How to Take Care of Flowers so They Stay Fresh Longer

Fresh Flower Care Tips

Fresh flowers instantly brighten your home, and with the right care, they can stay vibrant for even longer.

Bringing home or receiving a fresh bouquet is always a beautiful moment. To make the most of it, a few simple steps can help your flowers stay fresh, full, and fragrant well beyond the first few days.

At The Floristry, we design every bouquet with quality and longevity in mind. Here’s how you can keep your flowers looking their best from the moment they arrive.

Expert Tips for Fresh Bouquet Setup: The Right Start for a Longer-Lasting Bouquet

Note: If your bouquet arrives in a vase from us, we’ve already taken care of these steps for you.

Trim the Stems Trimming Stems

When you receive your flowers, trim the stems by at least 2 inches, cutting at a diagonal angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption and helps prevent air from entering the stem. Re-trim your stems every 2–3 days for best results. Use sharp, clean scissors or a floral knife to avoid crushing the stems.

Choose a Clean Vase
Wash your vase thoroughly to remove any bacteria or residue. A dirty vase is one of the biggest reasons fresh flowers wilt early. Once clean, fill the vase with lukewarm water, which flowers absorb more easily than cold.

Daily Care Techniques for Fresh Bouquets

Change the Water Regularly

Every 2–3 days, replace the water in your vase with fresh, lukewarm water — ideally when you’re trimming the stems. This helps reduce bacterial buildup, which can block stems and create a foul odor.

Where You Place Your Flowers Matters
  • Away from direct sunlight
  • Out of the path of heaters, vents, or fans
  • In a cool, shaded space

Also, avoid placing your bouquet near ripening fruit. As fruit matures, it can release ethylene gas, which speeds up the aging of your flowers and shortens their vase life.

Avoid Common Flower Care Mistakes

Problem: Water Smells Bad

Change the water immediately, clean the vase, and re-cut the stems. Use fresh water with your homemade flower food mix.

Problem: Drooping or Wilting Flowers

Cut the stems under running water or submerged in water, then place them in a fresh vase with lukewarm water. This helps them rehydrate and perk up.

Keep Your Blooms Beautiful with Just a Few Simple Steps

Caring for fresh flowers isn’t complicated, and the payoff is a bouquet that stays stunning and fragrant for much longer. From cutting stems to changing the water and using a little homemade flower food, each step adds to your flowers' lifespan.

At The Floristry, we provide arrangements that are built to last. With just a little care, you can enjoy them for many more days to come.

Homemade Flower Food Recipe

If your bouquet doesn’t come with commercial flower food, you can easily make your own. Here's a DIY recipe we love:

  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon bleach
  • 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
  • Mix into 1 quart of lukewarm water

This solution nourishes your blooms, balances pH, and keeps bacteria from growing — helping your flowers stay fresh longer.

Homemade Flower Food

The Floristry - Your Gilbert Local Florist

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Flowers delivery in Gilbert

For the Best Flowers in Gilbert, Choose The Floristry, our professional and courteous staff is committed to creating beautiful flower arrangements and floral gifts to fit any occasion. As a trusted local florist, we offer flower delivery throughout Gilbert, AZ and surrounding areas. The Floristry also offers convenient, same-day floral delivery for all of your last minute gift needs! Give a gift that will bring a smile to a loved one’s face with fresh flower bouquets from The Floristry. In need of a gift for a holiday or special occasion? Find gorgeous arrangements of birthday, get well, or anniversary flowers. Our Valentine’s Day flowers and Mother’s Day flowers are guaranteed to please, while our sympathy flowers will show them how much you care. With our reliable service, you can count on The Floristry for high quality floral gifts delivered throughout Gilbert, AZ. Ordering beautiful, fresh flowers with The Floristry is easy and convenient. Browse our website to find the perfect floral gift and order online or over the phone. You can trust our professional florists to arrange a beautiful bouquet for your special occasion, or even create a gorgeous one-of-a-kind arrangement just for you. Order from The Floristry for reliable delivery in Gilbert and surround area. Send Dazzling Flowers in Gilbert from The Floristry. The florists at The Floristry take pride in providing the freshest bouquets to delight every customer. Look no further than The Floristry for the best floral arrangements in Gilbert, AZ. Our experts artistically hand-arrange your flowers and hand-deliver them to your special recipient. There’s no better option when it comes to fresh, beautiful flowers in Gilbert. Don’t settle for flowers that arrive in a box. With The Floristry, your flowers will be hand-arranged and delivered to Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe. Our fresh flowers are expertly arranged by our professional florists to give each gift that special, personal touch you’re looking for. Trust The Floristry in Gilbert for bouquets that will brighten anyone’s day!