A bouquet can bring joy for several days — or even weeks — when cared for properly. Follow this step-by-step guide to keep your flowers vibrant and beautiful for as long as possible.
1. Prepare a clean vase
Before placing the bouquet in water, wash the vase thoroughly with warm water and soap. A dirty vase may contain bacteria that spoil the water faster and speed up the wilting of the flowers.
2. Trim the flower stems
Before placing the flowers in water, cut each stem at a slight angle, shortening it by about 2–3 cm. A slanted cut increases the water absorption surface. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears — a dull tool may crush the stems and block water uptake.Tip: Cut the stems under water if possible, and avoid getting air bubbles into the stems.
3. Remove any leaves below the waterline
Take off all leaves that would end up touching the water. Leaves left in the water start to rot quickly, which dirties the water and speeds up the wilting of the flowers.
4. Use flower food
If your bouquet comes with flower food, add it to the water according to the instructions. Flower food contains nutrients and antibacterial agents that help keep the water clean and extend the life of the flowers.
5. Place the bouquet in the right spot
Keep your bouquet in a cool place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources (such as radiators or household appliances), and ripening fruits — fruits release ethylene, which accelerates the aging of the flowers.
6. Change the water regularly
Replace the water every 1–2 days. Each time you change the water, clean the vase and trim the stems slightly to remove any dried ends that may block water flow.
7. Remove wilted flowers and leaves
Check your bouquet daily and remove any wilted flowers or leaves, as they can cause mold and bacterial growth that may affect the rest of the bouquet.
