How to Keep Fresh Flowers Longer: 10 Expert Tips for Lasting Vibrancy
Fresh flowers can brighten up any room, but it’s disappointing when they start to wilt too soon—especially in Singapore’s tropical heat.
The good news? With just a few simple tips, you can keep your flowers fresh and vibrant for much longer.
Ready to learn how to keep your flower arrangement for a longer lifespan? Let’s get started!
10 Proven Steps to Keep Your Fresh Flowers last
Keeping your bouquets vibrant is easier than you might think. Here are 10 expert tips to keep your flowers fresh.
1. Start with the Right Flowers
When choosing flowers, there’s more to it than meets the eye. High-quality blooms last longer than the average ones, and recognising them is the first step to making the right choice. Check with our florists for recommendations.
Some fresh-cut flowers, like orchid, carnations, and sunflowers, have a longer lifespan and can last for over a week, while delicate flowers, such as hydrangeas and daffodils, require more attention.
What to look for:
Firm Stems: Choose stems that are firm and green, not soft or slimy.
Healthy Foliage: Avoid bouquets with leaves sitting below the water line to reduce bacteria growth.
Unopen blooms: Pick flowers with vibrant petals and unopened buds, as these will bloom over time.
Here at Elly Sera Florist, our florists take extra care in conditioning and only use the freshest blooms for our bouquets so that your flowers last longer!
2. Prepare Your Flowers Properly
Taking the time to prepare your flowers ensures they have the best start for a longer vase life.
Steps for proper care:
Trim Stems at an Angle: Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to help them absorb water easily.
Remove Excess Foliage: Strip any excess leaves that will sit in the water to prevent them from rotting. This keeps the water clean and helps the flowers stay healthy.
Use a Clean Vase: Wash the vase thoroughly with warm, soapy water to remove bacterial growth. Use a vase scrubbing sponge to reach the corners.
3. Get the Water Right
Clean water is a game changer for your flowers—it keeps them fresh and perky.
Here’s how to get it right:
Use the Right Water Temperature: Fill the vase with room-temperature fresh water.
Change Water Daily if possible: Replace with fresh water and rinse the vase every 2–3 days to keep your flowers alive.
Flowers thrive when their water is clean, so change it regularly to keep them looking vibrant and happy!
4. Place Your Flowers Correctly
Flowers are sensitive to their surroundings, so finding the right space can create the ideal environment for them to stay fresh and vibrant.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep flowers fresh in a cool, shaded area in your house away from direct sunlight or heat.
Keep Flowers Away from Fruit: Avoid putting them in the fridge as ripening fruits like bananas and apples release ethylene gas, which can increase wilting.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Flowers don’t like sudden temperature changes. Instead of putting them in a fridge, try putting the arrangement in a stable spot of 18°C to 22°C.
5. Maintain Your Flowers Regularly
Regular care is essential for fresh-looking blooms—a little attention each day can really boost their lifespan.
Simple maintenance steps:
Remove Leaves: Check your flowers every day and remove wilted petals or leaves on the stems to keep your bouquet looking fresh.
Trim Stems: Use sharp scissors or a knife when cutting the stems at a 45-degree angle. Cut stems every 2–3 days.
Handle with care: Be gentle with delicate blooms to avoid damage. Try holding the stems as touching flower head frequently may cause bruises.
6. Use Different Care Techniques
Different flowers have their unique needs for maximum beauty!
Here’s some tips on how to care for popular favourites:
Hydrangeas: Keep them hydrated by misting the flowers with clean water or dunking the entire head in a sink full of fresh cool water. Cut the stems at 45 degrees to allow it to absorb water and extend it's lifespan.
Roses: Do not spray roses directly as too much moisture is not good for the petals. A fresh trim for the stems will do. When arranging them, space them out in the vase for better airflow.
Tulips: Wrap droopy tulips in paper and stand them in water for a few hours to straighten stems. Keep tulips in a cool spot, away from heat and direct light.
Lilies: Gently remove the pollen to prevent stains and separate them from other flowers, as their scent and pollen can affect nearby blooms.
7. Pick the Right Vase
Choosing the right container is more important than you might think! The perfect vase keeps your flowers standing tall, fully hydrated, and looking fresh for days.
Here’s what to consider:
Shape and Size: Use a tall, narrow clean vase for long-stemmed flowers, and a wide clean vase for fuller bouquets. Avoid overcrowding to allow better water flow and the flowers last longer.
Material: Glass vases are ideal because they’re easy to rinse and don’t react with additives.
8. Let Flowers Rest
Give your blooms a break once in a while! You can slow down their ageing process by mimicking their natural rest cycle.
Reduce Light Exposure: Flowers don’t require light at night. By placing them in a dimly lit room, it helps slow down their metabolism, which means they conserve water and nutrients.
Cooler Temperatures: Cooler air helps flowers retain moisture and extend the lifespan.
9. Avoid Drafty Areas
Drafts from fans, vents, or open windows can quicken the drying process and make them wilt faster. Moving air pulls moisture from petals and stems, leaving them weak and less vibrant.
How to avoid drafts:
Place your bouquets in a calm spot, away from fans, air conditioners, heaters, or open windows.
Avoid areas with strong airflow, like near doors or hallways.
Check the location for any noticeable breeze before setting your bouquet.
A calm, stable environment helps with longevity, allowing them to stay fresh and hydrated longer!
10. Other methods
DIY flower care can surprisingly keep your flowers fresh! Add these natural booster to your vase for extra longevity and maintain clean water.
Lemon-Lime Soda: Add a splash of clear, non-dyed sodas like Sprite or 7-Up to the vase water. It provides sugar for energy and keeps the water clean.
Bleach: Just a few drops (1/4 teaspoon per litre of water) can stop bacteria from growing and keep the water clear.
Remember, moderation is key as too much of even a good thing can lead to harm! Our preferred method is still a packet of flower food as it is easy and convenient! Our retail shop has flower food packets available upon request when purchasing a bouquet.
Alternative: Pressing Flowers for Keepsakes
As fresh flowers do not live forever, pressing them is a wonderful option if you want to preserve flowers for sentimental or artistic purposes.
To press flowers:
Prepare the Blooms: Remove excess foliage and place the flowers between two sheets of parchment or absorbent paper.
Apply Pressure: Lay them between the pages of a heavy book, and stack more books or weights on top for added pressure.
Wait: Leave for 1–2 weeks until they are completely flat and dry.
Pressed flowers can be used for crafts, framed art, or as a cherished keepsake to remember special moments.
Whether you preserve your flowers in water with natural additives or through pressing, both methods offer unique ways for you to enjoy their beauty for years to come.
Get Fresh Flowers That Last Longer with Elly Sera
At Elly Sera, we create beautiful bouquets designed to stay fresh for longer.
Our flowers are carefully conditioned to ensure they remain vibrant and full of life, helping you enjoy them for days.
Whether you prefer classic or modern designs, our bouquets are made with care and top-quality blooms.
Bring lasting beauty to your home or gift bouquets that truly stands out. Visit Elly Sera today to explore our fresh and vibrant flower arrangements!