Step 1: Prepare Your Vase

• Choose a clean vase appropriate for your arrangement size
• Wash the vase thoroughly with bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water)
• Rinse completely and fill with fresh, room-temperature water

Step 2: Trim the Stems

• Use sharp, clean scissors or floral shears
• Cut stems at a 45-degree angle under running water
• Remove 2-3 cm from the bottom of each stem
• Cut stems while holding them underwater to prevent air bubbles

Step 3: Remove Lower Leaves

• Strip away any leaves that would sit below the waterline
• Leaving submerged foliage causes bacterial growth and shortens flower life
• Keep upper leaves intact as they help draw water up the stem

Water Management:

• Check water level daily and top up as needed
• Change water completely every 2-3 days
• If water becomes cloudy or develops an odor, change immediately
• Use lukewarm water for most flowers, cool water for bulb flowers like tulips

Stem Maintenance:

• Recut stems every 2-3 days, removing another 1-2 cm at an angle
• Make fresh cuts under running water
• Remove any wilted or dying flowers to prevent spread to healthy blooms
• Trim any leaves that turn yellow or brown

Location Considerations:

• Place arrangements away from direct sunlight
• Avoid heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, or heating vents
• Keep flowers in cool areas of your home (18-20°C is ideal)
• Ensure good air circulation without direct drafts

What to Avoid:

• Direct sunlight, which causes flowers to wilt and fade quickly
• Extreme temperature changes
• Placing flowers near ripening fruit (ethylene gas accelerates aging)
• Overly warm or stuffy rooms

Commercial Flower Food:

• Use the flower food packet provided with your arrangement
• Mix according to package directions
• Replace flower food each time you change the water

DIY Flower Food Recipe:

• 1 teaspoon sugar (provides nutrients)
• 1 teaspoon bleach (prevents bacterial growth)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice (improves water uptake)
• Mix into 1 litre of water

Roses:

• Recut stems under warm water
• Remove guard petals (outer petals that protect the bud during transport)
• Submerge entire stem in warm water for 30 minutes if wilting occurs

Lilies:

• Remove pollen-heavy stamens to prevent staining and extend bloom life
• Wipe away any pollen that falls on petals with a soft brush
• Keep water level consistent as lilies are heavy drinkers

Gerberas:

• Support heavy heads by shortening stems if necessary
• Ensure stems reach the bottom of the vase for maximum water uptake
• Change water frequently as gerberas are prone to bacterial build-up

Tulips:

• Use cool water and keep in a cool location
• Recut stems straight across rather than at an angle
• Wrap in newspaper and place in cool water for several hours to straighten drooping stems

Watch for these indicators:

• Drooping heads or stems
• Yellowing or browning leaves
• Cloudy or smelly water
• Petals beginning to fall
• Shortened bloom life

Quick Revival Technique:

• Recut stems under warm running water
• Place immediately in warm water
• Mist petals lightly with cool water
• Place in a cool location for 30 minutes

When to Replace Water Completely:

• Water becomes cloudy or develops an unpleasant smell
• Visible bacterial growth or slime on stems
• Every 2-3 days as regular maintenance
• When flowers begin to show significant decline

Professional Tips:

• Start with the freshest flowers possible (always choose reputable florists)
• Handle flowers gently to avoid bruising petals and stems
• Keep arrangements smaller – larger arrangements compete for water and nutrients
• Consider the maturity of blooms – slightly closed buds last longer than fully open flowers

For arrangements you want to keep as mementos:

• Air Drying: Hang bundles upside down in a dry, dark place
• Pressing: Place individual flowers between absorbent paper under weight
• Silica Gel: Use craft silica gel for three-dimensional preservation

Contact Tranquil Blooms if:

• Flowers arrive damaged or wilted
• You're experiencing unusually short flower life despite proper care
• You need advice on caring for specific or unusual flower varieties
• You want to learn more about extending the life of your arrangements

Summer Care:

• Change water more frequently in hot weather
• Keep arrangements in the coolest available location
• Consider using ice cubes in water for extra cooling

Winter Care:

• Protect flowers from cold drafts near doors and windows
• Maintain consistent temperature
• Be cautious of placement near heating sources