Flower Care & Hydration Tips

Fresh flowers are a delight, and with proper care, they can remain vibrant and fragrant for days. When flowers travel from growers to your home, they’ve often been without water for many hours. To make sure your arrangements look their best, follow these simple steps for setup, hydration, and ongoing care.

At The Floristry, we design every bouquet and arrangement with both beauty and longevity in mind. Here’s how to ensure your flowers thrive from the moment they arrive.

Expert Tips for Fresh Flower Setup

Note: If your arrangement arrives in a vase from us, we’ve already handled the initial setup for you.

Trim the Stems

Cut stems by at least 1–2 inches at a 45-degree angle before placing flowers in water. This increases water absorption and prevents air bubbles from blocking the stems. Recut stems every 2–3 days for optimal hydration. Always use clean, sharp clippers, shears, or a floral knife — never household scissors.

Choose a Clean Vase

Wash your vase thoroughly to remove bacteria or residue. Dirty containers are one of the main reasons flowers wilt prematurely. Fill the vase with water at the same relative temperature as the flowers:

• Warm water: for flowers arriving via shipping, no vase
• Cold water: for flowers picked up or transported from coolers

Daily Care Techniques

Change the Water Regularly

Replace the water every 2–3 days. Refreshing the water reduces bacterial buildup, which can block the stems and shorten the life of your flowers.

Placement Matters

• Away from direct sunlight
• Out of drafts, heaters, vents, or fans
• In a cool, shaded space
• Away from ripening fruit (which releases ethylene gas that accelerates aging)

Avoid Common Flower Care Mistakes

Using Floral Foam

If your bouquet uses floral foam, fully saturate it with water and floral preservative. Place arrangements away from heat, drafts, and direct sunlight. Avoid letting the foam dry out to keep flowers hydrated.

Homemade Flower Food Recipe

If your bouquet doesn’t come with commercial flower food, you can make a simple DIY version:

• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon bleach
• 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice

Mix into 1 quart of lukewarm water. This nourishes your blooms, balances pH, and prevents bacteria growth, helping flowers stay fresh longer.

Caring for flowers doesn’t have to be complicated. From trimming stems to refreshing water and adding a little homemade flower food, each step prolongs your bouquet’s lifespan. With just a little care, you can enjoy your blooms for many more days to come.