Skip to content

5 Florist-Approved Tips To Make Your Cut Flowers Last Longer

Sarah Regan
Author:
November 5, 2020
Sarah Regan
mbg Spirituality & Relationships Editor
By Sarah Regan
mbg Spirituality & Relationships Editor
Sarah Regan is a Spirituality & Relationships Editor, and a registered yoga instructor. She received her bachelor's in broadcasting and mass communication from SUNY Oswego, and lives in Buffalo, New York.
Image of a person holding a flower.
Image by Marc Tran / Stocksy
November 5, 2020
Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may earn a small commission.

We often think of flowers as a go-to gift, so why not give them to ourselves? After all, we could all use a little pick-me-up—especially this week. One 2005 study confirmed that flowers boost the mood and well-being1 of both men and women of any age, often for days. So once you've got your bouquet picked out, make it last a little longer with these pro tips from florist LaParis Phillips over at Brooklyn Blooms.

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

How to make your cut flowers last longer:

1.

Change water every two days.

Change your flowers' water at least once every two days, or sooner if you notice it getting murky. Even after they're cut, flowers will still absorb water.

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
2.

Cut stems diagonally.

"Always give stems a fresh cut on the diagonal after changing water," Phillips advises. When you cut the stems on a diagonal, this allows more surface area on the base of the stem for water to be absorbed.

3.

Clean your vase.

Before placing flowers into any new vessel, and even when changing the water, it's important to clean it to remove any bacteria, Phillips notes.

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
4.

Keep your flowers in a cool place.

Heat isn't great for cut flowers, so you want to keep them in a cool place. The windowsill might seem like an obvious spot for your bouquet, but if it gets a lot of sunlight, somewhere with a bit less light would be better.

5.

Remove all but a couple of leaves.

And lastly, Phillips tells mbg, water goes to the leaves first before reaching the actual flower. As such, you'll want to remove all the leaves on the stem except for one or two, to keep your petals looking hydrated.

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

Which flowers last the longest?

To really get the most out of your cut flowers, it's also not a bad idea to choose ones you know will last. Phillips offered some of her top choices for long-lasting flowers—and this is by no means an exhaustive list but a great place to start:

  • Lilies
  • Alstroemaria
  • Ranunculus
  • Sunflowers
  • Hellebore
  • Bruinia
  • Caspia
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Lisianthus
  • Amaryllis
  • Anything tropical (think Anthuriums or Bromeliads)
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

The bottom line.

Gifting yourself a bouquet is a lovely gesture and a proven way to not only lighten the mood but also add a touch of beauty to your space, as well. And with the proper care, your cut flowers can bring a smile to your face in the days to come.

Sarah Regan
Sarah Regan
mbg Spirituality & Relationships Editor

Sarah Regan is a Spirituality & Relationships Editor, a registered yoga instructor, and an avid astrologer and tarot reader. She received her bachelor's in broadcasting and mass communication from State University of New York at Oswego, and lives in Buffalo, New York.