A beautiful bouquet that wilts after two days — a frustration we all know. The good news: with a few simple habits, that same bouquet can last 7 to 14 days. In this article we share what we've learned over three decades of working with flowers — no magic, just proven advice.

1. The first hour matters most

When flowers arrive from the florist (or from a loved one), don't just put them in a vase. Do this:

  • Cut the stems 2–3 cm from the bottom, at a 45-degree angle. Use a sharp knife, not scissors (scissors crush the fiber, a knife cuts cleanly). At an angle — because that increases the surface through which the flower can absorb water.
  • Remove leaves that would otherwise sit underwater. Submerged leaves rot and spread bacteria that kill the flower.
  • Place them in lukewarm water (not ice cold) right after cutting. The flower must not "breathe in air" through the cut stem.

A small trick: For stems with a woody base (e.g. roses, chrysanthemums) — cut them and lightly crush the woody part with the knife. The flower drinks water better that way.

2. Vase, water and temperature

Vase

It must be spotlessly clean. Bacteria from the previous bouquet remain in the glass and the new flower will quickly "catch" them. Wash the vase with dish soap and rinse thoroughly. Choose the size based on the bouquet's height: the vase should hold 50–60% of the stems below its rim.

Water

Lukewarm water at first, room temperature later. Change it every 2 days — that's possibly the most important advice in this whole article. Each time you change the water, trim 1 cm off the stems again (they "seal" themselves after a few days).

Additives (sachet in the bag, home recipes)

When you receive a bouquet from us, it comes with a small sachet of flower food. Add it to the first water — it contains sugar (food for the flower) and a mild preservative (against bacteria). If you run out, the home alternative is:

  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 2 drops of household bleach (as a preservative) — truly only 2 drops
  • 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (for optimal pH)

In 1 liter of water. Effective and economical.

Place and temperature

The ideal temperature for cut flowers is 18–22°C. The cooler it is, the longer they last. Place the bouquet:

  • Away from direct sunlight — sun speeds up drying.
  • Away from heat sources (radiators, fireplaces).
  • Away from fruit — fruit releases ethylene, a gas that accelerates the aging of flowers.
  • No drafts, but in a well-ventilated room.

3. Specific tips by flower type

Roses

Most sensitive to air in the stem. Always cut underwater (or at least transfer them quickly). If a rose droops its head, wrap the bouquet in paper, submerge it in warm water up to the neck of the paper and leave for 20 minutes — it often "recovers".

Tulips

A trick few people know: tulips keep growing in the vase (up to 5 cm). If they lean too far, prick the stem with a needle just below the head — it helps them stay upright. They like cold water and a cooler room.

Lilies

When the bud opens, immediately remove the orange pollen powder from the stamens. Reason: pollen permanently stains clothes and tablecloths and isn't good for pets. Easiest with a paper towel — without touching the petals.

Chrysanthemums

Very long-lasting — often last 2 weeks or more. They need a lot of water. Always trim or crush the woody bottom part of the stem.

Gerberas

Weak neck — often bends. Place the stem in shallow water (no more than 5–6 cm) and use a special gerbera mesh or a tall, narrow vase that supports the head.

4. What to avoid

  • Don't put aspirin in the water. A myth. It doesn't work and often creates additional problems.
  • Don't touch petals too much — oil from your fingers speeds up their decay.
  • Don't leave wilted flowers in the bouquet — remove them as soon as you notice. The ethylene they release while decaying speeds up the decay of the others.
  • Don't move the bouquet in the last 2 hours before an important event (e.g. dinner) — the change of environment stresses it.

5. When it's time to say goodbye

Flowers wilt — that's normal. But when you remove them, don't forget to wash the vase right away, before the bacterial colony reaches an ideal level for the next bouquet. Dried rose and lily petals can be saved — they're great for potpourri, baths or decoration.

And — when it's time for a new bouquet, get in touch. Thirty years of experience with flowers means we know which stems to choose so they last as long as possible.