How to Care for a Vase Arrangement: Tips for Long-Lasting Blooms

Receiving a vase arrangement is a wonderful treat—it’s a piece of art thoughtfully designed to brighten your home. Whether it was delivered for a special occasion or as a surprise, proper care can ensure your flowers stay fresh and vibrant for as long as possible. Here’s how to keep your vase arrangement looking stunning:

1. Place It in the Right Spot

The location of your vase arrangement plays a big role in its lifespan. Keep it in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts. Avoid placing it near ripening fruits like bananas or apples, which release ethylene gas that can speed up flower aging.

2. Inspect and Remove Wilting Blooms

As time passes, some flowers may wilt sooner than others. Remove any faded or wilting blooms to prevent them from releasing bacteria into the water and to keep the arrangement looking fresh.

3. Change the Water Regularly

Every two to three days, carefully pour out the old water and replace it with fresh, lukewarm water. Clean water keeps bacteria at bay and ensures your flowers stay hydrated.

4. Refresh the Flower Stems

For arrangements with stems submerged in water, give them a trim every time you change the water. Use sharp scissors or garden shears to cut about 1 inch off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This allows the flowers to absorb water more easily.

5. Keep the Vase Clean

If you notice cloudy water or buildup inside the vase, rinse it thoroughly and wash with warm, soapy water before refilling it. A clean vase reduces the chance of bacteria harming your flowers.

6. Use Flower Food

Adding the floral food that comes in the little packets will indeed increase the life of your fresh flowers IF..and only IF it is used exactly as prescribed. This means EVERY time you fill your vase you must use the food, which has been made using the exact correct measurement stated on the packet! Every time you fill the vase, this exact solution must be used. If you simply pour the packet into a bunch of water and use plain water to refill, then it actually reduces the life of your flowers. We all know that 99% of people will not take the time to measure it all out exactly, therefor we don't include the packets with our flowers.  The most important thing to prolong the life of your flowers is an absolutely clean vase every 2-3 days! We have tested instore and this will increase the life of your flowers significantly.

7. Avoid Touching Delicate Blooms

While it’s tempting to touch and adjust the flowers, excessive handling can bruise delicate petals and shorten their lifespan. Gently reposition stems only if necessary.

8. Keep Pets Away

If you have curious pets, make sure your vase arrangement is out of their reach. Some flowers, like lilies, are toxic to cats and dogs, and spilled arrangements can cause a mess or waste precious blooms.

9. Enjoy the Evolution

As your flowers age, their appearance may change, and that’s part of the beauty of fresh blooms. Some flowers, like roses or tulips, continue to open, creating new looks over time. Embrace these changes and savor the natural beauty of your arrangement.

10. Consider Drying or Pressing Blooms

If your arrangement holds sentimental value, consider drying or pressing some of the flowers as a keepsake.

With a little attention and love, you can enjoy your blooms for days, sometimes even weeks. Remember, each petal and stem is a reminder of the thoughtfulness behind the gift—so treasure them while they last!