How to Make Fresh Flowers Last Longer: A Definitive Guide

Everyone loves fresh flowers. They bring colour and life to your space, add a nice touch to any room, and make the perfect gift for someone special or even yourself.

One of the pitfalls is the short lifespan of fresh-cut flowers. Most cut flowers can last anywhere from 7 to 12 days if properly cared for, but there are easy ways and simple tricks to make your bouquets last longer with some common household items.

The first thing to keep in mind is that some flowers naturally last longer than others. Roses, lilies, freesia, daisies, and sunflowers tend to stay fresh longer than hyacinths, lilacs, daffodils, ranunculus, and tulips. The latter ones are notorious for wilting after only a few days.

We take a look at some pro-tricks and additives that florists use to sustain fresh flowers for longer periods of time! Perfect for flower lovers.

How to keep flowers alive longer

Enjoy making your own floral decoration by transferring a hand bouquet into the vase? You’ll need to perform some steps to prepare your flowers for the vase. As the flowers came from a natural environment and your vase is just a temporary placeholder, there are things you have to do to help it adapt and it, even after it has been cut from the stem. Experts suggest the following flower care tips.

1. Pick the right vase
   Picking the right vase is no heavenly science, but it makes a whole lot of difference. Just because the florist hands you a bunch of peonies on long stems doesn’t mean they should be put in a tall vase. Bigger, heavier blooms should be cut short and put in a low vase where they can support each other when they open or have room to spread out, while lighter, more delicate flowers can be kept in a taller vase. Make sure you are not crowding the vase either; when in doubt you can always make two bouquets out of one.
2. Cut the stems
   Proper trimming of stems is key. Before you put those roses in water, trim 1-2 inches off the end of each steam. Garden shears are best for this task, but kitchen scissors or a sharp, clean knife will also do. Cut at an angle to help the stems take in water more easily since they aren’t resting flat against the bottom of the vase. Experts suggest re-trimming your blooms every few days for a fresh and clean stem.
3. Prune extra leaves
   It’s important to remove any leaves that fall below the water line to prevent bacterial growth. Check your flowers daily to remove dead leaves and petals. This is especially important in mixed bouquets which have multiple types of flowers that may have different blooming times.
4. Change the water every few days
   Start with a clean vase and fill it with room temperature water. When you add ingredients like flower food to the water, make sure they are completely mixed and dissolved before you place the flowers. Change the water, clean the vase, and re-trim the stems every few days.
5. Avoid heat, direct sunlight, windows, and even fruit
   Flowers will last longer in a cooler room and if you keep them out of direct sunlight. Avoid placing them near appliances that generate high or low temperatures like the stove, air conditioner, ceiling fans, and even your computer or TV. Open windows will also cause them to dehydrate more quickly, and keep them away from fresh fruit which releases tiny amounts of gas that can cut the lifespan of your blossoms.

Make your flowers last longer with additives

Like how certain foods need some additives to be kept for longer periods, your flowers can also last longer if you add some things extra to the water. Believe it or not, flowers could make use of a tiny shot of vodka or a dose of painkillers.

1. Flower food packet
The pre-mixed packet that comes with flowers from your florist or grocery store is universally agreed by experts to be the best overall method for keeping flowers alive. It’s the perfect mix of the three essential things flowers need: carbohydrates (sugars), biocides (cleansing agents), and acidifiers. These ingredients promote cell metabolism, combat bacteria, and adjust the pH of the water to increase water uptake. Experts recommend adding a new packet to your vase whenever you change the water, so ask for several from your florist if you can. If you run out of packets, try this recipe for homemade flower food: 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon bleach, and 2 teaspoons lemon or lime juice mixed into 1 quart of water.

2. Soda
Maybe you didn’t know your hydrangeas had a sweet tooth? Mix a ¼ cup of soda into the water and watch how your blooms stay perky with a sugary beverage, just like a kid with a can of Sprite. In fact, that’s the type of soda recommended, since a dark drink like Coke or Pepsi will turn the water cloudy.

3. Aspirin
Keep your daisies from drooping by crushing an aspirin tablet and mixing it into your water. The common pain-reliever can lower the pH level in the water, which helps it travel through the stem faster to keep your flowers fresher, longer.

4. Coins
The copper in coins has acidic properties that also fight bacteria growing in your water and on your flowers. Just one penny on the bottom of the vase will help your tulips open up, but some experts suggest adding crushed aspirin to lower pH levels and increase water flow.

5. Vodka
Happy hour for your flowers is officially a real thing. By adding a few drops of vodka to your water, you’re slowing the wilting process through the alcohol’s ability to decrease the production of ethylene, the ripening gas that makes fruits, veggies, and plants mature.

6. Bleach
If bleach fights bacteria on floors and countertops, it only makes sense that it will kill the nasties in your vase water too. This method may be the trickiest since too much bleach is bad for your blossoms. Experts suggest just a ¼ teaspoon of bleach for 1 litre of water and adding a bit of soda or vinegar for an acidic element that will help the water flow through your flowers.

7. Refrigerator
There’s a reason why your florist usually keeps flowers in a large commercial fridge. This method will keep your buds fresher for longer – if you remember to do it every night. 

Get some flowers to brighten up the day

Flower gifting, be it to yourself or for a friend, always brings happiness and pleasure. Whether for a birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion, get a floral gift online at Flower Nation, the premier online Kuala Lumpur florist in Malaysia. From a fresh flower bouquet to an opening stand, order yours online and have it delivered fresh to you. Express same-day flower delivery service is also available around selected regions in Klang Valley, Malaysia. 

Happy flower shopping!