How to Care for Cut Flowers So They Stay Fresh Longer

When you give or receive a bouquet, you want it to stay beautiful as long as possible. But without proper care, even the most luxurious flowers can wilt in just a few days. At Flower House Miami, we’ve put together a simple guide to help your flowers stay vibrant and fresh — especially in the warm climate of South Florida.

1. Use a clean vase and cool water

  • Wash the vase with soap before placing flowers inside. Any leftover bacteria can cause flowers to deteriorate quickly.
  • Fill with cool water — it helps keep stems firm and fresh, especially in the Miami heat.

2. Trim the stems at an angle

  • Use a sharp knife or floral shears.
  • Cut stems at about a 45° angle to increase water absorption.
  • Re-trim every 2–3 days for best results.

3. Remove any leaves below the waterline

  • Leaves submerged in water will rot and produce bacteria.
  • Strip lower leaves, leaving only the top ones for decoration.

4. Add flower food or DIY alternatives

  • All of our bouquets include a packet of flower food — just mix it into the water.
  • No packet? No problem. Use:
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar (for nourishment)
  • 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice (to reduce bacteria and balance pH)

5. Change the water daily

  • Even if it looks clean, water accumulates bacteria quickly.
  • Rinse the vase thoroughly each time you refresh it.

6. Keep flowers out of direct sunlight and heat

  • Sunlight and heat speed up the wilting process.
  • The best place is a cool room with indirect light.

7. Keep flowers away from fruit

  • Fruits (especially bananas and apples) emit ethylene gas, which accelerates flower aging.

Long-Lasting Flower Types:

  • Chrysanthemums, carnations, alstroemeria, orchids, and lilies.
  • If you want a bouquet that lasts, just let us know — we’ll pick the freshest, most durable blooms!

Final Thoughts:

Cut flowers bring beauty and emotion into your space. With a few simple care steps, you can enjoy your bouquet for days longer and keep the atmosphere in your home feeling joyful and alive.

Visit FlowerHouseMiami.com to order fresh bouquets with same-day delivery in Miami and South Florida — and we’ll always include flower care tips with your order.