A little care can make a noticeable difference to how long cut flowers remain fresh. You do not need any specialist equipment either. A clean vase, fresh water and the right position in the room will take care of most of it.
Start With a Clean Vase
Always use a thoroughly clean vase. Bacteria left behind from an older arrangement can quickly affect fresh flowers.
Trim the Stems
Before placing your flowers in water, trim a small amount from the bottom of each stem at an angle. This gives the stems a fresh surface through which they can take up water.
Remove Leaves Below the Water
Any leaves sitting beneath the water line should be removed. Leaves left in the water can begin to break down and encourage bacteria to grow.
Keep the Water Fresh
Check the vase regularly and replace the water when necessary. If the water begins to look cloudy, change it rather than simply topping it up.
Choose the Right Position
Keep your flowers away from strong direct sunlight, radiators and other sources of heat. A cooler position generally helps cut flowers remain fresher for longer.
Different flowers naturally have different lifespans, so you may find that some stems finish before others. Removing older stems as they fade can help keep the rest of the arrangement looking its best.
