Every bouquet we receive is a special gift, filled with emotion and warmth. And we want this beauty to delight the eye for as long as possible! Unfortunately, flowers often begin to wilt after just a few days, and we are forced to throw them away. However, there is no need to rush. There are many simple but extremely effective ways to significantly extend the life of your bouquet. From the moment you bring the flowers home to daily care, every step matters. From cutting the stems correctly, choosing a vase and a place in the room to using special fertilisers — all of this plays a key role. In this article, we have compiled the most important tips to help you turn flower care into a real art. You will learn the secrets of professional florists and be able to enjoy the freshness and beauty of your favourite buds for a long time.

First steps: What to do at once after buying a bouquet

The right start is the key to a long life for your bouquet. Once you bring the flowers home, do not rush to put them in a vase. First, remove the packaging from the stems, but leave the ribbon on to keep the bouquet in shape. This will allow the flowers to breathe. Next, prepare the vase. It must be perfectly clean. Wash it with soap and rinse thoroughly to avoid bacteria. Fill the vase with chilly water. And now for the most crucial step: cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This will significantly increase the water absorption area and allow the flowers to ‘drink’ better. For roses and flowers with thick stems, you can make several longitudinal cuts at the ends. Remove all leaves and buds that will be submerged in water, as they will start to rot and contaminate the water, shortening the life of the bouquet.

Water and fertiliser: Secret ingredients

Flowers, like people, need food. Add a special nutrient solution to the vase, which usually comes with the bouquet. If you do not have one, you can use simple household remedies. For example, a drop of bleach will help disinfect the water, and a pinch of sugar or soluble aspirin will provide the flowers with the necessary nutrients. Do not use too many ingredients — everything should be in moderation. Thanks to these simple tricks, your bouquet will not only stay fresh but will also delight you with its blooms for longer.

Choosing a location: Where to place the bouquet

The choice of where to place the bouquet is also important. Avoid direct sunlight, which can quickly dry out the flowers. The best place is cool, slightly shaded, away from windows, radiators and heating appliances. Do not place the bouquet near fruit, as it releases ethylene, which accelerates the ageing process of flowers. A table in the centre of the room or a chest of drawers in a cool corner is ideal. At night, if possible, you can move the bouquet to an even cooler place, such as a balcony, but make sure the temperature does not drop below zero.

Daily care: Keeping freshness

Daily flower care is a simple but important routine. Change the water in the vase every day. This is the most important rule to help prevent bacteria from multiplying and keep the water clean. Each time you change the water, be sure to rinse the vase and trim the stems of the flowers slightly. This will allow them to absorb moisture better. If some flowers start to wilt, it is best to remove them from the bouquet at once. They release ethylene, which can negatively affect other flowers. You can also spray the flowers with cool water from a spray bottle but do so carefully so that the water does not stagnate between the petals.

To keep your bouquet looking fresh for longer, you can also use a few tricks. For example, try adding a piece of activated charcoal to clean water. It acts as a natural filter, helping to keep the water fresh and preventing the growth of microorganisms. Adding a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar to the water can also be effective. The acidic environment slows down the growth of bacteria and helps the stems absorb water better. The main thing is not to overdo it with the amount so as not to harm the flowers.

Emergency help: How to revive flowers

If your bouquet has started to wilt, don't throw it away right away. Try to revive it. To do this, make a fresh cut on the stems and place the flowers in extremely hot water (about 60-70 degrees) for 10-15 minutes. Hot water stimulates the movement of sap through the stems and opens any vessels that may have become blocked. After that, place the bouquet in chilly water. This trick works especially well with roses. Another method is to immerse the bouquet completely in a cold bath for several hours, which will help restore turgor and fill the flowers with moisture.

Alternative solutions: Storing bouquets differently

If the bouquet has wilted, it's not the end of the world. You can turn it into dried flowers. To do this, hang the flowers with the buds facing downwards in a dry, dark room. After a few weeks, you will have a wonderful arrangement that will decorate your home for a long time. Roses, lavender, hydrangeas and eucalyptus are particularly well suited for this. You can also keep the most durable flowers and make a mini arrangement in a small vase. This will extend the life of their beauty and fragrance for a few more days.

So, caring for a bouquet is not a complicated science, but a pleasant routine that will allow you to significantly extend the life of your favourite flowers. Remember that the main secrets are clean water, finely cut stems, and a cool place. By following these simple tips, you will not only keep your bouquet fresh, but also genuinely enjoy its beauty and fragrance for many days. May each of your bouquets bring joy and warmth for as long as possible!