A few things brighten a home, like a bouquet of fresh flowers. Their colours, fragrance, and natural beauty can instantly lift the mood of any room. Unfortunately, cut flowers don’t last forever—but with the right care, you can significantly extend their life. Here’s a practical, easy-to-follow guide on how to make fresh flowers last longer at home.

1. Start with Fresh Flowers

The lifespan of your flowers begins before they even reach your vase. Choose blooms that look vibrant and firm, with petals that aren’t browned or wilting. Buds that are just starting to open often last longer than fully bloomed flowers. If you’re buying flowers, check that the stems are green and moist, not slimy or dry.

2. Trim the Stems the Right Way

Before placing flowers in water, trim about 1–2 inches off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This angled cut increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents stems from sitting flat against the bottom of the vase. For best results, use sharp scissors or a secatures and re-trim the stems every two to three days.

3. Remove Leaves Below the Waterline

Any leaves submerged in water will decay quickly, encouraging bacteria growth that shortens the life of your flowers. Strip off all leaves that would sit below the waterline in your vase. Clean water is one of the most important factors in keeping flowers fresh.

4. Use a Clean Vase and Fresh Water

Always start with a clean vase to avoid introducing bacteria. Fill it with fresh, room-temperature water unless the flowers prefer cooler conditions (like tulips). Change the water every three days, rinsing the vase each time to keep it as clean as possible.

5. Add Flower Food

Commercial flower food is designed to nourish flowers, reduce bacteria, and balance water pH. 

6. Keep Flowers in the Right Spot

Placement matters more than you might think. Keep your flowers away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts. Avoid placing them near ripening fruit, which releases ethylene gas that can cause flowers to wilt faster. A cool, shaded area will help them last longer.

7. Remove Wilting Blooms Promptly

As soon as a flower starts to wilt or decay, remove it from the arrangement. Dying flowers release bacteria and gases that can shorten the lifespan of the remaining blooms.

8. Give Them a Nighttime Boost

If you really want to extend their life, move your flowers to a cooler area overnight. Cooler temperatures slow down aging and help preserve freshness. With a little extra care, fresh flowers can stay beautiful for days longer than usual. Simple steps like trimming stems, changing water regularly, and choosing the right location can make a noticeable difference. Whether you’re enjoying flowers from your garden or a special bouquet, these tips will help you keep them looking fresh, vibrant, and welcoming in your home.