How to Keep Your Bouquet Fresh Longer?
Fresh flowers bring beauty and elegance to any space, but sometimes they wilt much faster than expected. If you’ve ever wondered why your bouquet doesn’t last as long as you’d like, this blog will explain the main reasons behind wilting and share expert tips to extend the life of your flowers.
1. Poor Water Quality – The Main Cause of Wilting
Water plays a crucial role in keeping flowers fresh. If the water is not changed regularly, bacteria start to grow, blocking the stems and preventing flowers from absorbing moisture.
Tip: Change the water every 1-2 days and use filtered or room-temperature water.
2. Incorrect Stem Cutting – Flowers Struggle to Absorb Water
If stems are not trimmed before placing flowers in a vase, they won’t absorb water efficiently. This is especially important for roses, lilies, and peonies.
How to do it right?
✔️ Cut stems at a 45° angle before placing them in water.
✔️ Use sharp scissors or a knife to avoid crushing the stems.
✔️ Re-cut the stems every 2-3 days to improve water absorption.
3. Exposure to Heat and Direct Sunlight
Heat, air conditioning, and direct sunlight cause moisture to evaporate quickly, making flowers wilt faster.
✔️ Where to place your bouquet? In a cool, shaded spot, away from heaters, vents, and windows.
4. Fruits and Flowers – A Bad Combination
Fruits release ethylene gas, which speeds up the aging process of flowers. Apples, bananas, and pears are particularly high in ethylene and can make your bouquet wilt faster.
Solution: Keep your flowers away from fruit bowls!
5. Lack of Nutrients – Flowers Need Food Too
Florists often add flower food to the water to nourish the stems and prevent bacterial growth.
✔️ If you don’t have commercial flower food, try this DIY mix:
✅ 1 teaspoon of sugar – provides energy to the stems.
✅ ½ teaspoon of vinegar – prevents bacteria.
✅ 1 crushed aspirin or activated charcoal tablet – purifies the water.
6. Some Flowers Naturally Have a Short Lifespan
Certain flowers, like anemones, poppies, and ranunculus, wilt faster than others. If you want a longer-lasting bouquet, choose hardy flowers like roses, chrysanthemums, carnations, or cosmos flowers.
7. The Right Water Temperature Matters
Different flowers prefer different water temperatures. For example, tulips and daffodils last longer in cold water, while roses and peonies thrive in room-temperature water.
Tip: Ask your florist which water temperature is best for your bouquet!
How to Keep Your Flowers Fresh Longer?
✅ Change the water every 1-2 days.
✅ Trim stems before placing them in the vase.
✅ Keep flowers away from sunlight, heaters, and fruits.
✅ Use flower food or a natural nutrient mix.
✅ Choose long-lasting flowers for a bouquet that stays fresh for days.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy fresh flowers for much longer!
