Start with a clean vase to prevent bacteria growth. Wash the vase with soap and water before arranging the flowers.
Trim the stems at an angle under running water using sharp scissors or floral shears. This increases the surface area for water absorption.
Remove any leaves that will be submerged in water. Leaves can decay and promote bacterial growth, reducing the vase life of the flowers.
If flowers start to wilt, immerse the whole stem in warm water for a few hours to rehydrate them.
Arrange flowers with enough space between stems to allow for proper air circulation. Overcrowding can lead to quicker decay.
Different flowers have different care requirements. Some may benefit from certain techniques, such as searing the stems of woody plants.
Trim the stems every few days to ensure they can continue to absorb water effectively.