How to Make Cut Flowers Last Longer, According to a Professional

Cut Your Stems

This is the first step for any arrangement, especially if you grabbed some flowers at the store.

Arissa DeFrancesca, a professional florist at Bank of Flowers, says, "I view caring for flowers like caring for yourself. They need water and food just like you. They like showers just like you. They need haircuts just like you."

In this case, she says of that all-important "haircut" that cutting the bottom of your stems off is "huge." In particular, cut at an angle when possible. Most flower varieties absorb water through their stems, so they'll last longer if they have more space to drink up.

Remember Fresh Water Is Key

DeFrancesca says fresh water is also a must. Once you fill a vase and set your flowers out, don't ignore them. If you do, they will die much sooner. Change out their water every couple of days and opt for cooler water—they won't like heat. Remember to only fill your vase two-thirds of the way.

Treat Each Flower Individually

DeFrancesca says it's important to expect each flower's life expectancy to be different. Different varieties of flowers last different lengths of time once cut and react differently to being separated from their plant and in an arrangement. Plus, if you buy flowers at the store, you don't know how long ago they were cut. Some flowers may last a few days, others a couple weeks.

Keeping this in mind, she urges that as your arrangement ages, if one or two flowers start looking wilted, it's okay—and even for the best—to remove the dying ones and let the others thrive.

Keep It Cool

Most flower shops keep their flowers in a fridge-like temperature to increase longevity, according to DeFrancesca. And while you're not going to put your beautiful cut flowers or bouquet into your fridge at home, you can still get more life out of them by putting them in a cooler spot in your home.

If you have a breezy area or air-conditioned room, this is the best spot for them. At the very least, keep them away from direct sunlight, radiators, and other heaters.

Be Leaf-Adverse

While adding greenery to a bouquet helps bring it to life and make a more dynamic look, leaves on individual flower stems are a cut flower no-no. If there are leaves or greenery on the stems of flowers in your vase, remove them all, especially any that touch the water or the petals.

Use Flower Food

DeFrancesca says the packets of "flower food" that come with many purchased flowers can help extend the life of your flowers a bit. However, it'll do the most if used sparingly. Add a bit every time you change out the water in your arrangement rather than dumping it all at once.

Help Your Hydrangeas

One immensely popular flower you're likely to come across if you're shopping for flowers or even choosing options for your own garden is hydrangeas. Bright and bold in a range of colors, they look almost fake in their picture-perfect beauty.

When it comes to these popular blooms, you'll make them happiest by misting the petals with water. While they can drink through their stems, they prefer to hydrate via the petals and will keep fresh for a while if you give them a daily spritz.