. To prevent a dying bloom from killing off its neighbors, simply thank it for its service, and pluck it out.

06 of 07

Keep the Flower Food Flowing (or Make Your Own)

adding bleach to vase with flowers — ThamKC/Getty Images

Typically, fresh flower bouquets can come with a packet of plant food to add to the water in the vase. When adding the food, it should be mixed well. Add more flower food every two to three days after changing the water.

In a pinch, bleach can act as a preservative. "If you're busy or forgetful, adding a few drops of bleach to a vase will help extend the life of your stems since it slows the growth of bacteria," Stembel says.

You can also make your own flower food. Sugar is commonly added to help give flowers more nutrients to continue growing, but it shouldn't be added alone. Sugar can cause bacteria growth, so also use a natural antibacterial agent like vinegar to help balance the flower's PH levels.

A simple flower food recipe is 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of sugar mixed into a large vase of water.

07 of 07

Remember Flower Longevity Varies

Not all flowers have the same life expectancy. Each variety is different and may last longer or shorter once the stems are cut and transferred to a vase. For example, carnations last a lot longer than peonies.

If you purchased a pre-made bouquet at a local grocery store, they could have been cut days in advance so the longevity may not be the same as with flowers freshly cut at a florist.