Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to fill your home with fresh flowers. Whether you’ve been surprised with a romantic bouquet, spoiled by a friend or treated yourself to some gorgeous blooms, you’ll want to keep those flowers looking vibrant for as long as possible.
While all cut flowers eventually fade, the good news is that with the right care, you can extend their life for days – or even weeks.
Keep your Valentine’s blooms fresher, brighter and happier for longer with these fun and easy tips!
Start with a sparkling vase
The first step to long-lasting flowers is a clean vase. Even if it looks spotless, bacteria can linger and quickly multiply, especially in warm weather. Wash your vase thoroughly with hot water and a splash of bleach to eliminate any hidden germs. A clean vase means your flowers will have a healthier environment to thrive in from the start.
Mix a flower-friendly potion
Florists often provide a sachet of flower food, but if you don’t have one, you can make your own. Combine these household staples for a DIY solution:
- 2 tablespoons sugar (provides energy to the fresh flowers)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (keeps bacteria at bay)
- 1 litre water
Stir well and pour into vase.
Snip smart
Before placing your flowers in water, trim the stems at a diagonal angle. Cutting them at a slant increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stems from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase. Trim about 2-4cm off the ends, making sure to use sharp secateurs or a knife for a clean cut.
Top tip: Re-cut the stems every two to three days to keep the water flowing and your blooms looking fresh.
Strip the stems
Remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline in your vase. Submerged leaves can decay quickly, encouraging bacteria to grow and shortening the life of your flowers. For roses and similar blooms, gently peel off the outermost petals to help the flowers open fully and look their best.
Keep it clean
Changing the water regularly is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prolong your flowers’ life. Every two days, empty the vase, wash it, then refill it with fresh water and a new batch of flower food or your homemade mixture. While you’re at it, remove any spent blooms or leaves that have fallen into the water – these can rot and spread bacteria.
Note: Roses are particularly thirsty, so daily water changes are ideal for this romantic bloom.
Choose the right spot
Flowers are picky about their environment. To keep them happy:
- Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near windows.
- Keep them away from draughts or air-conditioning vents.
- Steer clear of fruit bowls. Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which can speed up the wilting process.
Find a cool, shaded spot indoors where your flowers can bloom in peace.
A little TLC goes a long way
Check on your flowers daily. Remove any wilted petals or leaves, re-trim the stems if needed and give the vase a quick rinse. With just a few minutes of care, you’ll enjoy your bouquet’s beauty for much longer.
The bleach trick
If bacteria is a recurring problem, add a tiny pinch of bleach (about ¼ teaspoon) to the vase water. This helps keep water clear and your flowers fresh without harming the blooms. Just don’t overdo it!
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