Fresh flowers bring natural beauty into any space, be it a home, office or retail area, you name it. They can also be given as a gift, a personal indulgence or a centrepiece for a special occasion. Follow these dos and don'ts of flower care to ensure your blooms stay lovely, fresh and vibrant for as long as possible.

GENERAL DOs and DON'Ts

DOs:

  • Use clean water: Clean water is crucial for extending the vase life of your flowers. So, try to change the water every day to prevent bacterial growth.

  • Trim stems: Recutting the stems at a 45-degree angle helps the flowers absorb water more efficiently, so do this every 2-3 days. Use a pair of clean and sharp scissors or a knife to trim or cut the stems.

  • Remove foliage: Remove any leaves below the water line to prevent bacteria build-up.

  • Use flower food: Add commercial flower food to the water or create your own using sugar, lemon juice and a few drops of bleach, a nutritious mixture that also prevents bacterial growth.

  • Remember to replenish: To maintain optimal conditions for your blooms, replenish the water level and flower food mixture every few days.

DON'Ts:

  • Avoid direct sunlight: Bright light can cause flowers to wilt prematurely, so it's essential to keep them away from direct sunlight.

  • Keep away from ripening fruits and vegetables: Keep your flowers far from ripening fruit and vegetables. These produce ethylene gas, which shortens the lifespan of your flowers.

  • Don't overcrowd: Give your flowers plenty of space in the vase to ensure proper air circulation and prevent mold growth.

  • Avoid dirty vases: To prevent bacterial contamination, a clean vase should be used.

OTHER IMPORTANT TIPS

  • Daily checks: To keep the arrangement fresh, check your flowers daily and remove any wilted blooms or leaves.

  • Maintain stem length: Trim the stems every few days to ensure they can continue to absorb water effectively.

  • Recut the stems: When your flowers arrive, DO immediately recut the stems at an angle and place them in clean water.

  • Trim woody stems: Trim woody stems, such as hydrangeas and proteas, by splitting them slightly at the bottom of the stem to help improve water uptake.

  • Clean vase: Do make sure the vase is thoroughly cleaned with warm soapy water to avoid any leftover bacteria affecting your new arrangement.

  • Watch for bacteria: Use a tiny drop of bleach in the water to help kill any bacteria that might form.

  • Use cold water: To encourage the blooms of flowers like tulips and roses to last longer, use cold water whenever possible. Don't use hot water; this can seriously damage the flowers' delicate vascular system.

If you follow these simple dos and don'ts, you extend the life of your fresh flowers, and you will enjoy their beauty for days to come.